Organize your stay Zimbabwe
Money Zimbabwe
Hyperinflation in recent years has put a damper on the Zimbabwean dollar, which has not been used since 2009 and was demonized in 2015. Officially, the country has nine currencies, including the euro, but prices are still posted in U.S. dollars and exchange rates for other currencies are poor. Due to a shortage of U.S. dollars in the country, it has begun producing bond notes with U.S. dollar values, valid only in Zimbabwe. Because there is a shortage of US dollar liquidity, there is a black market where 1 USD can be bought, at the time of the survey (December 2022), for between 800 and 900 RTGS/ZWL/bonds. Changing money on the black market is of course illegal. ATMs have been almost completely empty for several years, although this is now changing and at some ATMs (Stanbic Bank and Standard Chartered Bank) you can now withdraw a limited amount of cash daily using a foreign credit card. Most payments throughout the country are made in USD. Local debit cards are also accepted, and foreign credit cards are accepted by most merchants at the official USD rate. EcoCash, a telephone payment system, is also widely accepted.
Before leaving for Zimbabwe, it is necessary to know the country's currency situation. At the time of the survey, foreigners are able to withdraw U.S. dollars from Standbic Bank and Standard Chartered Bank ATMs, with a daily withdrawal limit of US$150. Payment by credit card is now more widely accepted in many supermarkets, restaurants, and some stores, particularly in Harare and Victoria Falls. Ecocash (payment by phone) is widely accepted. However, in street markets, remote villages or small stores, it may not be possible to pay by international credit card or Ecocash. It is therefore necessary and strongly recommended to change Euros into US dollars before arriving in Zimbabwe. Paying with U.S. cash can have its advantages, as some hotels or restaurants offer attractive discounts. In general, U.S. cash is the preferred method of payment accepted by all businesses, regardless of industry, and while you can withdraw money daily from ATMs, it is safest to arrive with all the cash you may need for your trip and bring your Visa card with you as a backup.
Exchange rates (December 2022)
1 USD = €0.94
1 € = 1.06 USD
1 USD = 671 ZWL (Zimbabwean dollar)
1 USD = 850 ZWL (unofficially on the black market)
If you want to change currency, be aware that exchange fees can be multiplied by five from one exchange office to another (these fees are often already included in the posted exchange rate). The same practice can be observed in France. Therefore, prefer the credit card. For withdrawals and payments by card, the exchange rate used for transactions is generally more interesting than the rates charged at the exchange offices.
If you have a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), it is not necessary to take large sums of money with you, although, as mentioned earlier in this chapter, carrying cash is preferable and most Zimbabweans pay for goods and services using U.S. currency. You can withdraw money from some ATMs, but the daily amounts are small. If your card is lost or stolen while you are abroad, your bank will provide you with appropriate solutions so that you can continue your stay in peace. To do so, do not forget to write before leaving the assistance number indicated on the back of your credit card or available on the Internet. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In case of opposition, it is immediate and confirmed as soon as you can provide your credit card number. Otherwise, the opposition is registered but you must confirm the cancellation at your request by fax or registered letter.
Passport and visas Zimbabwe
An entry visa is required for French nationals. It can be issued either at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Paris or at the points of entry into the country. Multiple entry visas can be obtained at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Paris or at the Immigration Department in Harare. The 90-day single-entry visa is USD 30, the two-entry visa is USD 45 and the multiple-entry visa is USD 55. For a visa application at the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Paris, the official delay for obtaining the visa is 7 working days.
Embassy of Zimbabwe in France - 10, rue Jacques Bingen - 75017 Paris - www.zimparis.gov.zw - [email protected] - tel. 01 56 88 16 00 - open from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
You can buy your visa in Zimbabwe, at the airport or at the border post of your arrival (plan in advance the amount in US dollars and in cash). It only takes 5 minutes, costs 30 USD and is not difficult. If you want a double entry, you will need to pay 45 USD. The UniVisa (or KaZa visa) for Zimbabwe and Zambia is normally available at all entry points, but missing stickers can still happen.
