Zimbabwe
Travel tips for Zimbabwe: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. US dollars dominate daily transactions, so bring enough crisp, small USD bills for your entire trip. While formal hotels and some shops accept cards, exorbitant fees and highly unreliable ATMs make cash essential.
Try the food
- Sadza: A dense, stiff maize meal porridge that serves as the staple base for savory meat and vegetable relishes.
- Mopane worms (Madora): Protein-rich emperor moth caterpillars that are typically boiled, sun-dried, and then fried until crunchy.
- Dovi: A rich and hearty peanut butter stew simmered with chicken, garlic, and leafy green vegetables.
Essentials
- Voltage
- 220-240V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- SIM tip
- Pick up an Econet physical SIM card at the airport or official retail shops, as they offer the most reliable nationwide coverage.
Etiquette
Always use your right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items, including money, as using the left hand is considered highly disrespectful.