£1 ZMW 25.01
Today
4:57 am
+2h from you
Weather in Zambia
Zambia
27°
Overcast
Fri
17
27
Sat
18
27
Sun
18
28
Mon
18
28
Tue
18
28
SPF level in Zambia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Zambia
Tipping in Zambia
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Zambia, but it is not mandatory.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
5-10 ZMW per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ZMW per day, left at the end of the stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price
Safety in Zambia
Tips for British travellers
Zambia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pre-arrange transport to avoid walking at night and stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
It is illegal to possess pornographic material in Zambia, and offenders may be jailed or deported.
It is illegal to possess or use drugs, including marijuana, as it is a serious offence.
Adventure sports, including in the Victoria Falls area, carry risks, so follow safety instructions closely and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
It is dangerous to drive outside main towns after dark due to abandoned vehicles, pedestrians, stray animals, and vehicles without lights.
Bonus tips:
Keep valuables and original documents in a safe place and carry a copy of your passport's photo page and entry stamp.
Travel by long-distance public transport can be dangerous due to poor driving, vehicle quality, and road conditions.
Driving in Zambia
A UK driving license is valid for up to 6 months. An international driving permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
991
Ambulance
992
Fire
993
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Zambia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Zambia operates on 230V at 50Hz. Plug types C, D, and G are used. UK travelers typically don't need an adapter since Type G is also used in the UK, but it's wise to bring one in case your accommodation only has Type C or D sockets.
Cards & payments
Limited, mostly in larger establishments and tourist areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Zambia
Limited, mostly in larger cities and tourist areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are available in major cities, but not always reliable. It's recommended to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to rural areas.
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your UK mobile provider for roaming charges in Zambia. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
5GB for 300 ZMW (~£12)
Network coverage
2G, 3G, 4G
Local carriers
MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia, Zamtel
WiFi & internet
Available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in larger cities, but can be unreliable and slow.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Internet access is limited, especially in rural areas. WiFi is usually available in major hotels and restaurants, but the speed and reliability can vary.
Health & vaccinations in Zambia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake. You should also check the latest guidance from the UK government's National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Fit for Travel website.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever (proof of vaccination may be required for entry if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission)
Malaria is a risk in Zambia, so you should take appropriate antimalarial medication. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also present. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep under a mosquito net. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Take precautions to avoid exposure. Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Lusaka. Ensure you have sufficient supplies of any prescription medications you require.
Calling Zambia
Country code
+260
To call Zambia from the UK, dial 00 260 followed by the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Lusaka, you would dial 00 260 211 423200.
The country code for Zambia is 260. When calling Zambia from outside the country, you need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Zambia country code, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Zambia
British High Commission Lusaka
British High Commission, Diplomatic Park, plot 5210, United Nations Avenue, Lusaka
Airports in Zambia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.