Driver's license Zimbabwe
People passing through Zimbabwe (tourism, business, studies, mission...) can drive in Zimbabwe with their French driver's license for 90 days or for the duration of the validity of their international license if they have one.
Residents in Zimbabwe must obtain a local driver's license by exam or by exchange.
For all vehicle problems (breakdown service, overhaul, etc.), it is possible to join the Automobile Association of Zimbabwe (45 to 90 USD per year): The Automobile Association of Zimbabwe - 2 Kenilworth Road, Newlands, Harare - tel: 242 788173-6 - 0712 406 033 - 242 776760 - https://www.aazimbabwe.co.zw/
Health Zimbabwe
To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Pasteur Institute medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). In case of illness or serious problem during your trip, quickly consult a pharmacist and then a doctor.
Mandatory vaccination Zimbabwe
Leaving soon? Before closing your bags, remember that your health is also part of the trip, it is even your most precious asset. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, yellow fever, typhoid... In Zimbabwe, you may be exposed to these diseases. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from them by vaccination or by taking preventive treatment. You should think about this before you leave. A trip to a remote country is always an expedition that requires a few months of prior organization (vaccinations, insurance, various checks...). No vaccination is officially required to enter Zimbabwe, except for yellow fever if you come from an area affected by this virus. Nevertheless, we advise you to be up to date with your tetanus and polio vaccinations, and to be vaccinated against typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B. Since these vaccines require several injections, be sure to schedule them at least six weeks in advance with your doctor.
Time difference Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is at GMT + 2. The time difference with France is therefore small: the time is the same in the French summer and Zimbabwe is one hour ahead in winter.
Spoken languages Zimbabwe
English is the official and administrative language of Zimbabwe. There are also fifteen local or regional languages that are also officially recognized. These include Shona, Ndebele, Tonga and Shangaan. Afrikaans is not an official language, but it is used by part of the South African community in the country.
Electricity and measurements Zimbabwe
The standard is 220 volts. On the other hand, there is not really a standard for the plugs. The traveler can find British, Indian or French plugs. Even if the majority of them are British, it is advisable to have two adapters or a universal adapter. These are sold in all tourist centers and supermarkets for 2 USD. In the bush camps, electricity is often provided by a generator or solar panels. Electricity is often only available for part of the day (in the morning and evening, for example). The amperage is low. Some structures do not have electricity and rely on kerosene lamps or candles. This is the case for many Zimbabweans, especially those who still live in simple huts in the bush. Finally, when camping and in the reserves, the small flashlight or headlamp is the only source of light, apart from the stars and the campfire Zimbabwe uses the metric system of weights and measures.
Luggage Zimbabwe
Clothing. Try to keep your suitcase as small as possible. A tip: leave some room for the weight of your souvenir gifts! Underwear, including high socks for bush walks, light for summer, warmer for winter, Bermuda shorts, shorts and T-shirts, if possible in neutral tones (opt for greens, navy blue, beige and grey if you plan to go on safari). One or two pairs of light pants for the evening, a sweater, rain gear and a bathing suit for the hotel pools. To this small list, travelers in June, July, August, and especially hikers wishing to go to the mountains in the east of the country, will add some warmer clothes: sweaters, jeans, anorak, scarf, gloves, hat (Zimbabwe is not Alaska, however, even in the national parks, when the wind blows at 5:30 in the morning and you are in an open 4 x 4, it is better to have increased the weight of your suitcase by one or two kilos!) People who have booked in large hotels should remember that they are in an English-speaking country and that proper attire is required in bars and restaurants after 6:30 pm. Camouflage clothing is reserved exclusively for the military and should not be worn by tourists (especially those wishing to hike along the Mozambican border).
Footwear. A pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes that you feel comfortable in, a pair of flip-flops or sandals and a pair of dress shoes for dinners in hotels.
Other. Essential sun protection (at least for your face), toiletries, Swiss Army knife or pocket knife, a flashlight, health book, passport, plane ticket, credit cards, currency, address book, binoculars (if possible a pair per person) and, for camera users charger, batteries (they are expensive and often of poor quality in Zimbabwe), film (especially if you are used to a particular emulsion), a small first-aid kit and bags to protect the cameras from heat, dust and rain.
