Zimbabwe

SAFETY: fair
The persistent socio-economic crisis, aggravated ever further by the shortage of local and foreign currency, and the extremely high unemployment rate of around 90 per cent contribute to a rise in protests and petty crime (in particular theft, including from vehicles stopped at traffic lights, bag-snatching and burglary). Widespread discontent persists among the population, and there are continual threats of strikes by state employees, particularly in the health and education sectors. There is a police unit for the protection of foreigners, but it is barely operational.
Owing to the persistent liquidity crisis, withdrawing cash from banks (including ATMs) is virtually impossible. Anyone travelling to the country is advised to arrive with an adequate amount of cash in US dollars.
You are advised to take the usual precautions and not to display valuables (watches, jewellery, etc.)

TRANSPORT: poor
Intercity buses, except for luxury services, are risky owing to overcrowding and inadequate maintenance. When driving in the evening, take particular care with pedestrians, who often walk along the edge of unlit roads. On rural roads, animals frequently cross without warning. Vehicles travelling at night are often without lights or reflectors, and road signage is sparse or non-existent.
The national airline Air Zimbabwe links the main cities such as Harare and Bulawayo.

Main airports: Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo.

HOSPITALITY: poor
Most facilities are concentrated in the capital; provision is lacking in the other areas of the country.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: Republic of Zimbabwe. – Location: a state in southern Africa, lying between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers; – Borders: it is landlocked and borders Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the west. Time zone: 1 hour ahead of Italy; the same time when daylight saving time is in force in Italy. – Area: 390,750 km² – Capital: Harare – Population: 12,600,000 (Central Statistical Office – CSO, an estimate that does not take account of substantial irregular cross-border emigration). – Religion: Catholic, Anglican and Vapostori (spiritual churches). – Languages: English, Shona, Ndebele. – Measures: metric system.

CURRENCY: the Zimbabwean dollar is the official currency. Statutory Instrument 142 of 24 June 2019 ended the multi-currency system, declaring the Zimbabwean dollar the sole legal tender in the country and thus prohibiting the use of foreign currencies for local transactions, save in special cases. Currency and customs formalities: There are no limits on importing currency, while exporting sums in excess of USD 2,000 is prohibited. - Credit cards: Foreign credit cards are in principle accepted (for paying for goods or services, not for cash withdrawals) but may occasionally encounter problems on local networks or be refused by small traders, restaurateurs and so on. To address the severe liquidity crisis afflicting Zimbabwe, on 28 November 2016 the Government officially introduced bearer bond notes in two denominations, 2 and 5. "Bond Notes" can be used only within Zimbabwe. As cash withdrawals from banks (including ATMs) are limited to around USD 50 per day, you are advised to arrive in the country with a sufficient supply of cash in US dollars, always taking care not to display it.

ELECTRICITY: Voltage: 220 V and 50 Hz. – Sockets: types D and G (bring an adapter).

DOCUMENTS. A passport with at least 6 months' remaining validity at the time of entry into the country is required. – Driving: International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention model). Car insurance: visitors must take out short-term insurance at the border.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES: International dialling code: 00263 (4 for Harare, 9 for Bulawayo, 54 for Gweru, 20 for Mutare). – Telephones: the service providers are “TelOne” and “Africom” for landlines and “NetOne”, “Econet” and “Telcel” for mobile networks. The services provided are fair. – Internet: service available in the capital and the main urban centres. - Web domain: .zw. – Useful numbers: Fire Brigade: 993, Doctor: 994, Police: 995. General emergency number: 999, from mobiles 112.

RULES, LAWS AND CONDUCT:
Legislation on drug use and/or dealing: drug use is prohibited and possession is illegal and prosecuted by law.
Legislation on the sexual exploitation of minors: bringing in pornographic material, even for personal use, is prohibited; anyone found in possession of it faces criminal proceedings.
It should be remembered that those who commit offences against minors abroad (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) are prosecuted on their return to Italy under the laws in force in our country.
The death penalty applies for the crime of murder.

HEALTH SITUATION:
No vaccinations are compulsory. Public healthcare facilities are of an inadequate standard; there are, however, private facilities of a fair standard. Essential medicines are in short supply.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, New Year's Day; 20 March, March equinox; dates vary, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday; 18 April, Independence Day; 1 May, Labour Day; 12 May, Mother's Day; 25 May, Africa Day; 16 June, Father's Day; 21 June, June solstice; 12 August, Heroes' Day; 13 August, Defence Forces Day; 23 September, September equinox; 22 December, December solstice; 25 December, Christmas Day; 26 December, Boxing Day.

OPENING HOURS: Banks: Mon-Fri 09:00-15:30, Sat 08:30-11:30. - Shops: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00, Sat 08:00-13:00 - Post offices: Mon-Fri 08:30-13:00, 14:00-16:30, Sat 08:00-12:00.

CLIMATE: in the autumn-winter season (April to September) the average temperature in July is 14°C; in the spring-summer season (September to April) the average temperature in January is 21°C. The difference between day and night temperatures can reach as much as 20°C. The rainy season runs roughly from December to March. There are climatic differences between the highveld and the lowveld. Temperatures recorded on the highveld – where the capital Harare lies – are generally lower than in other areas, such as the tourist destinations of Victoria Falls, Kariba and Hwange. In the mountain resorts (Vumba, Nyanga and Chimanimani) winter can be harsh, especially at night.

Monthly min/max temperatures (in °C)

Rainy days (at least 1 mm of rain) /monthly mm of rainfall

USEFUL ADDRESSES
Italian Embassy, Harare
Address: 7 Bartholomew Close, Greendale, P O Box 1062, HARARE
Tel: 00263-4- 497373/497200 -00263-4-498190
Fax: 00263-4-498199
Emergency mobiles: 00263-772249460
Email: ambasciata.harare@esteri.it
Website: ambharare.esteri.it

Consulates
Italian Embassy – Consular Section
7 Bartholomew Close, Greendale - Harare
Tel: 00263 4 - 497373 / 497200 - 00263-4-498190
Fax: 00263 4 – 498199
E-mail: consolato.harare@esteri.it
Website: https://ambharare.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Harare/it/

Consular Correspondent - Bulawayo
Mr Roberto PERETTI
Address: P O Box 2209, Woburn Road, Thorngrove, Bulawayo
Tel/Fax 00263-9-64544; 00263-9-70217; 00263-9-882841
Home: 00263-9-251476
Mobile: 00263-712604829
E.mail: peretti@yoafrica.com