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Fast Facts
Banks -- Almost everyone prefers foreign currency, and the bank exchange rate in Zimbabwe is never an accurate reflection of the devaluation of the Z$. If you really do need local currency in Victoria Falls, there are a few local banks along Livingstone Way. On the Zambian side, you can buy kwacha (Zambian currency) at hotels, or use the ATM at The Falls casino and entertainment center, near the border.
Business Hours -- Shops are generally open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm (some close Sat evening), and Sunday mornings. Activity centers and markets are open daily; many close only when the last traveler leaves.
Crime -- Despite the land-grab crisis elsewhere in Zimbabwe, the falls remain largely unaffected and relatively safe. Following the fatal stabbing of a visitor in January 2003, hoteliers in Victoria Falls instituted a Tourism Police service, with guards patrolling the main drag. Avoid petty crime by not flashing valuables, and stay in groups, particularly at night; also stay clear of deserted areas, including the banks of the Zambezi. Bear in mind that Livingstone is a much larger town than Victoria Falls, and many people live here to cash in on tourists; be alert and don't walk around alone.
Doctors -- In Livingstone: Contact Dr. Shafik, 1115 Kateti Rd. (tel. 260/3/32-1130 or -1320). In Victoria Falls: Contact Dr. Nyoni at the Victoria Falls Surgery, West Drive, off Park Way (tel. 263/13/43356; Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 9:30-5pm; after hours tel. 263/13/40529).
Drugstores -- Drugstores are called chemists or pharmacies. In Livingstone: Visit Moore Chemist on Akapelwa Street (tel. 260/3/32-1640). In Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Pharmacy is located in Phumula Centre, Park Way (tel. 263/13/44403; Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-noon). A drugstore in the Kingdom Hotel is open daily.
Electricity -- Electricity in southern Africa runs on 220/230V, 50Hz AC, and sockets in Zimbabwe and Zambia take flat-pinned plugs. Bring an adapter/voltage converter; note that some bush camps have no electricity.
Embassies & Consulates -- All offices are located in the capital cities of Harare (Zimbabwe) and Lusaka (Zambia); if you have any diplomatic problems, speak to your hotel manager and ask him/her to contact your country's local representative.
Emergencies -- Your hotel or lodge is your best bet for the safest medical and emergency care. Alternatively, contact Medical Air Rescue Service, a 24-hour emergency evacuation service (tel. 263/13/44764). For an ambulance, call tel. 44210; for the police, call tel. 44206; to report a fire, call tel. 44400; for general emergencies, call tel. 112 or 44206.
Health -- Malaria -- Consult your physician before leaving about starting a course of antimalarial prophylactics. If you suspect you have malaria, get to a doctor immediately for a test.
Language -- English is widely spoken in the tourist regions of both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Taxes -- Sales tax is 15% in Zimbabwe; 17.5% VAT is charged in Zambia -- check that this is included in the price.
Telephone -- Phone numbers in this chapter use codes for three countries.
Time Zone -- Both Zimbabwe and Zambia are 5 hours ahead of GMT, or 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Tipping -- For a meal, leave 10%; for small services such as hotel porters carrying your bags, tip US$1 to US$3 or the equivalent.
Water -- Tap water is generally considered safe, but it's worth asking first. You're often better off drinking the bottled water provided in your hotel room, since local water is less processed and may be richer in mineral content than your stomach is used to.
Wildlife -- Keep your eye out for elephants and hippos when you're out walking, cycling, or canoeing -- do not block their routes; it's best not to turn around, but back away slowly. When driving on highways that are part of national parkland, never speed, and keep a watchful eye out for animals emerging from the bush to cross the road. Baboons are a nuisance on both sides of the falls. Keep food out of sight and remember that -- like all wild animals -- they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
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Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's South Africa, 5th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Victoria Falls
