Electrical sockets (outlets) in Malawi are the "Type G " British BS-1363 type (three rectangular blade plug). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.Electrical sockets (outlets) in Malawi (formerly Nyasaland) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.

Unless you are making a big purchase, $200 in cash per person per week would cover the cost of beverages, mineral water, sodas, teas etc. and a few presents bought during a typical stay. If you are thinking about buying antique gifts or animal skins you will need an export certificate to legally take them out of the country. The local currency is known as Kwacha (MWK; symbol Mk) which is equal to 100 tambala. Notes come in denominations of Mk500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Mk1 as well as 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala.The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is limited to K3,000. The export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount imported and must be declared on departure.BankingBanking hours are from Mon-Fri 0800-1400.Acceptance of credit and debit cards is very limited, although in Lilongwe and Blantyre and in main hotels, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa can be used.Traveler's cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels and other institutions. In remote areas, the Treasury Office of Local District Commissioner's offices will cash traveler's cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's cheques in US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds Sterling or South African Rand.There are ATMs available in the major cities but it is advisable to check with your bank at home to find out if your card is compatible with Malawian ATMs. ATM services in more rural areas are extremely limited so plan accordingly.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.Hotel restaurants and many of those in the cities are of a good standard. They offer a wide choice of dishes including European, Korean and Chinese as well as authentic Malawi dishes and haute cuisine. Poultry and dairy produce are plentiful and tropical fruits are abundant in season.Typical Malawian specialties include fresh fish from Lake Malawi. Chambo (Tilapia fish) being the main lake delicacy. There is also trout available from streams on the Zomba, Mulanje and Nyika plateaus. White maize is commonly eaten with vegetables and sometimes meat or fish. Nthochi bread (made with banana) is very popular with locals and travelers alike as are Mbatata cookies (made with sweet potato and cinnamon).The local beer is very good and Malawi gin and tonic is well known and inexpensive, with almost cult status.Tipping is generally not expected, but some employees who are very poorly paid might appreciate a small tip for good service.

Varies from cool in the highlands to warm around Lake Malawi. Winter (May to July) is dry and nights can be chilly, particularly in the highlands. The rainy season runs from November to March. Around Lake Malawi, in winter, the climate is particularly dry with pleasant cooling breezes.

Air Malawi (QM) is defunct as of 2013. Domestic flights are served by charter airline Ulendo Airlink (www.flyulendo.com) which serves destinations including Lilongwe, Chelinda and Likoma Island.All major roads are tarmac and most secondary roads are in decent condition. Some roads in the more rural areas may be in bad condition particularly in rainy weather.Car hire services are becoming increasingly available, with a number of companies offering a wide choice of vehicles. Standards do vary (even with the internationally franchised chains) so it is worth seeking a recommendation. Nonetheless, cars should be reserved well in advance as they are very much in demand. Chauffeur-driven cars are also available. Malawians drive on the left side of the road. Drivers will be required to hold an International Driving Permit. Be aware that, for some reason, Malawian drivers seem to believe that by not using their headlights will conserve the life of their car battery, so driving after dark can be dangerous.There are bus services in all major cities but bus services in rural areas are limited.Taxis are available in the main towns but they are in short supply and cannot be hailed on the street. Taxi drivers typically expect a tip.Central East African Railways (tel: 01 640 844) operates the lines in the country. The main route connects Mchinji, Lilongwe, Salima, Chipoka, Blantyre, Limbe and Nsanje. Trains tend to be slow and crowded and are seldom used by tourists.

Lightweight cotton clothing is recommended year round in the Lake Malawi area, with warmer clothes advised in the mountains, particularly during winter and on chilly evenings elsewhere. Visitors to Nyika and Zomba should note that the nights can be cold. Dark or 'natural' colored clothing should be worn for game viewing. Sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses and good walking shoes are essential.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Medical facilities are rudimentary. While all health workers have some degree of English proficiency, communication can be difficult. Diarrhea and other food borne illnesses are a common problem. You should avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and food preparation. Consume only food that is well-cooked and served hot.

Many medications are not available. You should bring adequate quantities of medications to last the duration of your stay. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. We encourage you to check with your primary healthcare provider or local travel clinic regarding malaria prophylaxis medications. Check with the government of Malawi to ensure the medication is legal in Malawi. 

For major medical problems, you should consider obtaining medical treatment in South Africa, where advanced medical care is available.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever – all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis – recommended for all travelers

Malaria

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. 

We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some camps provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind. 

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Malawai is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

Language:English and Chichewa are both official languages. Chichewa is widely spoken but the language of the business community is EnglishNational Emergency Numbers:117 – Police124 – Fire118 – AmbulancePublic Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan. 01 – New Year’s DayJan. 15 – Chilembwe DayMar. 03 – Martyrs’ DayApr. 18 – Good FridayApr. 21 – Easter MondayMay 01 – Labor DayJune 14 – Freedom DayJuly 06 – Republic DayJuly 28 – Eid al-FitrOct. 13 – Mother’s DayDec. 25 – Christmas DayDec. 26 – Boxing DaySocial conventions:Time ZoneCentral Africa Time Zone (UTC+02:00)TippingGenerally not expected, but some employees who are very poorly paid might appreciate a small tip for good service.US EmbassyAddress: Area 40, Plot 24, Kenyatta Drive Box 30016, Lilongwe 3Tel: 265 1773166Hours: Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 12:00, and 13:00 – 17:00 Friday 07:30 – 13:30Website: http://lilongwe.usembassy.gov