Social ConventionsDespite the large number of tribal backgrounds in the Malawi population, integration is well established and visitors need not be aware of any social differences. The white population is very small in number. There are some religious differences, most noticeable among the Muslim population and especially as far as alcohol consumption is concerned. Malawians place emphasis on the importance of shaking hands on meeting and departing. The special handshake, which includes grasping the thumb and putting the other hand on the forearm, is best avoided unless practiced. Children
and some women may curtsey as a greeting or if being made a presentation. Offering a soft drink to a visitor is common at meetings. Malawians tend to be conventional rather than casual in their dress, especially in formal gatherings. The strict dress code of Dr Banda’s days are gone but modest dress should be worn unless at the beach or playing sport.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Air Malawi (QM) (website:
www.airmalawi.com).
Departure TaxA passenger service charge of US$30 (payable in US currency) is levied on all international flights. Malawi passport holders can pay in local currency (MWK1,500). Children under 2 years of age and transit passengers are exempt.
Main AirportsLilongwe (LLW) (Lilongwe International) is 26km (16 miles) from the city (journey time – 25 to 30 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxis and a bus service are available to the city from the airport.
Facilities: Duty-free shop, post office, local travel agents, car hire, bank/bureau de change, restaurant and bar.
Blantyre (BLZ) (Chileka) is 13km (8 miles) from the city.
To/from the airport: There is a coach service to the city.
Facilities: Car hire, restaurant and bar.
Getting There by RoadThere are road connections with Mozambique at Mwanza in southwestern Malawi and at Chiponde in the east; with Tanzania at the Songwe River Bridge in the far northwest of the country; and with Zambia on the main Lilongwe–Lusaka highway near Chipata in the west.
A luxury
coach service connects Blantyre with Johannesburg (South Africa).
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Malawi by passengers without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 225g of tobacco in any form;
for those over 16 years of age,
also 1l of spirits and 1l of beer and 1l of wine.
The import of firearms is prohibited unless a permit has been bought in advance from the Registrar of Firearms, Box 41, Zomba.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirAir Malawi’s domestic network provides regular links between Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Club Makokola (southern lakeshore) and Liwonde National Park.
Jakamaka Air Charters serves the main tourist destinations in the country.
Getting Around by WaterCruises on Lake Malawi are available by local steamer. Food and cabins are available. For details contact local travel bureaux.
Getting Around by RailMalawi Railways operates the lines in the country. The main route connects Mchinji, Lilongwe, Salima, Chipoka, Blantyre, Limbe and Nsanje. For further information, contact Malawi Railways, PO Box 5144, Limbe (tel: 01 640 844; fax: 01 643 496
or 640 683). Trains tend to be slow and crowded and are little used by tourists.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the left. There are over 13,500km (8400 miles) of roads in the country. All major roads are tarmac and most secondary roads are all-weather.
Bus: There is a good bus system, including an express service, connecting main towns. The journey from Mzuzu to Karonga is particularly spectacular. Luxury coaches connect Blantyre to Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
Car hire: This is becoming increasingly available, with a number of companies offering a wide choice of vehicles. Standards do vary (even with the internationally franchised chains) so it is worth seeking a recommendation. Nonetheless, cars should be reserved well in advance as they are very much in demand. Chauffeur-driven cars are also available.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Bus: There are services in all major cities.
Taxi: These are in short supply and cannot be hailed on the street. Taxi drivers expect a tip.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate average travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Lilongwe to other major cities/towns in Malawi.
| | Air | Road |
| Blantyre | 0.40 | 4.00 |
| Mzuzu | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Zomba | - | 4.00 |
| Karonga | 1.30 | 6.30 |
| Mangochi | 1.00 | 4.30 |
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