Mozambique

• Corrupt police officers at roadblocks may demand bribes from tourists, especially those driving rental cars. They often claim minor traffic violations or request to see documents repeatedly. Remain polite, ask for official receipts for any fines, and consider having your hotel or tour operator provide a local contact number to call if harassment persists.
• Market vendors and street sellers frequently quote inflated prices to foreign visitors, sometimes 3-5 times the local rate. Always negotiate prices beforehand, learn basic numbers in Portuguese, observe what locals pay for similar items, and be prepared to walk away as this often results in more reasonable offers.
• In coastal areas, fraudulent dive operators may offer suspiciously cheap whale shark tours or diving excursions without proper safety equipment, insurance, or certified guides. Always verify operator credentials, check equipment condition, ensure proper briefings are provided, and read recent reviews from other travelers before booking any marine activities.

• Malaria prophylaxis is absolutely essential throughout Mozambique as the country has year-round transmission risk, with the highest risk during the wet season from November to April. Consult a travel medicine specialist at least 4-6 weeks before departure to determine the most appropriate antimalarial medication based on your itinerary, medical history, and current resistance patterns in the regions you'll visit.
• Only drink bottled water that you've personally opened, or water that has been properly boiled or treated with purification tablets. This extends to ice cubes, fresh juices, and even brushing teeth in areas with questionable water quality. Waterborne illnesses including cholera and typhoid remain risks throughout the country.
• Medical facilities are extremely limited outside of Maputo and Beira, with most rural areas lacking basic medical supplies, diagnostic equipment, and qualified healthcare professionals. Serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to South Africa, making comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage absolutely critical for any visit to Mozambique.

• Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from or transiting through countries with Yellow Fever transmission risk, and you must carry the official WHO International Certificate of Vaccination as proof. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be valid.
• Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended due to potential exposure through contaminated food and water, while Typhoid vaccination provides protection against another common foodborne illness. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination should be considered for travelers planning extended stays, outdoor activities, or work with animals.
• Malaria prophylaxis is essential and should be started before travel, continued during your stay, and completed after return according to your doctor's instructions. Combine medication with physical protection measures like long sleeves, pants, and DEET-containing insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Diving with whale sharks in Tofo and Inhambane represents one of the world's premier marine wildlife experiences, offering close encounters with these gentle giants that can reach lengths of up to 12 meters. The best season runs from May through September when plankton blooms attract the sharks to shallow waters. Choose responsible operators that follow guidelines for sustainable wildlife viewing, maintain proper distances, and contribute to local conservation efforts through organizations like the Marine Megafauna Foundation.
• Mozambican cuisine reflects its Portuguese colonial history and coastal location, with peri-peri prawns being the flagship dish featuring giant prawns grilled with spicy peri-peri sauce made from African bird's eye chilies. Matapa, a traditional stew made from cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk with ground peanuts and often prawns or crab, represents authentic Mozambican comfort food that varies by region and family recipe.
• The Bazaruto Archipelago, accessible from Vilankulo, consists of five islands including Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Santa Carolina, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, luxury lodges, and excellent diving and snorkeling. The area is a National Marine Park protecting dugongs, dolphins, whale sharks, and over 2000 fish species, making it ideal for both relaxation and marine wildlife encounters.

• Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique must be completely avoided due to an ongoing armed insurgency that has created extremely dangerous conditions with regular attacks, kidnappings, and civilian casualties. Even experienced travelers and aid workers have been targeted, and government forces have limited control over large areas of this region.
• Night driving should be avoided throughout Mozambique due to poor road conditions, lack of street lighting, higher crime rates after dark, and increased accident risks from vehicles without proper lighting. Many roads have deep potholes, unmarked construction zones, and pedestrian traffic that becomes nearly invisible at night.
• Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash, especially in urban areas like Maputo and Beira where street crime is common. Use hotel safes, carry only what you need for the day, and consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for important documents and emergency cash.

Tipping practices in Mozambique follow a moderate approach where 10% is considered appropriate at restaurants if service charge is not included, though many establishments automatically add this to the bill so check carefully before adding extra. In beach resorts and safari lodges, small daily tips for housekeeping staff (around $2-3 USD), guides ($5-10 USD per day depending on service quality), and other service staff are appreciated and often represent significant additions to local wages. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is sufficient unless they provide extra services like waiting or helping with luggage. Tour guides and dive masters typically receive $5-15 USD per person per day depending on the length and quality of service. At bars, leaving small change is common practice, while at markets and street vendors, tipping is not expected as prices are usually negotiated.

Dress codes in Mozambique vary significantly by location and context, with beach resort areas like Tofo and Vilankulo being quite relaxed where swimwear, shorts, and casual clothing are perfectly acceptable. However, when visiting restaurants, government offices, or conducting business, smart casual attire is preferred with long pants and collared shirts for men, and modest dresses or pants with covered shoulders for women. In the predominantly Muslim-influenced northern regions, more conservative dress is respectful and recommended, particularly when visiting mosques or traditional communities where covering arms and legs demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Throughout the country, revealing clothing should be avoided in markets, rural areas, and when interacting with older or more traditional community members. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential due to the tropical climate, and bringing a light cover-up for air-conditioned restaurants or religious sites is advisable.

Mozambique's religious landscape is predominantly Christian in the southern and central regions, with Catholic and Protestant denominations being most common, reflecting Portuguese colonial influence and missionary activity. The northern regions, particularly Cabo Delgado and parts of Nampula province, have significant Muslim populations due to historical Arab and Swahili cultural influence along the coast. Throughout the country, traditional African beliefs and practices often blend with Christianity and Islam, creating syncretic religious expressions that are deeply respected by local communities. During Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas, expect reduced business hours and increased celebration activities. Islamic holy days like Ramadan are observed in Muslim areas with daytime fasting and evening celebrations. Visitors should dress modestly when entering any religious sites, remove shoes when required at mosques, and ask permission before photographing religious ceremonies or buildings. Both religious communities generally welcome respectful visitors and questions about their traditions.