(Last updated: 2 Jul 2011)

Visas

A valid passport and visa are required to travel to Zambia.

Climate

Summer clothing is worn mid-August to mid-May and light woollens in winter (mid-May to mid-August). Temperatures range from 32ºC in October/November to 16ºC in June/July. Annual rainfall averages 86 centimetres. Humidity is quite low except during the rainy season (November-April).

For weather details in Zambia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Ground transport

Paved roads lead from Lusaka to Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zaire. Rental cars and an inner-city luxury bus service are available.

Security and health

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Zambia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Crime is widespread in Zambia. Armed car-jackings, muggings and petty theft are commonplace in Lusaka and other major cities. Do not travel at night, both in Lusaka and on roads outside the city.

Health

Medical care is sub-standard throughout Zambia including in Lusaka and the copper belt. Johannesburg is the nearest medical evacuation centre.

Vaccination against yellow fever and typhoid is recommended, especially if you’re travelling outside of urban areas. It is best to consult your doctor to determine what vaccines should be given. Malaria is also prevalent and mosquito nets and protective clothing are advisable.

A number of diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Take precautions where you can and it is recommended to take anti-diarrhoeal drugs with you.

HIV/AIDS is present in over 10 per cent of the adult population putting Zambia in the top tier of all countries. The health industry recently received a major boost in spending to combat the AIDS pandemic.

Zambia is in the highest risk category for tuberculosis – over 100 cases per 100,000 population.

Time zones and time differences

Zambia is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Lusaka, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Zambia's country code is 260.

For calls to Zambia from Australia dial: 0011 + 260 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Zambia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Public holidays

January 2 – Youth Day
May 1 – Labour Day
May 25 – Africa Day
July 3 – Heroes' Day
July 4 – Unity Day
August 7 – Farmers' Day
October 24 – Independence Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The currency is the Kwacha (ZK).

Electricity and water

Zambia’s power supply is 220/240 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.