Time Difference
Zambia is one hour ahead GMT and observes Central African Time (CAT) all year, so the clocks do not change seasonally.
Money
The currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK). Cash or travellers’ checks are the recommended means of payment. Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, and in banks, but mainly in Lusaka. And there are no ATMs. Banks open from 8am to 2pm or 3pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 12pm on Friday and Saturday. There are no ATMs.
Electricity
The standard voltage is 220 volts, or even 240 volts in alternating current. The sockets are three-pin (two, 2 flat horizontal and one vertical). We advise you to bringing an adapter for all your electrical appliances. In the lodges, electricity is sometimes provided by a generator which only works at certain times of the day. Power cuts are frequent. If you need to recharge the batteries of your electronic devices (laptop, digital camera), this is possible in some lodges and/or hotels (at the discretion of the managers).
Shops and Amenities
Businesses are generally open from 8am to 12pm and from 1pm to 4pm from Monday to Saturday.
Media
There are two main radios stations, and the two biggest newspapers are the Lusaka Times and the Times of Zambia.
Phone
The telephone network in Zambia does not work well. Calls are often confused or cut off and lines are very congested. To call Zambia from United Kingdom, dial: 00 - 260 - area code and a landline number, or 00 - 260 and a mobile number. To call United Kingdom from Zambia, dial: 00 - 44 - area code and a landline number, or 00 - 44 – and a mobile number.
Internet and Mobile Coverage
In most cases, you have unlimited use of WiFi for free. Depending on where you are, you may be able to find WiFi on local public transportation. In major cities, buses and trains are usually equipped with it. Airtel, MTN, Vodafone, and Zamtel are the main mobile providers in Zambia.
