Zimbabwe

• Unofficial money changers lurking around hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites promise attractive exchange rates but often use sleight-of-hand techniques to short-change visitors or pass counterfeit bills, particularly targeting newcomers unfamiliar with local currency practices. These operators may seem friendly and professional, but legitimate currency exchange should only occur at banks, licensed bureaux de change, or authorized hotel reception desks. Some scammers work in pairs with one distracting while another switches real money for fake notes or miscounts denominations. Always count money carefully, examine bills for authenticity, and politely decline street-side exchange offers regardless of claimed rates.
• Street vendors and souvenir sellers commonly inflate prices dramatically when they identify tourists, sometimes charging ten times local rates for identical items available elsewhere. This particularly affects visitors near Victoria Falls, airports, and major attractions where competition is limited. Vendors may initially quote exorbitant prices expecting lengthy negotiations, becoming persistent or aggressive if you attempt to walk away. Research typical costs beforehand, start negotiations at 20-30% of initial quotes, and be prepared to genuinely walk away. Shopping at established markets or stores with fixed prices can eliminate this stress entirely.
• Taxi drivers frequently overcharge tourists by refusing to use meters, claiming fixed rates, or taking unnecessarily long routes to inflate fares, especially from airports and popular attractions where visitors feel pressured to accept quoted prices. Some drivers quote in US dollars when local rates would be significantly cheaper, or claim their meter is broken while demanding premium rates. Always negotiate and agree on fares before entering vehicles, ask locals or hotel staff for typical rate ranges, and consider using hotel shuttle services or pre-arranged transfers for airport journeys and major attractions.

• Malaria prophylaxis is absolutely essential for Zimbabwe travel as the disease occurs year-round throughout the country, with transmission particularly high during rainy seasons and in low-altitude areas including Victoria Falls, Hwange, and the Zambezi Valley. Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure to determine the most appropriate medication based on your itinerary, medical history, and drug resistance patterns. Popular options include doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), or mefloquine, each with different dosing schedules and potential side effects. Combine medication with aggressive mosquito avoidance including DEET repellent, long sleeves during dawn/dusk hours, and bed nets in accommodation without air conditioning.
• Tap water quality varies dramatically across Zimbabwe and should never be consumed without proper treatment, as municipal systems suffer from inadequate maintenance, chemical shortages, and occasional contamination that can cause severe gastroenteritis, typhoid, or hepatitis. Stick exclusively to sealed bottled water from reputable brands, avoiding ice in drinks unless confirmed to be made from purified water. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and rinsing contact lenses, and be cautious of fresh salads, fruits you haven't peeled yourself, and dairy products in rural areas where refrigeration may be unreliable.
• Medical facilities outside major cities are extremely limited, with rural clinics lacking basic supplies, diagnostic equipment, and specialist expertise that travelers may require for emergencies or ongoing conditions. Private hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo offer reasonable care but may demand upfront payment in US dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential, as serious conditions often require airlift to South Africa for treatment. Bring sufficient prescription medications plus extras, as local pharmacies may not stock international brands or maintain proper storage conditions.

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended for all Zimbabwe travelers due to potential exposure through contaminated food and water, particularly in rural areas and local restaurants where hygiene standards may vary significantly. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water and can cause weeks of debilitating illness, while typhoid fever transmitted through similar routes can become life-threatening without proper treatment. Both vaccines are highly effective and can be administered together, ideally 2-4 weeks before travel for optimal protection, though last-minute vaccination still provides substantial benefits.
• Malaria prophylaxis is absolutely essential rather than optional for Zimbabwe travel, as this potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease occurs throughout the country year-round with varying intensity based on season and altitude. No vaccine exists for malaria, but prescription medications taken before, during, and after travel provide excellent protection when combined with mosquito avoidance measures. Consult a travel medicine specialist to select appropriate medication based on your specific itinerary, medical history, and current drug resistance patterns in Zimbabwe.
• Yellow Fever vaccination becomes mandatory if arriving from endemic countries in tropical Africa or South America, with immigration officials strictly enforcing this requirement and denying entry to travelers without proper documentation. Valid yellow fever certificates must show vaccination occurred at least 10 days before arrival and remain effective for life. Even if not required based on your routing, consider vaccination if planning extensive African travel, as requirements can change and having documentation provides flexibility for spontaneous itinerary changes.

• See Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side — arguably the better view.
• Visit Great Zimbabwe ruins — one of Africa's most important archaeological sites.
• Try sadza (cornmeal staple) with relish.

• Don't criticize the government openly.
• Don't photograph government buildings or military.
• Don't discuss politics with strangers.

Tip in USD. $2–5 for guides and services. Restaurant: 10%. Safari: $10–15 per person per day.

Casual and practical. Modest in rural areas.

Christian majority blended with traditional beliefs. Respect both traditions.