Travel advice for Malawi.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Malawi.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

 

  • Swiss Bankers Travel is not accepted in this country.

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US Dollar (USD)

  • Change cash in local currency

Local currency / ISO Code

Malawi kwacha MWK

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Credit cards are rarely accepted. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

Transfer money worldwide with Send.

Send is the convenient and reliable money transfer service: you can send money quickly and securely to your relatives and friends abroad using your smartphone.

More about Send

Practical Information:

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Year-round risk of malaria throughout the country.

  • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

  • Find out from local authorities about the current situation and exercise caution when traveling or planning to travel to the northern end of Lake Malawi or crossing the border.

  • Walking the streets after nightfall is not advised.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

  • Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs (up to life imprisonment).

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1 h; +/- 0 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

English and Chichewa

Capital

Lilongwe

Country code for calling Switzerland

101 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival with visa, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Opening hours

Banks

8.00 - 14.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

7.30/8.00 - 12.00 h and 13.00 - 16.00/17.00 h (Mon - Fri)
7.30 - 12.00 h (Sat)

Driving
  • Left-hand driving.

  • International driver's licence required for car rentals.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Lilongwe, Fracht (Africa) Ltd., Mtendere Drive 10/334
Tel. +265 1 712 222

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

Find out more about Travel

Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

Suggest a change