Mozambique

Travel tips for Mozambique: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Carry some cash. While Visa cards (Mastercard is often rejected) work at larger hotels, supermarkets, and upscale restaurants in Maputo, Mozambique is a cash-heavy economy where you must carry meticais for markets, chapas, beach bars, and most daily expenses outside major hubs.

Try the food

  • Peri-Peri Chicken (Frango Piri-Piri): Wood-fire grilled chicken marinated in a fiery sauce made from bird's eye chilies, garlic, and lemon.
  • Matapa: A rich, hearty stew made from stewed cassava leaves, ground peanuts, coconut milk, and often crab or shrimp.
  • Grilled Prawns (Camarões): Giant tiger prawns grilled to perfection and served with a garlic, butter, and peri-peri sauce.

Say it in Portuguese

  • Hello: Olá
  • Thank you: Obrigado / Obrigada
  • Please: Por favor
  • Excuse me: Com licença
  • How much is this?: Quanto custa?
  • The bill please: A conta, por favor
  • Yes / No: Sim / Não
  • Goodbye: Adeus

Essentials

Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Left side
SIM tip
Pick up a Vodacom or Movitel SIM card at the official kiosks in Maputo International Airport for the most reliable nationwide coverage.

Etiquette

Always greet people with a polite 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon) before asking a question or starting a transaction, and leave a 10% tip in restaurants if service isn't included.

Airports in Mozambique