Malawi
Travel tips for Malawi: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Recent 2025-2026 reports warn that cards are accepted almost nowhere outside select accommodations, which often add surcharges. You will need cash for nearly all daily expenses. Travelers advise bringing a Visa card, as Mastercard ATMs are rare.
Try the food
- Nsima: A thick, dough-like staple made from maize flour, traditionally eaten with the hands and dipped into savory relishes.
- Chambo: A delicious species of tilapia endemic to Lake Malawi, typically served grilled or fried alongside nsima and greens.
- Ndiwo: A flavorful relish made from leafy greens, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes groundnut powder, used to accompany maize porridge.
- Kondowole: A sticky, dense porridge made from cassava flour, often eaten in the northern regions of the country.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 997 / 990 (police), 998 (ambulance), 999 (fire)
- SIM tip
- Pick up a local SIM card from Airtel or TNM at the airport or official kiosks in major towns, ensuring you have your passport handy for mandatory registration.
Etiquette
Greetings are highly valued in Malawian culture; always take the time to say hello and exchange pleasantries before asking a question or conducting business.