Mozambique Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Maputo
- Currency
- Mozambican Metical (MZN MT)
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from May to November offers the best beach and diving conditions, before the humid summer rains and cyclone risk.
Visa requirements
Many travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or e-visa for tourist stays; yellow fever proof may be needed depending on your route.
Getting around
Domestic flights link coastal hubs, while chapas (minibuses) and buses serve roads; boats and dhows reach the islands and dive sites.
Safety
The southern and central coast and Maputo are generally fine with normal precautions, but the far-northern Cabo Delgado province has an insurgency and must be avoided. Watch for petty crime in cities and police checkpoints on the roads.
Tipping customs
Tipping around 10% in restaurants is appreciated, and gratuities for guides, dive crews and drivers are customary.
Travel tips
Carry meticais in cash as card acceptance is limited outside cities and resorts, and bring some US dollars or rand. Portuguese helps greatly, and you should keep documents handy for checkpoints. Buy a Vodacom, Tmcel or Movitel SIM for data.