Currency & Payments

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 500 MZN by Mozambican law.

Whereas there is no restriction on how much money in other currencies can be brought into Mozambique, you must declare all amounts exceeding USD 5,000. Declaring it as you enter the country allows you to exit Mozambique with the same amount of funds. Traveler’s cheque 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

Exchanging USD, Euros and ZAR is easily done at airports and banks and cambios (exchange offices). Banking hours are generally between 08.30 and 15.30. Many banks in smaller towns and most cambios close during the lunch hour, except those in shopping centres. 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 have change, 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.

 

ATM & Banks

 

There are many banks in Mozambique which take international credit and bank cards and ATMs are found throughout the country’s larger cities, but not necessarily on the islands or near many remote beach lodges. ATMs in Mozambique dispense meticais only. We suggest you contact your bank before leaving home to ensure smooth access to your funds while traveling in Mozambique. You should also be aware that credit card and ATM fraud are common in Southern Africa. For your own safety avoid using ATMs located outside enclosed areas and by all means avoid using ATMs at night. The three largest banks banking facilities include Barclay’s, Standard and BIM (Millennium BIM).

 

Clothing

Pack light casual beachwear. It is mostly an all-year-round sunshine country. On the odd occasion of a cold or rainy day, a sweater is needed. For the evenings, carry a shawl or cover-up, long trousers for gentlemen as you may be bitten by mosquitos.

 

Health and Safety

Always carry your passport or a certified copy of your passport with you. Stick to bottled water for drinking Pack medication such as rehydrate, anti-biotics, malaria tablets. Bring loads of sunblock a hat and mosquito repellant

 

Smart traveler

Keep up to date with the current affairs of the country. Understand where the “hot spots” for crime and unrest are. Ensure that you do not put yourself in harm’s way.

Many hotels offer an inclusive package- make sure you know what is included and what is not. Ask your travel agent or the property for all the exclusions and the cost of food/ activities.

 

 

 

Credit cards accepted

 

Only MasterCard and Visa credit cards are increasingly accepted by major restaurants and hotels in the larger cities where telecommunications allow for the transaction to take place. Outside major cities, no credit cards are accepted. This includes major hotels which are frequently unable to complete credit card transactions due to communication limitations in remote locations of Mozambique. If this website does not indicate that credit cards are accepted at the hotel of their choice, Dana Tours advises travelers to plan cash payments for expenses incurred during their stay at the lodge.

 

Unfortunately, American Express, Diners Club and all other plastic will get you nowhere in Mozambique. Credit card fraud is a problem all over the world including Southern Africa, so please never let your credit card out of your sight.