Q: Do I need a visa to enter Mozambique?
A: Mozambique does require a visa for entry, and it is recommended that travellers purchase a visa prior to travelling, especially if a multiple-entry visa is required. Applicants' passports must be valid at least six months from date of entry to Mozambique and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. (Note that amendment pages are not acceptable.) Please contact the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate for further information.

Q: Can I buy a visa at the border?
A: Visitors can purchase single-entry visas at various border posts within Mozambique and upon arrival at its international airports at Maputo, Beira, Vilankulo, and Pemba. However, travellers are advised to verify with the nearest Mozambican embassy before travelling. Visas issued at the border cost between USD 20-25, are valid for a maximum of thirty days and take about 30 minutes to process. Applicants' passports must be valid at least six months from date of entry to Mozambique and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. (Note that amendment pages are not acceptable.)

Please note that for those travelling to Northern Mozambique via Lake Niassa (Malawi), it is currently not possible to buy a visa at the border (in Niassa Province).

Q: Can I use my cell phone in Mozambique?
A: Yes. Mozambique currently has two cell phone providers: mCel and Vodacom, both of which sell pre-paid starter packs for about MT 100,000 (approximately USD 5). Depending on your own cell phone provider, you may be able to access roaming in Mozambique. Some rural areas do not yet have access to the networks.

Q: Do I need to know Portuguese to travel in Mozambique?
A: It depends where you go. While Portuguese is the official language of the country, people the more remote areas speak their indigenous language, such as the different dialects of Makhuwa in the Pemba area or Nyanja around Lake Niassa. Most large hotels have English-speaking staff, but it's always helpful to know a few Portuguese phrases such as:

Bom dia: Good morning
Boa tarde: Good afternoon
Boa noite: Good evening
Obrigado: Thank you (if speaker is male)
Obrigada: Thank you (if speaker is female)
Até logo: See you later
Ciao: Goodbye

Q: How can I exchange currency in Mozambique?
A: All of Mozambique's major cities have ATMs (usually offered by Banco Internacional de Moçambique) which accept cards on the PLUS system. In addition, U.S. dollars, South African Rand, and in some cases, Euros, can be exchanged for Meticais in currency exchange houses found in most major cities. Please note that cashing traveller's cheques will incur significant fees and is only possible in Maputo. It is recommended that travellers carry sufficient small notes when travelling in Northern Mozambique, as change from purchases is not always available.

Q: Can I pay in U.S. dollars?
A: It depends. Many of the medium to large hotels do accept payment in U.S. dollars or South African Rand. However, it is preferable that you exchange sufficient cash for Meticais for the smaller B&Bs and incidentals.

Q: What is the current exchange rate?
A: The exchange rate is currently between 20,000 and 21,000 Meticais per U.S. dollar. Local currency bills are available in the following denominations: MT 500,000 (about USD 25), MT 200,000, MT 100,000, MT 50,000, MT 20,000 and MT 10,000. Current exchange rates can be found on Standard Bank's website.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Mozambique?
A: In large cities, such as Maputo, some restaurants and most large hotels accept credit cards. However, in Northern Mozambique, only the Pemba Beach Hotel currently accepts credit cards. Be sure to carry sufficient cash for accommodation.