There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All media and business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well.
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The Zambian currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), divided into 100 ngwee, but the coins are now worthless and seldom used. It is best to bring travellers cheques, US dollars or Pounds Sterling which can be exchanged at the many bureaux de change found in the main towns. Travellers cheques in South African rand or US dollars are recommended. While most of the tourist hotels, restaurants, travel agents and larger shops, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone, accept credit cards many outlets in the rural areas do not and deal only in local currency. ATMs are available in Lusaka and some of the major towns. Banking hours vary but are usually 8.30am to 2.30pm on weekdays and mornings of the first and last Saturday of the month.
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The international dialling code for Zambia is +260. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00 27 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Lusaka and (0)3 for Livingstone. Operator assisted calls can be booked by dialling 090 or 093. Public telephones are widely available, most requiring tokens. Connections tend to be bad, particularly outside of Lusaka. There are GSM 900 cell phone networks in operation, but coverage is limited mainly to urban areas. There are several Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka, and secretarial services in Lusaka offer full telephone, fax, telex and email facilities. Postal services are fairly reliable.
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Tipping is discouraged, but still practised on occasion and is usually about 10 per cent. A 10 per cent service charge is included in bills, but tipping in hotels is against the law.
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Most visits to Zambia are trouble free, but visitors should be aware that car hijackings and armed robberies are increasing, and mugging, bag-snatching and theft from parked cars is common in downtown areas. Luxury 4x4 vehicles in particular are being targeted for vehicle hijacking. Visitors should avoid the Cairo Road in Lusaka, which is dangerous due to violent robberies. Be vigilant and do not display tempting valuables.
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Polio, typhoid, rabies and Hepatitis A vaccinations, and malaria prevention measures are recommended, and yellow fever innoculation is a requirement for entry for those coming from an infected area. Malaria is endemic in Zambia and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. The country also has one of the highest rates of HIV/Aids infection worldwide. Avoid swimming or wading in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers due to the presence of bilharzia. Medical facilities in the country are under-developed and limited to the point that basic drugs and even clean needles are often not available. The small clinics in Lusaka are regarded as superior to the general hospitals, but clinics in rural areas are rarely stocked with anything more than aspirin or band-aids. Full travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation by air, is therefore essential and it is vital to bring a good first aid kit. Avoid food bought from local street vendors and ensure drinking water is filtered and boiled, or bought in sealed, branded bottles.
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