5
Copyright, All rights reserved. ZIMBABWE Capital: Harare Language: English, Shona, Sindebele Population: 12.6 million Time Zone: EST plus 6 hours Currency: US Dollar, South African Rand Electricity: 220/50Hz Fun Facts Formerly known as Rhodesia, the country gained independence in 1980 and adopted “Zimbabwe” as its new name. Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold, and other precious resources. The world’s largest sheet of falling water, the local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the “Smoke that Thunders.” It is one of the few countries in the world that abandoned their own currency and uses other countries’. Believed to be the ancient land of Ophir mentioned in the Bible, which sent King Solomon regular shipments of precious resources, Zimbabwe was once a highway of trade for the Portuguese and Arabs. Today, this south-central African nation beckons visitors from around the world with a different treasure: awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here, mist-shrouded rainbows span craggy cliffs, and the persistent roar of the falls is mesmerizing. With its friendly people and rich culture steeped in tradition and spirit, Zimbabwe is the perfect complement to any African safari. VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry correct documentation. A visa for your visit to Zimbabwe is necessary for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Zimbabwe. Visas cannot currently be obtained through an embassy or a visa service prior to departing the US due to a shortage of visa stickers. They can only be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Victoria Falls or at the border crossing. You will need space in your passport for the visa. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expiration date carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry your passport with you at all times.

ZIMBABWE - Globus · Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold,

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    2

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: ZIMBABWE - Globus · Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold,

Copyright, All rights reserved.

ZIMBABWECapital: Harare Language: English, Shona, SindebelePopulation: 12.6 million Time Zone: EST plus 6 hoursCurrency: US Dollar, South African Rand Electricity: 220/50Hz

Fun Facts● Formerly known as Rhodesia, the country gained independence in 1980 and adopted “Zimbabwe”

as its new name.● Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state.● It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold, and other precious

resources.● The world’s largest sheet of falling water, the local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya,

meaning the “Smoke that Thunders.”● It is one of the few countries in the world that abandoned their own currency and uses other

countries’.

Believed to be the ancient land of Ophir mentioned in the Bible, which sent King Solomon regularshipments of precious resources, Zimbabwe was once a highway of trade for the Portuguese and Arabs.Today, this south-central African nation beckons visitors from around the world with a different treasure:awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here, mist-shrouded rainbows spancraggy cliffs, and the persistent roar of the falls is mesmerizing. With its friendly people and rich culturesteeped in tradition and spirit, Zimbabwe is the perfect complement to any African safari.

VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all healthrequirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit.We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carrycorrect documentation.

A visa for your visit to Zimbabwe is necessary for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country,check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Zimbabwe.

Visas cannot currently be obtained through an embassy or a visa service prior to departing the US due toa shortage of visa stickers. They can only be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Victoria Falls or at theborder crossing. You will need space in your passport for the visa.

All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that thepassport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expirationdate carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport whentraveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on youand do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry yourpassport with you at all times.

Page 2: ZIMBABWE - Globus · Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold,

Copyright, All rights reserved.

Health RequirementsIt is imperative to find out from your physician what inoculations may be required for travel to SouthernAfrica, and if any other health precautions are recommended (such as anti-malaria pills). For more details,you might also like to consult the internet site of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Zimbabwe is 263. When calling to Zimbabwe from overseas, dial your internationalaccess code (011 from the US/Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phonenumbers in Zimbabwe are 6 to10 digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 263 ## ### ####.

CURRENCY

As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you havedifficulties with your preferred method of payment.

The Zimbabwean Dollar has been suspended indefinitely due to high inflation. U.S. Dollars are the mostcommonly used currency. It is advisable to bring newer U.S. notes that are in good condition as somemerchants will not accept those that are tattered and/or old.

ATMs are readily available in Victoria Falls, but due to a shortage of U.S. Dollars in the country, they nolonger dispense any money. Due to this it is advised to have a sufficient supply of U.S. Dollars with youupon entry to the country. South African Rand is also commonly accepted but may be subject to very highexchange rates.

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.

Credit CardsThe use of credit cards is more limited in Zimbabwe, but they are accepted at tourist-heavy sites, hotels, andsome restaurants. Visa is most accepted; MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are more difficultto use. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification when making a transactionwith a credit card.

Traveler’s ChecksThese are not accepted in Zimbabwe.

