Jurisdiction Guide

May to October brings dry and cooler weather, ideal for travel. Rainfall and heat increase from November to April, especially up north and inland.

Cash is king outside major cities; carry meticais or US dollars. Tipping is appreciated but not expected, usually 5-10 percent in restaurants. Most people speak basic Portuguese, but English is rare outside tourist areas. Get a local SIM card from Vodacom or Movitel at the airport or city shops. Minibus taxis (chapas) are cheap but crowded and rarely on time.

Greet people with a handshake and a smile. Dress modestly, especially in rural places and on islands. Remove shoes when entering someone's home. Eating with your right hand is standard, especially when sharing platters. Public displays of affection are best kept discreet.

Petty theft and bag snatching happen in cities; keep your belongings close. Roads outside Maputo can be rough and poorly marked, and night driving is risky. Cyclones and severe storms hit the coast from January to March. Malaria is common, so use repellent and consider prophylaxis.

Visit Ibo Island in the Quirimbas for faded colonial charm and quiet. Explore Gurué's tea plantations in the north for cool mountains and hikes. Snorkel or kayak at Ponta do Ouro's quieter beaches near the South African border.

Most travelers need a visa, which you can get on arrival at international airports or apply for online. South Africans and citizens from a few African countries have visa-free entry. Tourist, business, and transit visas are available. Long-term remote work and residency options are limited and regulations can change without notice.

Domestic flights link Maputo with Beira, Nampula, and northern cities. Intercity buses connect main towns but can be slow. Chapas offer local rides within cities and between villages but fill up before leaving. Car rentals are possible but check road conditions outside urban areas.

Try matapa, a stew of cassava leaves, coconut, and peanuts, or piri-piri chicken and fresh grilled seafood. Street-side stalls offer snacks like fried cassava and badjia (bean fritters). Beer and cashew wine are local favorites. Tap water isn't safe; stick to bottled or boiled drinks. Vegetarian options exist but expect rice or beans with basic vegetables.

Budget travelers spend around $20-35 a day, mid-range $50-100, and comfortable hotels run $120 and up in Maputo. Maputo is pricier than coastal and rural towns. A local meal costs $2-5, while beer is about $1.50. Island lodges and private transport can increase costs quickly.