Local time is GMT +2.
Electrical current in Zambia is 230 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs, as well as two- and three-pin round plugs are in use.
There are many dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. Most business is conducted in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well.
Typhoid, polio, rabies and hepatitis A vaccinations should be considered for travel to Zambia. Malaria is endemic in Zambia (prophylaxis is essential), and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. Yellow fever is a risk in the northwest and western provinces. Visitors to game parks are at risk of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which is carried by tsetse flies; insect repellent is ineffective against tsetse flies. The country also has one of the highest rates of HIV/Aids infection worldwide. Visitors should avoid swimming or wading in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers due to the presence of bilharzia.Medical facilities in the country are under-developed and limited to the point that basic drugs and even clean needles are often not available. The small clinics in Lusaka are regarded as superior to the general hospitals, but clinics in rural areas are rarely stocked with anything more than aspirin or plasters. Full travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation by air, is therefore essential and it is vital to bring a good first-aid kit. Visitors should avoid food bought from local street vendors and ensure drinking water is filtered and boiled, or bought in sealed, branded bottles.
Tipping in Zambia is usually about 10 percent. A 10 percent service charge is usually included in bills.
Though package tours in Zambia are generally safe and most visits are trouble-free, visitors should be aware that car hijackings and armed robberies are increasing. Mugging, bag-snatching and theft from parked cars is common in urban areas. Political rallies, demonstrations, and large gatherings have the potential for violence and should be avoided. Travellers should be vigilant and avoid displaying valuables. They should also avoid the border areas where Zambia meets Angola and the DRC; cross-border raids are frequent and landmines are a potential danger. Many roads can become impassable in the rainy season (November to April). Travellers should be aware that overstaying a visa is a serious offence and may result in arrest and imprisonment.
Zambia's culture is largely patriarchal; however, white visitors tend to be treated respectfully regardless of gender. Zambians are curious, and visitors should not be offended by stares and questions. Women should refrain from wearing short skirts and low-cut tops, and beachwear should be worn only on the beach; even when dressed conservatively, women may find the stares from locals disconcerting. The Western practise of 'getting to the point' is not practised in Zambian culture, and it is polite to say hello and exchange pleasantries before asking a question or requesting assistance. Shaking hands is a common greeting, and many Zambians will continue to hold hands throughout the conversation. It is traditional to eat with the right hand, and utensils are not used in many areas.Homosexuality is condemned by the general population and is considered illegal. Gay travellers should be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.
According to the World Bank, doing business in Zambia is less difficult than in many other African countries, but it is a very poor country and the lack of infrastructure can be a challenge. Bribery and corruption can also be a problem. Business meetings are formal but seldom punctual; a suit and tie are appropriate attire despite the heat. Office hours in Zambia are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with a one hour lunch break between 1pm and 2pm; however, in practice workers often arrive late or leave early making these office hours a mere guideline.
The international dialling code for Zambia is +260. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Lusaka. Connections tend to be bad, particularly outside of Lusaka. Wifi is limited to top hotels and restaurants, and free international calls can be made using the internet.
Travellers to Zambia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 400 cigarettes or 500g tobacco or 500g of cigars; 1.5 litres of spirits, 2.5 litres of wine and 2.5 litres of beer, and goods to the value of USD 1,000. Prohibited items include narcotics, pornography and explosive materials, and restrictions are applied to live animals, medication and hunting weapons.
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