Need To Know

We don’t condone any form of bribery and recommend that you always abide by the laws of the country. In the event of a fine or dispute please remain courteous and always request a written copy of the document/fine/receipt. Be aware of runners and luggage handlers at border posts and airports. We strongly urge you not to make use of their services but if you choose to do so please note they are not affiliated with Dana Tours and you are opting to pay them directly. When in doubt of the procedure at hand, please feel free to contact us on +258 84 40 40 710 or contact the following anti-corruption hotline: +258 82 965 7804 or +258 21 31 06 93.

The metical (meticais plural) is a relatively stable currency linked to the USD. Linked as it may be to the USD, Mozambicans prefer payments in meticais and Mozambican law requires that all transactions have a meticais payment option. However, in areas which are heavily influenced by South African tourists and tour operators cash payments in ZAR (South African Rands) may also be accepted. Sometimes Malawi kwacha are also accepted in areas extremely close to the Zimbabwean and Malawi borders. USD are accepted.

The importation and exportation of meticais into and out of Mozambique is limited to 10,000 MZN by Mozambican law. It is wise to ensure that you do not arrive or leave with more than that amount.

Up to USD10,000 may be brought in or taken out. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted and are expensive to exchange in the banks. If you are coming to Mozambique, do leave home without them. It is also against the law to destroy Mozambican currency and those who do will be prosecuted and may land in jail or face a stiff fine.

Exchanging USD, Euros and ZAR is easily done at airports and banks and cambios (exchange houses). Banking hours are generally between 08.30 and 15.00. Many banks in smaller towns and most cambios close during the lunch hour, except those in shopping centers. Exchanging money on the streets or with individuals at the border posts is illegal and often expensive. The officials seldom have change so we recommend you carry smaller notes, but please note foreign currency coins are not accepted. Currency must have no markings on the notes and only USD notes printed in 2013 or later are accepted.

Visit xe.com to calculate current exchange rates.

Driving into Mozambique? Border times vary and getting reliable information on exactly when which borders close can be a challenge so Dana Tours is by no means responsible for the information provided by MITUR (Ministry of Tourism). Note: currently information available to Dana Tours reflects that the Ressano Garcia border is now open 24 hours.

Dana Tours suggests for those travelling to Mozambique by car to arrive at Mozambique’s international border with plenty of time to get where you are going prior to sunset. Driving at night is unsafe anywhere in rural Africa and Mozambique is no exception.

If you are driving your vehicle and the car is in the name of a bank, you need a letter from the Bank authorizing you to bring it to Mozambique in addition to all other documents required by the South African and Mozambican authorities. All documents must be originals.

It is a good idea to consult the Drive Moz or Moz info sites for up-to-date information on procedures for crossing the Ressano Garcia / Lebombo border post as well as all the documents that you require. The Ressano Garcia / Lebombo border post is the major crossing point between SA and Mozambique. It becomes very congested during school and public holidays. Ressano Garcia is now open 24 hours. 

Don’t forget to buy your compulsory third party insurance coverage at the Mozambique side of the border. Whereas most immigration and custom officials in Mozambique are working in the interests of law and order, reports of Mozambican officials soliciting bribes from tourists are common. If you feel you have been targeted and wish to report an incident, contact the anti-corruption hotline with an exact description of the incident including the officers name, badge number, date and time on 800 460 460.

Disclaimer: The data and links provided above are an informative service to travelers to Mozambique, but are in no way binding and are subject to change at any time without notice on this website. Dana Tours cannot be held responsible for the validity or the authenticity of the information obtained here or from sites to which this page is linked.

Most Mozambicans speak one of 17 African languages (of the Bantu group) and Portuguese. African languages spoken in Mozambique include Makua-Lomwe dialects, spoken in northern Mozambique, several Tsonga and Shona dialects – such as Sena – spoken in central Mozambique and more Tsonga dialects – such as Changane – are spoken in the south. English is often spoken at tourist destinations, other European and Asian languages are rarely spoken.

Below are just a few words and phrases for everyday usage in Portuguese:

English  –  Portuguese
Good Morning (until 12.00)  –  Bom dia
Good Afternoon (after 12.00)  –  Boa tarde
Good Evening (after 6.00pm)  –  Boa noite
What is your name?  –  Como se chama?
Nice to meet you  –  Prazer em te conhecer
See you later  –  Até logo
Please/Thank You  –  Faz favor/Obrigado
You´re welcome  –  De nada
Excuse me (permit me)  –  Com licença
Yes/No  –  Sim/Não
How are you?  –  Como está?
Everything is fine  –  Tudo bem!
Where is…?  –  Onde está…?
When…?  –  Quando…?
What time..?  –  A que horas?
What time is it?  –  Que horas são?
I want to buy…  –  Quero comprar…
(It’s) too expensive  –  (É) muito caro
I would like…  –  Queria…  
…a cup of tea  –  …um copo de chá
…a cup of coffee with milk and sugar  –  …um café com leite e açucar
…an espresso  –  …um café espresso
…a beer  –  …uma cerveja
…a glass of wine (red) (white)  –  …um copo de vinho (tinto) (branco)
…a steak sandwich (very popular fast food)  –  …um prego no pão
Where is the bathroom?  –  Onde é a casa de banho?
How much (does it cost)?  –  Quanto custa?
Can you help me?  –  Pode ajudar-me?

And if you really want to go local…

Kanimambo is local lingo for “Thank You”
Maningue nice is local lingo for “Very nice”

Relative to other African destinations, Mozambique has a low crime rate and is a safe place to live, work and visit. However, pick-pocketing and purse snatching does happen, just like large cities and tourist centers elsewhere, especially in crowded places like markets and public beaches. Tourist destinations are rarely affected. A few tips while in Mozambique: avoid walking alone at night in cities or on beaches near cities; avoid showing off valuable electronics, jewelry and large amounts of cash. While driving in urban areas keep your doors locked and your windows closed. Like anywhere else, avoid offering strangers a lift and know that those who appear to be in distress might not be. Avoid driving at night outside urban areas.

If you are unlucky and encounter crime, you will need a police report for insurance purposes and your home country may require a police report before replacing stolen passports. Contact your embassy immediately if your passport has been stolen. Tip: read your insurance policy carefully about coverage for theft outside your home country.

Before traveling to Mozambique please ensure that you are medically fit & able to embark upon travel. Mozambique is a malaria area, and it is recommended that one checks requirements with one’s health care provider before travelling. All those travelling from or having transitted a yellow fever area should carry a yellow fever certificate. One is encouraged to check the World Health Organization’s website for the latest health alerts.