MAPUTO - FAQ`S
The Maputo airport (MPM) is situated four miles northwest of the city center of Maputo. Buses service the airport during the day, but the schedule is a bit erratic. Some hotels will organize airport transfers and taxis are available.
Several car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Avis and Hertz.
Taxis are usually available at the airport, metered and unmetered. Hotels generally send their buses to meet flights, but only if they have passengers on the flight with bookings at their hotel. This can also be arranged ahead of your arrival at your hotel.
You can walk the city center during the day, but steer clear of the central business district at night.
Metered (yellow-roofed) taxi is your best option for longer distances or at night but it is best to agree to a fare prior to your ride, many of the taxis do not have meters. Ask hotel desks or locals for guidance on reasonable fares.
"Tuk-Tuks" are also a great way to get around and see the city. The drivers are typically more fluent in English as they offer their servies as tour guides to the passengers of visiting cruise liners.
Mini-buses (or Chapa) are another way to get around and are very inexpensive. They work like small buses and have routes that crisscross the city. All major routes begin and end in either the downtown core/market area, called "Baixa, or in the middle of the city, on Av. 24 de Julho, called Museu. If you can speak Portuguese, then this is an excellent way to travel. Even if you don't know which Chapa to take, it's a great way to explore the city. If you get lost, just find a Chapa that is going to one of the major Chapa terminals within the city: Museu or Baixa. Generally, the navigators will be yelling the destinations. Prices are low, about MT 5 for most trips and about MT 7.5 for longer ones (one way). Drivers cannot get away with overcharging you because you can easily see what the locals are paying, or the locals themselves will object.*
*Chapa rides are an interesting and authentic form of transportation, however, they are not particularly safe. Even locals suffer from frequent pickpocketings on chapas, or while waiting at chapa stops. Also worth noting, they are always packed far beyond their originally intended capacity, seats are frequently broken, and many travelers have to stand up while riding, though there are no handrails or appropriate places to hang on like in larger buses. In addition, Chapa drivers are notorious for disrespecting traffic rules and taking unnecessary risks with passenger safety to cut a few minutes off the journey.
Maputo is found within a malaria area, so consult your medical proactitioner before you travel. If you choose to take prophylactics keep in mind that some brands require you to start the course of medication a few days, and sometimes up to a week ahead of your travel. Take along insect and mosquito repellents, and remember long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in the evenings.
Do not drink the tap water.
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for Mozambique, however, we recommend you consult with your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date recommendations, particularly in regard to malaria prophylactics. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Be aware of pickpocketers. Criminals are forceful and ruthless, often work in groups, and carry firearms. Expats and tourists have been targeted in the past, so be sure not to display any signs of wealth: jewelry, running shoes, cameras and purses should be left in the hotel or hidden extremely well.
We do not recommend walking alone (especially with women) on the beach or taking the bus unaccompanied. Unfortunately, attacks on female tourists have been increasing.
If you have a cell phone, do not flaunt it: pickpockets have been known to take cell phones right out of people's hands while they are talking on them.
The local police have a reputation for targeting foreigners in the area around popular backpacker hostels, bus stations, etc. Carry a certified copy of your passport (not your real one) and a copy of your visa too, so that there is no potential problem with the police (you are legally obliged to carry both at all times). Mozambican notaries can be found at (among other places) Av. Lenine, close to the park, and Av. Armando Tivane. Look for the signs that say "Cartorio Notarial." The lines look long, but they move fairly fast.
Also, do not expect the police station to be a sanctuary, the police have been known to hassle tourists at times. However, if an officer tries to fine you because he believes something is wrong with your passport, demand to be taken to the Chief of Police. He will almost certainly let you go because usually, he is only trying to solicit a bribe.
The currency of Mozambique is the Metical ('meticais' in plural), US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Maputo has ATMs and Visa cards are accepted at most places and for withdrawal. U.S. dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies.
Tipping has become standard practice in Mozambique, particularly in tourist areas where a tip of about 10 percent is expected in restaurants.
Maputo is hot just about year-round. It's a tropical destination after all. But if you're looking for a little bit of reprieve from the heat then head there in the wintertime (especially in June and July) when it's a little bit cooler. Though you can still expect temperatures in the high 70sF.
Summertime, especially around December and January can be stifling hot and humid, with temperatures in the mid 80sF. Make sure you have a sun hate, sun screen, and air conditioning or a fan at your accommodations. The wet season is usually from December to March, this is when it's most humid.
Portuguese is the country's official language, but it is only spoken by around half the population. Besides this, more than 60 different dialects of Bantu languages can be found in Mozambique. English is generally spoken in hotels and beach lodges. We suggest you get a translation app on your phone or book to be able to translate English - Portuguese, as well as learn a few words, such as hello, goodbye, please, and thank you.
What is the food like?
Seafood is naturally a local specialty, which isn't much of a surprise seeing as the Indian Ocean is right next door. The local cuisine is a mixture of African, Portuguese, Middle Eastern and Indian/Pakistani cuisine. All these different cuisines are served at various areas in the city.
Lobster, shrimp and crab are among the most appetizing and popular amongst visitors, but don't miss the opportunity to try other snacks such as Matapa.
There is no shortage of places to immerse yourself in the local flavors. We suggest a visit to the fish market, where there are several options to eat.
Mozambique is relatively progressive when it comes to LGBTQ rights, although some conservative attitudes exist. Homosexual acts were legalized in 2015, but all visitors are still expected to maintain an understanding of cultural sensitivity concerning this issue. Regardless of orientation, discretion should be practiced at sites of antiquity as well as during day-to-day touring.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police or 117 for an ambulance.