Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Malawi depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for MalawiEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 199
- Ambulance
- 998
Currency
- Name
- Malawian Kwacha
- Code
- MWK
- Symbol
- MK
ATMs in Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mzuzu. USD widely accepted in tourist areas. Carry local currency for markets, local transport, and rural areas.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
May–October is the dry season — perfect for Lake Malawi (snorkelling, kayaking, sundowners), Liwonde National Park (boat safaris to see elephants and hippos), and Nyika Plateau. November–April is wet season and some roads become impassable.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Not always expected in local restaurants; appreciated at tourist spots |
| Guides (wildlife) | $5–10 USD per day | — |
| Boat guides (Lake Malawi) | $5 USD per trip | — |
| Hotels | MK 2,000–5,000 for porters | — |
Dress Code
- Casual and modest throughout
- Swimwear at Lake Malawi beach lodges; cover up when leaving the beach
- Modest dress in markets, towns, and when visiting communities
Social Etiquette
- 'The Warm Heart of Africa' is Malawi's official slogan — and genuinely true. Malawians smile freely and genuinely
- Greeting is essential before any interaction
- Lake Malawi is a freshwater inland sea and a national park — snorkelling with 1,000+ species of cichlid fish is extraordinary
- Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world — tourist dollars make a real difference; buy local and tip generously
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal; prosecutions have occurred — exercise extreme caution
- Drug offences carry severe penalties
- Photography of official buildings and military is restricted
- Lake Malawi: bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in some areas — swim at approved lodges and treat water. Crocodiles are present at river mouths; swim in open lake only.
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Chichewa) | Moni | MOH-nee |
| How are you? (Chichewa) | Muli bwanji? | MOO-lee BWAHN-jee |
| Thank you (Chichewa) | Zikomo | zee-KOH-moh |
| Good (Chichewa) | Chabwino | chah-BWEE-noh |
| Friend (Chichewa) | Bwenzi | BWEN-zee |
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