Q: Communications

Country Code for Zambia : +260 Official Travel advice visit : Zambia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller Emergency Services : 999 Ambulance: 999 Fire: 999 Police: 999 The nearest Accredited Australian Embassy : Australia has a consulate in Lusaka, Zambia, who can provide limited consular assistance and conduct passport interviews. For full consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe . Lusaka : May and Company, Glass House, 759 Independence Avenue, Roundabout 50975, Lusaka, Zambia Phone: (+260) 779 108 449 Email: australian.consulate.zambia@gmail.com Harare : 1 Green Close, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe Phone: +263 24 2853 235 55 or +263 24 2852 4716 Fax: +263 24 2870 566 Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au Email: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au

Question 1

Communications

Accepted Answer

Country Code for Zambia: +260

Official Travel advice visit: Zambia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller

Emergency Services: 999 Ambulance: 999 Fire: 999 Police: 999

The nearest Accredited Australian Embassy: Australia has a consulate in Lusaka, Zambia, who can provide limited consular assistance and conduct passport interviews. For full consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Lusaka:

May and Company, Glass House, 759 Independence Avenue, Roundabout 50975, Lusaka, Zambia

Phone: (+260) 779 108 449 Email: australian.consulate.zambia@gmail.com

Harare:

1 Green Close, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone: +263 24 2853 235 55 or +263 24 2852 4716
Fax: +263 24 2870 566

Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
Email: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au

Question 2

Customs

Accepted Answer

Zambia’s culture blends the values and spiritual traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse groups. Zambia is widely considered to be one of the friendliest and most welcoming nations in the world.

Question 3

Electricity

Accepted Answer

Electrical Socket type: Zambia uses three types of plugs - Type C, Type D, and Type G. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

Voltage: 230 Volts

Question 4

Health

Accepted Answer

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor and visit the Smart Traveller website.

Insect-borne diseases

There is a high risk of malaria throughout the year across Zambia. Consider medication to prevent malaria. Consult your doctor about which medication to take and for how long. To protect yourself:

always use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof

To protect yourself from illness:

drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid ice cubes
avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
avoid contact with animals
don't swim in freshwater

Please consult a medical practitioner or contact The Travel Doctor for your specific risk to preventable diseases and the appropriate avoidance measures. Australians travelling to Zambia should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover the length of their stay.

For further information please visit Smart Traveller: Zambia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller

Question 5

How to Get There & Getting Around

Accepted Answer

Zambia has an extensive network of domestic and international airports plus a host of airstrips in national parks for light fixed-wing aircraft. Lusaka, Ndola, Mfuwe and Livingstone all have major airports.

The cheapest and most widely used form of public transport in Zambia are minibus taxis. Standards of cleanliness, roadworthiness and safety vary. Cabs can be hired in cities but be sure to negotiate the rate or fee upfront. Uber is not widely used. Ulendo Taxi is a ride-hailing app mostly used in Lusaka and Kitwe.

Question 6

Holidays & Festivals

Accepted Answer

Zambia hosts over 20 annual traditional festivals, each narrating the rich tapestry of its customs, rituals, and spiritual heritage. These time-honoured traditions, passed down through generations, recount tales from eras before Western influence.

Kuomboka: This festival is perhaps the largest in Zambia. The Lozi people mark the end of the rainy season and the King (Litunga) and his community move from the flooded plains to higher ground in a grand procession of decorated canoes. The translation literally means to “get out of the water.” 
Nc’wala: Celebrated in February by the Ngoni tribe, this marks the first harvest of the year. The chief tastes the first fruits and performs sacred rituals.
Umutomboko: Held in July, this festival commemorates the migration and victories of the Lunda and Luba people.
Likumbi Lya Mize: Taking place in August, the festival of the Luvale people features Makishi dancers, who embody ancestral spirits.
Kazanga: One of Zambia's oldest ceremonies celebrates the Nkoya people and showcases music, dance and rituals. It occurs in June, July, or August.

Question 7

Language

Accepted Answer

The main language in Zambia is English, which is the official language and widely used in government, education, and business. There are also over 70 indigenous languages and dialects, with Bemba the most spoken.

Question 8

Money, Tipping & Shopping

Accepted Answer

The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). One kwacha is divided into 100 ngwee.

Kwacha note denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 ngwee. Smaller denominations – K20, K10 and less are best to travel with. Try to avoid K50 and K100 notes unless paying large amounts as vendors may not be able to give you change.

By law all payments within Zambia should only be made in kwachas but many shops, hotels, lodges and restaurants will accept US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. You may receive your change in kwachas. ATMs are available in major cities and towns. Visa and MasterCard cards are the most readily accepted cards.

Tipping in Zambia is a way to show your appreciation for good service and is at your discretion. In restaurants a 10% tip is considered polite if the service charge is not already included.

Consider tipping your safari guides US$10 per day, depending on the quality of service. For drivers, consider rounding up your fare and for porters, US$1 per bag is recommended.

Zambia’s souvenirs reflect its culture of craftsmanship. You'll find beautiful wood carvings, stone sculptures, handmade textiles and artisanal jewellery pieces available in most markets.

Question 9

Visas

Accepted Answer

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool.

Visa Advice

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa if staying in Zambia for 90 days or less.

Official travel advice is available by visiting Zambia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller

Zambia tours

Authentic Zambia

Essence of Zambia

Conservation Collection Zambia

Travel tips

Highlights

South Luangwa National Park

Kafue National Park

Busanga Plains

Lower Zambezi National Park

Livingstone

Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

Useful information