BANKING

• The Bank of Zambia is the central bank of the country.
• ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
• Most major international credit and debit cards are accepted at ATMs and shops.
• Banking hours are typically from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00.

CURRENCY:

• Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
• ISO code: ZMW
• Currency Subunit: ngwee
• Banknote units: 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 Kwacha.
• Coin units: 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 ngwee.

AIR

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka is the main international airport in Zambia.
• Several domestic airlines operate flights between major cities.
• Inbound / Outbound Airlines: Search for flights here.

ROAD

• Zambia has a network of paved and unpaved roads.
• Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the country.
• Driving in Zambia is on the left-hand side of the road.

BUS & RAIL

• Bus services are available between major cities and towns.
• There are limited rail services in Zambia.

WATER

• Zambia shares borders with several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania, which have water bodies.
• There are limited options for traveling by water within Zambia.

Food and water safety:

• It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid tap water.
• Be cautious when choosing street food, especially in less developed areas.

Local cuisine: 

• Zambian cuisine is influenced by various cultures, including African, European, and Asian.
• Popular dishes include nshima (a maize meal porridge), kapenta (dried fish), and sadza (a maize meal).

Local Drinks: 

• Chibuku, a locally brewed maize beer, is a popular drink.
• Other popular drinks include sodas, juices, and bottled water.

Tipping: 

• Tipping is common in Zambia.
• A typical tipping amount is 10% of the bill for restaurants and hotels.

Seasons:

Zambia has two main seasons:

• Dry season from May to October)
• Rainy season from November to April.

Climate and Weather:

• The climate in Zambia is tropical, with hot temperatures and high humidity.
• The rainy season is characterized by heavy rainfall and occasional flooding.

Best time to visit:

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Zambia, as it offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Summer Clothing:

• Light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics is ideal for the hot weather.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.

Winter Clothing:

While temperatures can drop at night during the dry season, warm clothing is generally not necessary.

General:

Modest dress is generally appreciated in Zambia, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

Internet Availability:

Internet access is available in major cities and tourist areas, but it can be slow and unreliable in some regions.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

• The standard voltage in Zambia is 220 volts.
• Three-pin round plugs are commonly used.