Travel Tips for Mozambique

Mozambique is a country in southeast Africa, famous for its spectacular coastline, white sandy beaches, and rich cultural traditions. With Portuguese as its official language, the country offers a unique blend of African and colonial influences. Visitors can enjoy activities such as safaris, diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago, and exploring the vibrant capital, Maputo. That’s why we’ve created this post where we give you all the travel tips for Mozambique you need to know before embarking on your adventure.

Read on to find out all the essentials, from what documentation you need for your trip to Mozambique, to other tips on mobility or internet connection within the country, among others. Plus, we’ll also show you the best way to organise your travel itinerary, all from your phone – don’t miss out!

1. What documents do I need to travel to Mozambique?

One of the first pieces of travel advice we can give you for Mozambique is to prepare the necessary documentation. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you leave the country and has three free pages for stamps. The immigration authorities are strict, so meeting these requirements is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival. If you’re travelling with children and only one parent, you’ll need a signed authorisation from the non-travelling parent.

Always carry your original passport with you, as photocopies are not accepted by the police and you could face problems if you don’t have it. On the other hand, it’s a good idea to make photocopies of your passport and entry stamp and have them notarised at the embassy or with a local notary. This way you can use them as a substitute for your original documents in case of loss or theft. And here’s the good news: as of March 2023, Spanish citizens do not need a visa to enter Mozambique for tourism or business, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. If you decide to stay longer, be sure to arrange an extension of your stay with the local authorities.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Money advice for a trip to Mozambique

Before you set off on your trip to Mozambique it’s worth bearing in mind a few money tips that may help you. The local currency is the Mozambican metical, and it is advisable to carry cash as it is not always possible to pay by card, especially in rural areas. You can exchange money at banks, the airport or authorised bureaux de change. And you can also withdraw cash from ATMs using an international card that doesn’t charge a fee. ATMs are available in cities such as Maputo and other urban centres, but are scarce in rural areas, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Make sure you carry enough cash to cover your day-to-day expenses, such as accommodation, transport and entrance fees to attractions. And consider carrying a little extra for emergencies. Also, it’s a good idea to keep small notes on hand at all times to facilitate transactions at local markets and shops. And, by the way, before you travel, notify your bank to avoid having your card blocked during the trip!

3. What is the best time to travel to Mozambique?

Mozambique has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season runs from December to April, when temperatures are high and rains are frequent, especially in the northern and central regions of the country. These rains can cause flooding and make some areas inaccessible, which can make travel difficult.

On the other hand, the dry season, which runs from May to November, is cooler and less humid, providing more pleasant weather conditions for tourism. During these months, the weather is ideal for enjoying the beautiful beaches, diving or snorkelling, and safaris in the national parks. Therefore, the best time to travel to Mozambique is between May and November, when the weather is more stable and conditions are optimal for exploring the country and enjoying its natural wonders.

4. How to get around Mozambique

Moving around Mozambique can be a challenge, especially due to the state of many roads and the lack of strict timetables for public transport. However, with some planning, road transport is not impossible and there are several options available.

For long hauls, flying is the best option, with domestic flights connecting major cities and resorts such as Maputo, Beira and Vilanculos. In addition to planes, the means of transport in Mozambique include buses, minibuses (called ‘chapas’), taxis and rental cars. Long-distance buses and minibuses are popular options, but schedules can be unpredictable and chapas are often crowded and uncomfortable. Taxis and hire cars offer greater flexibility and comfort, though it’s important to agree on a price before you start your journey.

To avoid complications with schedules and quality of transport, consider arranging your transport through a travel agent or your hotel. Or ask your accommodation for the best way to make the journey you’re interested in.

5. Is the water in Mozambique safe to drink?

When it comes to the potability of water, it is very important to note that in Mozambique it is not safe to drink in most areas. Drinking unbottled water can carry several health risks, including waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis A, and other gastrointestinal infections. To minimise these risks, it is recommended that certain precautions be taken:

• Drink only bottled water
• Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth
• Avoid ice cubes
• Clean fruits and vegetables with bottled water and preferably cooked.

By following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of water-related illnesses and enjoy your trip safely.

6. Cover yourself against unforeseen events: take out medical insurance

Buying travel insurance for Mozambique is essential to ensure your safety and peace of mind. As the health infrastructure in some areas can be limited, insurance to cover medical emergencies and evacuations is crucial to receive adequate care without facing high costs. It also protects you against other possible circumstances such as loss or theft of belongings.

