Some Interesting Facts About Zimbabwe

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
March 25 - 28 Good Friday to Easter Monday
April 18 Independence Day
May 1 Workers' Day
May 25 Africa Day
August 11 Heroes' Day
August 12 Armed Forces Day
December 22 Unity Day
December 25 Christmas Day  
December 26 Boxing Day

Weekend - Sunday

Customs & Duties

The following items may be imported into Zimbabwe without incurring customs duty:

Goods up to a value of Z$1000 per person inclusive of tobacco, perfume and gifts; for persons of 18 years of age or older, 5 litres of alcoholic beverages (up to 2 litres of which may be spirits).
Permits are required and are issued on arrival for firearms and ammunition. Agricultural products require an import license. Please note that the import of drugs, honey, pornographic literature, toy firearms, flick knives and lockable knives is prohibited.

Electricity

220/230V. A 3-pin square plug is used.

Weights & Measures

The Metric system is in use.

Tipping

Taxi drivers and some tourist class hotels and restaurants expect a 10 percent tip. Some establishments however add a 10 percent service charge on their bill.

Post & Communications

There is a reasonably good system of posts and communications in the country. Full international dialing is available. Telegrams and faxes can be sent from any post office or big hotel. Airmail to Europe may take up to one week.

English Language Media

English being the official language in Zimbabwe, the English-language tourist will have no problems finding publications, television and radio. The main English-language newspapers are The Herald, The Chronicle, The Financial Gazette and The Sunday Mail.