Local Information

1. Climate

Although Zambia lies within the tropics, much of the country has a pleasant climate because of high altitude. Both temperature and rainfall are closely affected and moderated by the altitude of the terrain. Temperatures are highest in the valleys of the Zambezi, Luangwa and Kafue rivers and by the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mweru and Bangweulu.

There are wide seasonal variations in temperatures and rainfall. The highest temperatures come before the rains. October is the hottest month. The main raining season starts in mid-November, with heavy tropical storms lasting well into April. The Northern Province has a rainfall of from 30 - 36 inches. May to middle of August is regarded as the cool season, after which temperatures rise rapidly. September usually is very dry.

Livingstone has a hot climate, with extreme temperatures of 40.6°C (105°F) and -3°C (27°F) and an annual rainfall of almost 30 inches. From May to July the weather is perfect. Lusaka at 4,100 ft, has extreme temperatures of 39°C (100°F) and 5°C (41°F) and an average annual rainfall of 45 inches

2. Local Time

3. Visas & Immigration

Visas are required by all visitors except nationals from Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Bahamas, Botswana, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Kenya, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Nevis, New Zealand, St. Christopher, St Vincent , St. Lucia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Somoa, and Zimbabwe. You may be asked to show if you have sufficient funds to support your stay. Passports must be valid for at last six months after your intended departure date.

Note: Visa requirements change fairly regularly so it is advisable to check with your Consulate or Embassy. See listing of some Zambian Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

4. Money

Official Currency: Kwacha = 100 Ngwee. For Current Exchange Rate please visit: http://coinmill.com/USD_calculator.html#USD=1

In Lusaka it is fairly easy to change traveler's cheques, as long as you provide the original purchase receipt. Private exchange bureaus normally do not change traveler's cheques, and if they do, the exchange rate is considerably lower than for cash. Cash US$ are appreciated everywhere, although you can only purchase with them in bigger shopping centers and hotels.

It is a good idea to bring a credit card as it might come in handy in some situations. The number of places where you can make payments with credit cards is very limited through. Very few hotels accept payments using credit cards in Lusaka and else where in Zambia,many lodges, and businesses prefer payment in hard currency or travelers cheques.

ATMs are available for most Banks in most cities of the Country where you can withdraw cash (kwachas) with your visa or visa electron card. The machines are sometimes empty or out of order, particularly in the weekends, so don't rely only on them. It is advisable to keep a little spare cash somewhere safe.

5. Banking and Business Hours

Banking : Monday to Friday: 08:15 – 14:30 hours.

Shops: Monday to Friday 08:00 -17:00 hour; Saturday: 08:00 -13:00 hours

6. Electrical Power

Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The commonly used plugs are rectangular blade plus which can be viewed on: http://kropla.com/!g.htm

7. Travel from the Airport and other Facilities

As conference organisers we are trying our best to put measures in place to pick up our delegates from the Airport and from Hotels to the venue. However, if we are not successful with our efforts to get sponsorship for this activity, you will need to arrange transport on your on. The following information will therefore be useful to you.

1. Lusaka international Airport is situated 27 km from Lusaka Town Centre. There is an affordable airport bus service and taxis are also available. If you decide to use the taxi, please ensure that you book official taxis painted blue and bearing red car registration numbers. The cost of taxis varies depending on the distance but it is important for you to agree on the charge before you start your trip. The maximum cost of transport to registered hotels you would pay is US$25.
2. Most Hotels do provide airport transfers, so arrange in advance with your hotel if you require this service.
3. Most major car hire companies are represented at the airport terminal. Cars in Zambia are often hired with a chauffeur.
4. The airport has a bank with Bureau de Change, a post office, restaurant, bar, duty-free shop, chemist, newsagent and a VIP lounge. A tourist help desk and travel agent can also be found in the airport terminal building, as well as a business centre.
5. A tax of US$25 (cash only) is levied for departing international travelers and US$8 for those departing domestic travelers. However, confirm with your travel agent whether the air ticket include this tax or not.

8. Public Transport

Most of the listed hotels and lodges are along the roads supplied by public buses. The buses are painted blue. Estimate to spend US$1 for a one way journey. As public transport is not reliable in terms of keeping time, one need to allow for a lot of time before reaching the destination. It is therefore recommended that if you have appointments or are attending meetings, the best way is to book a taxi.

The bus stop near the Conference Centre is Arcades bus stop.

9. Security

The security situation in Lusaka changes from time to time. Just like any capital city of any country you need to take precautionary measures to avoid putting your security at risk. A few precautions are necessary, but please note that the purpose of this information is not to get you scared, let alone cancel your visit.

During daytime it is normally OK to walk around the main streets of Lusaka. For your own safety, do not carry large amounts of money or other valuables with you on your walks. Generally it is better to avoid places where there are no street lights or other people, and do not get accompanied by people you do not know.

Do not display your money in public, and keep your bulk wallet in a secure place. Just keep a small amount of cash somewhere handy and never keep all your valuables in the same place.

Please keep your ID or passport, your tickets and all other important documents in a secure place. If you wish, you can keep your valuables in the safe of your hotel It is advisable to carry some sort of ID and a copy of your visa with you at all times, in case you are asked to prove that you are legally in the country.

10. Communication

Post & fax services

The nearest place you can post letters from the conference centre is Post Net offices at Arcades shopping center. There are a lot of cafes at arcades where you may be able to send emails and faxes at a fee.

Telephones

To call outside Zambia, dial 00 + the country code + the city code (minus the first number) + the phone number. The dialing code from outside for Zambia is +260, the city code for Lusaka is 21 from outside the country, 1 from inside. Making phone calls from hotels is expensive so try to avoid.

Mobile phones

Getting a pre-paid Zambian line is easy: just get to the nearest Celtel, Cell Z, Telecel or shop, pay US$1.5 to US$5 dollars worth of Kwacha and start talking.

To recharge more speaking time you can buy top up cards with programming instructions at either 5, 10, 20 or 50 USD (in Kwacha equivalent) at many locations.

If your interested to ask specific details, you are more than welcome to send the enquires to the organizing committee using the addresses provided on the website.

11. Currency Restrictions

The import or export of local currency is limited to the equivalent of United States dollar five thousand. (US $ 5,000) subject to the declaration on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import. For more information visit the Zambia National Tourist Board website on http://www.zamnet.zm/zamnet/zntb/zntb.html#health

12. Health

Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. All passengers must hold an International Certificate of Vaccination' booklet even if no vaccination is required. Travelers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

Chorela: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Zambia. However, there are chances of cholera breaking out especially during the rainy season. Precautions are therefore essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccinations, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

Malaria: Malaria risk exists, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, in the whole country throughout the year. The malignant form is reported to be 'highly resistant' to chloroquine.

Water used for drinking or making ice should be boiled or sterilised.

Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are generally safe for consumption.

Meat: Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot.

Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe.

Health care: Health service is not free and health insurance is advisable. Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies.

For more details visit the Zambia National Tourist Board website on http://www.zamnet.zm/zamnet/zntb/zntb.html#health

We look forward to welcoming you to Zambia in July.