Some Interesting Facts About Zambia

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day
March 12 Youth Day
March 25 - 28 Good Friday to Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 25 Africa Day
July 4 Heroes' Day
July 5 Unity Day
August 1 Farmers' Day
August 12 Defence Day
November 1 All Saints' Day
October 24 Independence Day
December 25 Christmas Day

Holidays occuring on a Sunday are observed on the Monday following.
Weekend - Saturday, Sunday

Customs & Duties

The items that can be brought into Zambia without incurring customs and duties are: 200 cigarettes or 450g of tobacco and one opened bottle of alcoholic drinks for personal consumption. If you are importing anything that is even remotely connected to wildlife, you will require a permit.

Electricity

220v/240v, 50hz are the specifications available. It makes good sense, though, to carry an adaptor for your electronic gadgets.

Post & Communications

The Zambian postal system is very reliable. A letter to EU countries will cost $1 and a letter to non-EU member countries will cost you $1.50.The major cities have international dialling facilities. You can get internet facilities at the major cities, especially at Livingstone and Lusaka. GSM 900 network is limited to Lusaka area only. Most hotels and some public outlets have fax facilities in Lusaka.

Weights and measures

The metric system is used in Zambia.

Tipping

10% sales tax is charged at all establishments. Tipping has been legally abolished in restaurants. Use your discretion for porters and taxi drivers. Tip only if someone has been of service to you.

English Language Media

The Times of Zambia, Zambia Daily Mail, Sunday Times of Zambia, Profit Magazine, Sunday Mail and several other daily and weekly newspapers are published in Zambia.