TIPPING
In Restaurants, generally a 10% tipping system is expected, some places include the service charge in the bill. For Taxis and concierge it is entirely up to your discretion what you want to tip.
LOCAL TIME
Local time is GMT + 2 hours.
BUSINESS HOURS
Businesses are generally open five days a week, 8am – 430pm, with some open on Saturday mornings. Supermarkets and Express Stores at Fuel stations are open 7 days a week, on average from 7am – 7pm, with some exceptions which are open 24hrs.
POST OFFICES
These are found in all town/city centres, open from 8am – 430pm Mondays – Fridays and 8am-1130am on Saturday mornings.
WATER
We recommend when in Zimbabwe to either boil water, or buy the bottled water to avoid any stomach problems while on holiday. In all restaurants etc, hygiene is of utmost importance and it is completely safe to eat vegetables and salad without any problems.
BARGAINING
When purchasing curios from vendors, it is always advisable to bargain with them, as they will start at their highest price. In the shopping centres there are vendors who sell fruit, vegetables, sunglasses etc and again never accept the first price they give you. At Markets US$ cash is the most frequently used currency, although some will accept other currencies by persuasion.
Costs of Basic Items
Supermarket Prices
Bread – 90c - $1.10, , coffee $6-$10 , tea $2-$4, sugar $2, bottled water 30-35c, butter $4 -$6 per 500g , bananas $1-2 per bunch, beer $1-$1.20, wine $5-$12, milk -.70-80c per 500ml, petrol $1.40, diesel $1.32, cigarettes -50c per box.
Restaurants/Hotels Prices
Average lunch/dinner $10 - $20, varies depending on class of restaurant or hotel.
Breakfast - $4-$8, Beer - $2, Bottled water - $1 (500mls) Wine - $18-$20
Filter Coffee/Cappucino - $1
Fast Food – Pizza Large - $8, Chicken/Hamburger - $4, Nandos Half Chicken & Chips - $7
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The currency now used in Zimbabwe is mainly the United States Dollars, South African Rand is also accepted but all priced are quoted in United States Dollars. In Victoria Falls the Botswana Pula is also traded.
US Dollars cash is preferred, but International Credit Card are now being accepted, VISA is the only card that is accepted at Bank ATM’s (maximum withdrawal per day of US$500). There are frequent electricity cuts in Zimbabwe so it is always advisable not to totally rely on the ATM’s working. Take care when drawing cash from ATM’s that no one suspicious is watching you especially after dark. Travellers Cheques are no longer cashed in at banks, they are treated like normal cheques and take up to 21 days to clear.
15% VAT is charged on everything, including meals purchased in Hotels and restaurants and a 2% tourism levy is charged on all tourism services.
BANKING HOURS
Mon – Friday – 08.00-15.00hrs
Saturdays – 08.00-11.30hrs
Barclays Bank Visa Outlets
Head office – Barclays House Cnr Jason Moyo Ave/First Street
Contact Tel: (+2634) 758280-9/758314/24
Agribusiness – 2 Premium Close, Mount Pleasant, Harare
Contact Tel: (+2634) 369570-80