Bank hours:● Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 am–3 pm● Wednesday: 8 am–1 pm● Saturday: 8 am–11:30 am● Sunday: Closed

Page 3: ZIMBABWE - Globus · Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold,

Copyright, All rights reserved.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.

● The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is US$1-$2.● An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately

US$7-$10.● Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at

approximately US$30-$35.

ShoppingPlease be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges arerarely included in the price. If you use a credit card for your purchase, you will be debited in the local currency,and your bank will establish the rate of exchange on the debit. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) isnormally already included on price tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airportfrom the relevant country.

TIPPING

Tipping is a common practice in Zimbabwe and usually well received. In restaurants and bars, a tip of10%-20% is acceptable.

Tip taxis drivers 10% of the fare.

For hotel and room service, a common tip amount is US$1-$2 per service if warranted (excluding porteragewhich is included).

ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

OutletsVoltage for outlets is 220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, you will need a converterfor your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet, but these may not convertthe voltage, so both devices are necessary.

Some hotels feature multi-region outlets.

TEMPERATURES

Zimbabwe experiences its drier season from April to October when it tends to be a little cooler, while heavierrains usually occur from November to March.

To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Zimbabwe.

Page 4: ZIMBABWE - Globus · Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold,

Copyright, All rights reserved.

Victoria Falls

January

February

March

April

May

June July

August

Septem

ber

October

Novem

ber

Decem

ber

66/86°F 63/86°F 50/82°F 43/77°F 57/90°F 66/90°F65/85°F 58/85°F 44/78°F 58/83°F 64/93°F 66/86°F

To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a closeestimation.

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Zimbabwe features a lot of its local resources. “Mealie Meal” (cornmeal), fresh vegetables, rice, and chickenare important staples. A common dish is “sadza and stew” (ground corn paste, similar to the consistencyof mashed potatoes with a hearty stew).

Drinking WaterIn Zimbabwe, tap water is not safe to drink. Water served at your hotel is safe. Otherwise, we recommendyou drink bottled water.

CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

● African culture is diverse. You will encounter new customs and different lifestyles as soon as youenter in the country. Appreciate and enjoy the differences. A majority of the locals speak Englishand will greet you with a smile.

● In some African countries, a warm smile and a handshake is a perfectly acceptable greeting. If youare not a local, do not extend your hand first. Wait for the other person to do so. Local men do notnormally shake hands with women in public. When greeting an elder, it is acceptable to bow yourhead slightly in place of a handshake.

● Although not necessary, many visitors like to bring gifts for the local children. If you would like togive a gift, we suggest that gifts and donations be made through local schools and orphanages.This gives you the chance to help the local community without reinforcing the culture of begging. Ifyou do choose to give gifts directly to children you encounter, please do not give out candy. Giftssuch as school supplies or clothes are much better options. In addition, we do not recommend thatanything be given to street beggars and street children encountered in the towns and cities, as itpromotes a negative life-style.

● Always ask permission before taking a photograph of a local resident.● Poverty is a fact of life in many African countries. You should be prepared to see it, but not be

scared by it, as most people are still very happy and friendly. Out of respect, it is best to avoidexcessive displays of wealth.

A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Afrikaans:Good morning / day: Gooie Môre, Good evening: Gooienaand, Hi: Haai/Hallo, Goodbye: Totsiens,Please: Asseblief, Thank you: Dankie, Yes: Ja, No: Nee, Do you speak English?: Praat jy Engels, Idon't understand: Ek begryp nie dit nie, How much?: nic, 1 (one): Eeen, 2 (two): Twee, 3 (three): Drie, 4(four): Vier, 5 (five): Vyf, 6 (six): Ses, 7 (seven): Sewe, 8 (eight): Ag, 9 (nine): Nege, 10 (ten): Tien, Whereis … ?: Waar is, WC: Badkamer, Tea: Tee, Coffee: Koffie, Bottled water: Gebottelde water, Cheers!:Gesondheid, Have a nice day!: Lekker dag,

Page 5: ZIMBABWE - Globus · Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, is the world’s oldest living head of state. It is believed that Zimbabwe was the site where King Solomon got ivory, gold,

Last Updated 10/1/19

Copyright, All rights reserved.

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Additional country-specific information for US citizens can be found on the US Government’s websitewww.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions,passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, andmore. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information,regulations, and requirements.