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| Mozambique: Facts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Seasons and Temperatures April to September (the cool, dry season) Little rain is received in these months and daytime temperatures on the coast range around 24 - 27 C (80 F) while in the interior temperatures are generally cooler. December to March (the hot, rainy season) Marked by electrical storms usually in the afternoons, preceded by humid build-ups in the mornings. Rainfall of well over 200mm a month can be received. Temperatures generally range from 27 - 31 C (80 - 85 F) while again it's less humid and cooler in the interior. The northern coastline areas tend to be hotter still, sometimes soaring into the high 30's C (100 F). Best months to visit The cooler dry months April to September to benefit from the best wildlife viewing and excellent weather. It's less humid on the coast too but it can still be very hot on the northern coastline. One should also be aware that the cyclone season is from November to May - substantial washing away of roads, bridges and land communications has been enacted in the past. The southern beaches can be crowded during South African school holidays (Dec, Jan, early April, July, late September) so avoid those periods if you can. Customs and Immigration Customs Persons may bring in 750ml of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 250g tobacco) duty free. Firearms and ammunition must be declared and a permit will be issued. Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but any game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items require export permits since Mozambique is a member of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Immigration Officials require to see an onward air ticket (a ticket out of a neighbouring country will usually suffice), as well as check that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Mozambique. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency brought into the country but it must declared on a currency declaration form. The carrying of local currency (Meticais) is prohibited. Visitors leaving the country by air are subject to an airport tax of US$20 (destinations outside Africa), US$10 (destinations within Africa), US$7 (destinations within Mozambique) - these must be paid in cash, NOT travellers cheques. Money Currency The local currency is the Metical (Mt), plural Meticais (pronounced 'Meticash'). You will note by the exchange rate that it is necessary to carry wads of the higher notes that are issued in 100 000, 50 000, 10 000, 5 000, 1000, and 500. For current exchange rates click here, Exchange Rates Credit Cards Apart from a few top hotels and restaurants in Maputo you will find your credit card of little use, cash or travellers cheques are the best (see Changing Money below). Banks There are several established banks in Mozambique - the main ones are Banco Commercial de Mocambique (BCM), Banco Popular de Desenvolvimento (BPD) and Banco Standard Totta. Both BCM and BPD have branches all over the country. Banking hours are normally 7.45 am - 11.00 am Monday to Friday, and closed Saturdays and Sundays. Changing Money You can change money over the counter at the following main banks: Banco Commercial de Mocambique (BCM), Banco Popular de Desenvolvimento (BPD) and Banco Standard Totta. Both BCM and BPD have branches all over the country. It is best to bring in US dollars or Rand(if travelling in the south) in cash as the bank charges and commissions are high and British pounds or Euros will only really be recognised in Maputo. Some bureaux de changes in Maputo and other large towns offer rates upto 5% better than the banks. There are no restrictions on foreign currency dealings so you can also freely change back Meticais into US dollars at the end of your holiday. Avoid dealing with moneychangers on the streets as such transactions are often scams. TOP |
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