The official language is English, Chichewa is used more often.
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The official currency is the kwacha, which is broken down into 100 tambalas. Banks and some hotels will accept traveller’s cheques and foreign cash. Don’t depend on ATMs for cash; they’re few and far between. Only a few places accept credit cards, and the US dollar is the easiest form of currency to exchange.
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Malawi’s international country code is 265. To call another country from Malawi, dial 101 followed by the appropriate country code. Telephones can be unreliable, but most towns and tourist areas have Internet, email and fax capabilities.
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National park guides are usually tipped, but in general it's left up to the tourist's discretion.
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Most visitors enjoy trouble-free stays in Malawi, but you should still use common sense, especially after at nighttime. Keep your eyes open for muggers and purse snatchers, and beware of money scams, robberies and hijacked vehicles. In Lilongwe, be especially careful around the bus station and on Kenyatta Drive, where most problems occur.
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If you’re travelling from an area infected with yellow fever, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entering the country. Malaria is prevalent year round. Check with local authorities regarding the risk of bilharzias in parts of Lake Malawi. Vaccinations are recommended for typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus, rabies and polio. Some of the national parks have tsetse flies, which can cause African sleeping sickness. HIV/AIDS is widespread. Stick to bottled water, especially in rural areas. The country’s medical facilities are basic and often require immediate cash payment, so make sure you’re covered by health insurance.
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The electrical current is 220/240 volts, 50Hz (three-pinned, rectangular blade plugs).
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