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Most Viewed Favorites in Zambia

Bureaux de change
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georeiser 2054 reviews
Bureaux de change, exchange rates in Zambia

Fondest memory: Banks and bureaux de change will not accept dollar notes issued before 1990. 50 and 100 USD notes gives better rates than small notes. The exchange rates are slightly different from one place to another.

The best exchange rate I found in August 2009 was 1 USD to 5020 KW, 1 Euro to 6600 KW.

Updated Nov 13, 2010

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The Zambian visa
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georeiser 2054 reviews
The Zambian visa

Favorite thing: A tourist visa-on-arrival cost 50 USD for all. If you already got a visa from an embassy prior to your arrival, there is nothing for you to write. The officer stamps your passport and the handling takes less than a minute. A tourist visa is valid for 90 days.
Note: Zambian Immigration officials insist that visitors carry the original or a certified copy of their passport and immigration permit at all times. Certified copies must be obtained from the immigration office that issued the permit. I didn't do that, but it is an idea if you shall walk around in the streets. (Road blocks are common in Zambia, and the police check your documentation in hope of receiving a bribe).

Fondest memory: I was fooled by another web site to believe the visa fee on arrival was up to 200 USD. And therefor had my passport sent by mail to the Zambian embassy in another country prior to the arrival. The total price with postal fee was more than the visa-on-arrival-fee. And more work for me...

Updated Nov 11, 2009

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Chinese investors in Zambia
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georeiser 2054 reviews
Chinese investors in Zambia
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Fondest memory: Mining and copper extraction is important for Zambia's economy. In the absence of own financial strength, the country has entered into agreements with Chinese traders and investors. And they are into the country in a large scope with strong presence in the economy. The copperbelt-area is a Chinese work zone. Low security and resentment towards Zambian workers are widespread.

I noticed Chinese advertising and signs along the road from Livingstone to Lusaka. And Chinese business men are a frequent sight in Lusaka. Also the number of Chinese hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are increasing in Lusaka. On TV debate program, politicians defended the policy to be in the best interests for Zambia. But others ment it would only benefit the economy in short terms. Some said it would bring down the country's distinctive character. Words like "a modern colonization" and "selling its soul" were used.

My visit to Zambia surpriced me and affect my own opinion. "The Chinese are building new roads and infrastructure in exchange for raw material". With this in mind, I think about the countries who gives development aid, which gives the givers themselves no benefit - and here comes the Chinese investors. Think about it when you visit Zambia... Comments are appreciated.

Updated Nov 11, 2009

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Kafue River
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georeiser 2054 reviews
Kafue River, Zambia
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Fondest memory: Kafue river is 960 km long, and has its source in the border between Zambia and DR Congo. Then it flows south through the Copperbelt towns of Chililabombwe, Chingola and Mufulira, and through the outskirts of Nchanga and Kitwe. (Kitwe can be reach with train from Livingstone). Then it flows through the Lukanga Swamp, before it flows through the Kafue National Park. Then it flows east on the Kafue Flats and into the swamps. It flows further east and cross Kafue River Bridge on the road to Lusaka. Then it flows into Zambezi river.

Updated Nov 1, 2009

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The Luangwa Bridge
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georeiser 2054 reviews
The Luangwa Bridge, Zambia
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Fondest memory: The Luangwa Bridge is a large cable-stayed bridge on Zambia's Great East Road. The main span is 222 m with approach spans of 40 m each. It cross the lower Luangwa River where it flows from the Luangwa Rift Valley into the Zambezi valley.

Crossing rivers on remote areas in Africa is in most cases done by Pontoons. However, Rhodesia (now Zambia) was a colony of Britain and the bridges had a strategic and economic importance. Luangwa bridge was first build in 1932, and destroyed. Then rebuild for the second time in 1968.
The speed limit on the bridge is 30 km/h. The maximum weight for vehicles are 55 tons.

14° 58' 57.35" S 30° 11' 57.68" E

Updated Oct 29, 2009

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Mobile phones in Zambia
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georeiser 2054 reviews
Mobile phone in Zambia
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Fondest memory: The mobile phone works good in the cities in Zambia and along the main roads. The connection was away only a short time on the remote road between Lusaka and Chipata.

You can buy a Zambian SIM card in one of the many stalls and phone shops here. You can recieve calls without credit, so it doesn't cost you anything. It's also cheap to buy credit and call domestic calls. The country code is +260.

Written Oct 29, 2009

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Chloroquine not effective for Malaria
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nora_south_africa 1095 reviews

Favorite thing: The drug containing Chloroquine is no longer effective for Malaria, when visiting Zambia please make sure you use medication for mosquito bites that will work for this area.
Mosquito in Zambia have become resistant to Chloroquine, also note that people with allergy to Sulphur/ Sulphites will not be able to use some Malaria medication.
Also people with family history of Psychosis will not be able to use some Malaria Medication.
So please make sure you get what will agree with you as well as what will work...

Written Jun 22, 2008

Related to:
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Kwacha - the currency
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Saagar 2171 reviews
Kwacha

Favorite thing: Interesting money - and lots of them.
July 2005 exchange rate to the dollar was 1:4600.
The smaller notes are so worn that you cannot read their denomination, only guess by color code. The new, crisp notes are depicting beautiful animals.
Banks, hotels change cash quickly. Didn't try bankcards in the ATMs, but they were on every corner at the shopping plazas of the Archades, Manda Hill etc.
Apart from the odd exchange rate, the money handling in Zambia was easy.

Updated Aug 11, 2005

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Visa forms
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Saagar 2171 reviews

Favorite thing: You will find visa forms and detailed requirements on the web pages of the Zambian embassies nearest you.

I suppose the forms are the same all over, and thus you can download a visa form from this site:
www.zambiaembassy.se/Links/forms/visa_form.pdf

The Zambian embassy in Stockholm wants one week's working time to processa visa.

Updated Jun 17, 2005

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Spectacular waterfall!
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TracyG 466 reviews
Vic Falls

Favorite thing: A visit to Victoria Falls is an absolute must. The falls and walks are much better on the Zambian side than the Zimbabwean side, and you are much more likely to get better views and less crowds.

Fondest memory: Being very very close to a crocodile on a walking safari, and feeling very very scared!!!!!

Updated Jun 14, 2005

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