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It’s best to come into the country with traveler's
checks, US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds, which
can be exchanged at any of the many currency ex-
changes in the main towns. If an individual, not an
agency, at the border offers you to exchange money,
exercise extreme caution, as people have been
known to seriously trick visitors who are unaware of
accurate currency exchange rates. Traveler's checks
also incur an additional commission when converted
into other currencies.
The inflation rate has been increasing slightly over
the last few years at 6.56% in 2012, 6.98% in 2013,
and 7.78% in 2014.
Banks
Zambia is home to a number of international and
local banks providing ATM and financial services to
most of the country. ATM machines can be found in
all the major towns around the country (See Busi-
ness Resources section).
Currency Exchanges
Lusaka is home to many currency exchanges, most-
ly located on Cairo Road and within shopping malls
like Arcades and Manda Hill. US Dollars, Euros,
Rand, Pound Sterling and most regional currencies
can be exchanged for better rates than at the banks
.
Value Added Tax
The Value Added Tax in Zambia is currently at 16%
(2015). Refunds are offered to tourists, and they are
issued at Zambian exit points once the export tax
invoice (VAT 263) has been turned in.
COMMUNICATIONS
Landlines
The only landline telephone operator is the Zambia
National Telecommunication Company (Zamtel).
Their services have been improving over the past
years since its privatization.
Dialing Code
Zambia's country code is +260, and this is subse-
quently followed by the appropriate regional code
found below:
Lusaka: 0211
Livingstone: 0212
Copperbelt: 0213
Choma: 0232
Chinsali: 0214
Kabwe: 0215
Chipata: 0262
Petauke: 0263
Chama: 0264
Kaoma: 0217
Kasemba: 0218
Mobile Phones
There are three mobile phone service providers: Air-
tel, MTN, and Cell Z (Zamtel). Sim cards are generally
quite cheap to buy; however, their per minute rates are
fairly high compared to other neighboring countries.
Coverage is very good in urban areas, but the cellular
infrastructure does not reach all of the provinces.
Internet Services
The main service providers are Atmel, Zamnet, Cop-
pernet Solutions, iConnect, Realtime, and Microlink.
Broadband and wireless access is developing very
quickly in major towns and internet speed is fast and
efficient. That being said, only internet via satellite is
available in remote parts of Zambia.
Television
The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation
(ZNBC), the national television broadcaster, has two
news channels, a sports channel, and some leisure
shows as well. The satellite channel, DSTV, is also
available, and it has over 50 channels.
Mail
The postal service is fairly well organized in Zambia;
therefore, sending and receiving mail poses no prob-
lem. In Lusaka, the main post office is located on Cairo
Road.
Express mail is available through a number of private
courier services (See Business Resources section).
HOW TO GET THERE?
Air
FROM EUROPE:
British Airways has regular services to Lusaka and
Livingstone.
General Information
