Travel information - Malawi

Transcription

1 Travel information - Malawi CLIMATE/WEATHER Malawi has a sub-tropical climate, which is relatively dry and strongly seasonal. The warm-wet season stretches from November to April, during which 95% of the annual precipitation takes place. Annual average rainfall varies from 725mm to 2,500mm with Lilongwe having an average of 900mm. 30-Year average climatic conditions for Lilongwe for the month of February Element February Highest Max Temp ( o C) 32.8 Lowest Max Temp ( o C) 19.1 Average Max Temp ( o C) 24.3 Highest Min Temp ( o C) 20.5 Lowest Min Temp ( o C) 12.5 Average Min Temp ( o C) 15.3 Highest Monthly Rainfall (mm) Lowest Monthly Rainfall (mm) 20.7 Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) Number of rainy days 14 Highest Relative Humidity (%) 97 Lowest Relative Humidity (%) 67 Mean Relative Humidity (%) 77 CRIME AND SAFETY The incidence of crimes against the person or theft of property is low although most homes in the more affluent areas and virtually all businesses employ security guards. Normal precautions against crime should be taken.

2 CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE CONTROL The currency of Malawi is the Kwacha (K) which is divided into 100 tambala units. Exchange Control The Reserve Bank of Malawi manages foreign exchange reserves. Exchange control is in force. Most foreign exchange transactions are carried out by commercial banks acting as the Reserve Bank s agents. Commercial banks, forex bureaus and main hotels are authorized to transact certain foreign exchange transactions without prior reference to the Reserve Bank. The US Dollar, pound Sterling and South African rand are well known to most Malawians. Other foreign currencies are exchangeable at banks and bureaus. Any amount of foreign currency may be imported without prior approval. However, there is money laundering law in force and extraordinary large amounts of cash will cause suspicion and may be unwelcome to local authorities and create inconvenience to the importer. Those who bring foreign currency into Malawi who wish to re-export it at some stage, whether for personal or business purposes, should be sure that they have proof of importation given by Customs on entry or repurchase from authorized dealers or risk seizure at time of export. Exchange Rates The following are the official buying and selling rates of the Malawi Kwacha against major foreign currencies as quoted by the National Bank of Malawi on 22 September, Currency Buying Selling US Dollar British Pound SA Rand Euro Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Japanese Yen Zambian Kwacha Tanzanian Shilling Mozambican Metical Special Drawing Rights Indian Rupee Kenyan Shilling Botswana Pula Australian Dollar Norwegian Kroner

3 Plastic Money ATMs are found at all branches of all the major banks and at a number of shopping complexes. Most major internationally recognized cards such as Dinner, Charge Card, VISA and American Express will be accepted by major hotels and restaurants including Sunbird Capital Hotel. Drinking Water The state-owned water boards in cities and the main urban areas strive to supply safe drinking water in accordance with Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS 214) in compliance with World Health Organization guidelines. Most residents drink the tap water without adverse effects. Bottled water is available throughout the country in most bars, restaurants, shops, filling stations and hotels. Electricity The supply is v single phase or v 3-phase. Plugs for appliances are the square 3-pin British pattern. International Links Air Malawi, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Ethiopian Airways are the main airlines serving international travellers. These work with other major carriers through Johannesburg, Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Arrival at Kamuzu (Lilongwe) International Airport Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by a representative of the University of Malawi as you exist the luggage area. Look for someone bearing a sign reading UNIMA/NUFU. Transport has been arranged to take participants to Sunbird Capital Hotel using University of Malawi min-buses.

4 HEALTH/VACCINATIONS Participants from the following countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination on entry into Malawi: Ethiopia Ghana Madagascar Sudan Tanzania Uganda Others only require the vaccination if they have stopped over in a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria Malaria is prevalent in Malawi. Participants are advised to begin a course of suppressant tablets one week before the trip and continue 6 weeks afterwards. It is wise to bring along anti-mosquito sprays and creams for your body. Services at the conference To make participants comfortable, the organizers will engage medical personnel to attend to minor ailments. IMMIGRATION AND RESIDENCE Visitors: Visitors coming to Malawi must have a valid passport and are given 30 days on arrival which can be extended to 90 days. a) Visa required China (obtained through Malawi Embassy in China) Ethiopia (obtained through Malawi Embassy in Addis Ababa) Ghana (Ghana through South Africa or send documents to Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Malawi for processing) Indonesia (obtained through Japan) Nepal (obtained through Japan) Sudan (obtained through Ethiopia) Vietnam (obtained through Japan) b) Visa not required Madagascar Mozambique Norway South Africa Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

5 c) Pre-clearance needed * Bangladesh Sri Lanka *Participants should send the following to the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Malawi at least two weeks before departure: passport number date of issue date of expiry date of birth (preferably fax or the relevant page in the passport) The requirements of obtaining a visa 2 passport size photos filled visa application form invitation letter valid passport for atleast 6 months Letter from Employer indicating that participant is attending conference and due to return home thereafter. The Cost is US$70 for single entry. CORRESPONDENCE AND ENQUIRIES For additional information please contact: Professor Leonard A. Kamwanja Pro-Vice Chancellor University of Malawi P.O. Box 278, Zomba, Malawi Tel: (office) (office) (mobile) (mobile) Fax: provc@unima.mw