Travel Essentials › Mozambique
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, F and M, 220 V. Emergency: Police 119, Ambulance 117, Fire 198. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants is appreciated; small tips for guides and porters. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C, F and M, 220 V
| Police | 119 |
| Ambulance | 117 |
| Fire | 198 |
About 10% in restaurants is appreciated; small tips for guides and porters.
Greetings. Greetings are warm and unhurried, often including questions about family and health; a handshake is standard, sometimes with the left hand supporting the right forearm as a sign of respect.
Dress modestly. Modest dress is expected outside beach resort areas; swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool.
Ask before photographing people. Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in markets and villages.
Southern beach destinations like Tofo, Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago are relaxed and visitor-friendly, but the far north (Cabo Delgado) has an active insurgency and should be avoided; elsewhere, petty crime and opportunistic scams are the main concern.
Overcharging at markets and chapas. Prices for tourists are often inflated; agree on fares and prices in advance, ideally after observing what locals pay.
Fake police checkpoints. Occasional reports of individuals posing as officials seeking bribes; ask for identification and insist on a receipt for any fine.
Unlicensed money changers. Street currency exchange can involve shortchanging or counterfeit notes; change money at banks or official bureaux instead.
Women travelers. Solo women travelers should dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, and take normal precautions with drinks and transport; harassment is not a major reported issue in tourist areas.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 2015 and the 2020 penal code bans hate crimes and hate speech based on sexual orientation, but same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized and social acceptance is limited outside Maputo.
| Coffee (café) | MZN 100 | $1.60 |
| Local bus or metro ride | MZN 60-125 | $1-2 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | MZN 600-950 | $10-15 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | MZN 1,250-2,500 | $20-40 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | MZN 3,750-6,300 | $60-100 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | MZN 6,300-9,500 | $100-150 |
2026-09
The dry season, April to November, is best for calm seas, diving and beaches, with September-October offering the best combination of weather, visibility and humpback whale sightings; avoid the cyclone-prone wet season (December-February).