One of the most important Mozambique travel tips is to choose insurance that covers the activities you plan to do, such as water sports or safaris. Good insurance, like Heymondo’s, provides you with assistance in difficult situations, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with the peace of mind of knowing that you are protected against unforeseen events while exploring this beautiful country.

7. Find flights and accommodation in advance

Searching for accommodation and flights in advance of your trip to Mozambique is a key strategy to ensure an experience with no surprises. As popular destinations such as the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago and major cities can be quite crowded, especially during the high season, booking early will give you access to a better selection of hotels and cheaper options. On the other hand, domestic and international flights can sell out quickly and prices tend to increase as you get closer to your travel date. By planning ahead, you not only ensure availability and better fares, but you can also enjoy your trip in a more relaxed way.

8. Try the local cuisine, one of the best travel tips for Mozambique

There is no doubt that one of the best things to do on a trip to Mozambique is to try the local cuisine. Mozambican cuisine is a feast of flavours, influenced by African and Portuguese traditions. Due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, seafood is the star, but other dishes such as piri-piri, chicken seasoned with a spicy chilli-based sauce, and matapa, which are cassava leaves cooked with peanuts, also stand out. Don’t miss the caril, a seafood, meat or vegetable curry. Dishes are often accompanied by xima, a kind of polenta made from corn. Diving into Mozambican cuisine is a delicious way to explore the country’s culture – don’t miss out!

9. What language is spoken in Mozambique?

When you travel to Mozambique, it is important to know that the official language is Portuguese. This is due to its long colonial history, and it is the language used in administration, education and the media. However, Mozambique is a country of great linguistic diversity, and in addition to Portuguese, numerous local languages and dialects are spoken, such as Macua, Tsonga, Sena, and Shona. These languages reflect the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the country and are often used in family and community settings and can be heard in more rural regions. In tourist areas, English is spoken with some frequency, especially by those working in the tourism industry, such as guides and hotel staff.

One of the tips for your trip to Mozambique to bear in mind is to learn some Portuguese phrases and expressions. Useful examples include ‘Bom dia’ (good morning), ‘Obrigado/a’ (thank you) and ‘Por favor’ (please). Familiarising yourself with some basic phrases will help you interact better with Mozambicans and enrich your travel experience.

10. Is it safe to travel to Mozambique?

Mozambique is a safe country to travel to, but it is important to take certain precautions and follow some tips to ensure a trouble-free experience. Although the country is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural diversity, there are security challenges to consider. Some northern regions, such as Cabo Delgado province, have faced conflict and insurgent activity in recent years, so it’s advisable to avoid these areas, as well as eastern Niassa province and northern Nampula province. In larger cities such as Maputo and Beira, it’s wise to be on the lookout for petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft, especially on public transport. So keep your belongings safe and avoid displaying valuables. And consider arranging your transfers in advance through reputable hotels or travel agencies.

As an additional security measure, it is advisable to contact your embassy before your trip, especially if you plan to visit high-risk areas, to receive up-to-date information and specific recommendations. With proper preparation and precautions, you can enjoy Mozambique’s natural beauty and vibrant culture safely. Always consult official sources and security updates before you depart to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.

11. Get an eSIM

Having an internet connection during your trip to Mozambique is essential to stay connected to the world, whether it’s to communicate with family and friends, access maps and guides, or share your experiences on social media. In addition, a secure internet connection is essential for making bookings without compromising your data and getting up-to-date information about your destination. As some areas of Mozambique are remote and free wifi can be hard to come by, even in many accommodations, having your own internet access can be key to ensuring a safe and well-organised trip.

One of the best tips to ensure a good internet connection during your trip to Mozambique is to sign up for an eSIM, such as the one from Holafly. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that you can activate on your phone without the need for a physical card, allowing you to enjoy mobile data from the moment you land. The advantages of an eSIM include the convenience of avoiding changing SIM cards, the ability to purchase local data plans without hassle, and the ability to keep your regular phone number active. In addition, eSIMs offer very competitive rates, unlike roaming, and better coverage, especially in international destinations, ensuring you are always connected.

12. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Mozambique

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspiration from other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own travel tips for Mozambique.
• Enjoy your trip to Mozambique!

If you have any doubts about how to do this, you can consult our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

13. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Mozambique