Zimbabwe has three primary mobile network operators:

Econet Wireless

• Largest network with the most extensive coverage

• Best option for most travelers

• Strongest signal in remote areas and national parks

• More expensive than other networks

• 3G/4G in major cities and tourist hubs

NetOne

• Government-owned network

• Good coverage in urban areas

• Limited coverage in remote regions

• Often more affordable than Econet

• Improving rural coverage

Telecel

• Smallest of the three major operators

• Most limited coverage outside cities

• Sometimes offers competitive promotional rates

• Not recommended as primary SIM for travelers

Coverage Overview:

• Urban areas: Excellent coverage on all networks

• Tourist destinations (Victoria Falls, Kariba): Good coverage

• Major highways: Generally reliable

• National parks: Variable (Econet usually best)

• Remote areas: Limited to non-existent

Purchasing a local SIM is recommended for most travelers:

Requirements:

• Unlocked phone

• Passport for registration (legally required)

• Small denomination USD for purchase

Where to Buy:

• Official network provider shops in cities and towns

• Victoria Falls International Airport

• Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare)

• Authorized dealers (look for official signage)

Pricing:

• SIM card: $1-3 USD

• Basic data packages: $5-20 USD depending on data amount

• Voice and SMS bundles available separately

Activation Process:

1. Purchase SIM at official store or authorized dealer

2. Staff will help with registration (passport required)

3. Activation typically occurs within minutes to a few hours

4. Staff can assist with data package purchase and setup

Recommended Packages for Tourists:

• Short visit (1 week): 2-3GB data package

• Longer stay (2-3 weeks): 5-10GB data package

• Add voice/SMS if needed for local calls

Options for using your home phone number:

International Roaming:

• Check with your home provider about Zimbabwe coverage

• Typically expensive ($5-15 USD/day or high per-MB charges)

• Convenient but costly option

• Coverage dependent on local partner networks

• Data speeds may be throttled

eSIM Options:

• Digital SIM alternatives like Airalo, Holafly available

• Often more affordable than traditional roaming

• Limited support from local agents if issues arise

• Requires eSIM-compatible device

Portable WiFi Devices:

• Available for rent from some major hotels and travel agencies

• Creates personal hotspot usable by multiple devices

• Daily rental fees ($5-15 USD) plus data costs

• Limited availability—arrange in advance

Tips for Reducing Usage:

• Download maps, guides, and entertainment before travel

• Use messaging apps rather than SMS when possible

• Set data-hungry apps to “WiFi only” mode

• Enable data saver mode on your device

Challenges affecting internet connectivity in Zimbabwe:

Power Outages:

• Frequent load-shedding affects internet infrastructure

• Scheduled power cuts of 6-18 hours common in many areas

• Better hotels and lodges have generator backup

• Battery backup systems for routers increasingly common

Bandwidth Limitations:

• Limited international bandwidth

• Congestion during peak usage hours (evenings)

• Weather conditions affect satellite connections

• Network maintenance sometimes conducted without notice

Connectivity Tips:

• Download essential information before traveling to remote areas

• Complete important online tasks in the morning when networks are less congested

• Save important information offline

• Have backup communication plans for critical needs

• Consider taking advantage of unexpected connectivity when available

Options when your accommodation doesn’t provide adequate connectivity:

Internet Cafés:

• Still common in cities and larger towns

• Typically charge $1-3 USD per hour

• Often offer printing, scanning, and other services

• Variable quality of computers and connection

• Many open extended hours (8am-8pm typical)

Hotel Business Centers:

• Available in upscale hotels in major cities

• More reliable equipment and connections

• Significantly more expensive than internet cafés

• Privacy advantages over public facilities

• Often offer technical assistance if needed

Popular Cafés with Good WiFi:

• Avondale and Borrowdale cafés in Harare

• Bulawayo’s central business district coffee shops

• Victoria Falls: Shearwater Café, Lola’s Tapas

• Mutare: Holiday Inn Express, Cecil Kop Garden

Most international platforms and services work normally in Zimbabwe:

Widely Used Platforms:

• WhatsApp (extremely popular among Zimbabweans)

• Facebook

• Instagram

• X (Twitter)

• YouTube (though high data usage)

Messaging Services:

• WhatsApp (dominant for local communication)

• Facebook Messenger

• Telegram

• Signal

Voice/Video Calling:

• WhatsApp calls (most reliable and commonly used)

• Zoom (business standard)

• Skype

• Google Meet

Local Digital Platforms:

• TwimbOS (Zimbabwean social network)

• Sasai (messaging and payment platform)

Usage Tips:

• WhatsApp is essential for communicating with local businesses and services

• Low-resolution settings recommended for video calls

• Voice calls more reliable than video in areas with limited bandwidth

• Early morning or late evening typically offers best connection for calls

Email and cloud storage considerations:

Email Services:

• Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail accessible without restrictions

• Webmail interfaces may be slow on limited connections

• Email apps using less data than browser-based access

• Set mail apps to “manual sync” to control data usage

Cloud Storage:

• Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive function normally

• Avoid large uploads/downloads on mobile connections

• Sync essential files before traveling to remote areas

• Consider pausing automatic cloud backup of photos

Security Considerations:

• Public WiFi networks should be used with caution

• Consider using a VPN for sensitive transactions

• Logout of accounts when using shared computers

• Enable two-factor authentication before travel

Traditional communication options:

Zimbabwe Post (Zimpost):

• Government postal service with offices throughout the country

• International mail service available but unreliable

• Delivery times unpredictable (2-8 weeks for international mail)

• Located in most towns and cities

• Limited hours of operation (typically 8am-4pm weekdays)

Private Courier Services:

• DHL: Most reliable international service

• FedEx: Limited offices but international service available

• UPS: Partner services in major cities

• Swift, Courier Connect: Domestic courier services

Shipping Costs:

• International postcard: $2-3 USD

• Standard letter international: $3-5 USD

• Small package international: $40+ USD

• Domestic shipping significantly cheaper

Receiving Mail:

• Have mail sent to your hotel or accommodation

• Include “Hold for Arrival” and your dates of stay

• Confirm with accommodation they accept guest mail

• Customs duties may apply to received packages

Zimbabwe has 16 officially recognized languages:

Primary Languages:

• English: Official language used in government, business, and tourism

• Shona: Spoken by approximately 70-75% of population

• Ndebele: Spoken by approximately 15-20% of population, mainly in western regions

Other Official Languages:

• Chewa

• Chibarwe

• Kalanga

• Koisan

• Nambya

• Ndau

• Shangani

• Sign Language

• Sotho

• Tonga

• Tswana

• Venda

• Xhosa

Language Distribution:

• English widely spoken in tourism industry and urban centers

• Shona predominant in central and eastern Zimbabwe

• Ndebele primarily in Matabeleland (western Zimbabwe)

• Other languages have regional concentrations

Cultural norms affecting communication in Zimbabwe:

Greetings:

• Greetings are very important and should never be rushed

• Handshakes common (typically lighter than Western handshakes)

• Direct eye contact shows respect during greetings

• Ask about family and well-being before business discussions

Respectful Address:

• Older people addressed as “Sekuru” (grandfather/uncle) or “Ambuya” (grandmother/aunt) in Shona areas

• “Baba” (father) and “Amai” (mother) for middle-aged adults

• “Mukoma” (brother) and “Mainini” (sister) for those slightly older than you

• Ndebele areas use “Ubaba” (father) and “Umama” (mother)

Non-verbal Communication:

• Pointing with index finger considered rude (use open hand)

• Beckoning someone with palm up is disrespectful (palm down preferred)

• Personal space smaller than in Western countries

• Prolonged eye contact can be seen as challenging with elders

Conversation Topics:

• Safe topics: family, weather, sports (especially soccer), food

• Avoid: direct political criticism, colonial history comparisons

• Zimbabweans generally friendly about answering cultural questions

• Religious topics generally welcomed as most are Christian

Essential information for emergency situations:

Emergency Numbers:

• General Emergency: 999 or 112

• Police: 995

• Ambulance: 994

• Fire: 993

• Note: Response times variable; private services often faster

Private Emergency Services:

• MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service): +263 242 302 141

• EMRAS (Emergency Medical Rescue Ambulance Service): +263 242 771 221

• ACE Air & Ambulance: +263 242 302 141

Embassy Emergency Contacts:

• Keep your embassy emergency number accessible

• Register with your embassy upon arrival if possible

• Most embassies have 24/7 emergency lines for citizens

Communication During Emergencies:

• SMS often works when calls won’t connect

• WhatsApp is the most reliable messaging platform

• Provide exact location details when possible

• Have a communication plan with travel companions

• Consider a satellite device for remote safari areas

Options for staying connected in remote areas:

Satellite Phones:

• Rental available in Harare and Victoria Falls

• Daily rates: $15-25 USD plus per-minute charges

• Essential for self-drive trips to remote areas

• Reliable but expensive option

• Advance reservation recommended

Satellite Messengers:

• Devices like Garmin inReach or SPOT

• Allow text messaging and emergency alerts via satellite

• More affordable than satellite phones

• Require subscription service

• Bring from home as local rental limited

Radio Communication:

• Some safari vehicles equipped with shortwave radios

• Limited to communication with base camps

• No public access to frequencies

• Tour operators in convoy often use radio communication

• National parks staff use radio networks

Protecting your digital information while traveling:

Public WiFi Security:

• Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information

• Avoid online banking on public networks

• Check for HTTPS before entering credentials

• Log out of accounts after using public computers

• Consider using mobile data rather than public WiFi for sensitive tasks

Device Security:

• Keep devices with you or locked in room safe

• Use password/biometric protection on all devices

• Enable “Find My Device” features before travel

• Backup important data before your trip

• Consider a travel-only email address for public WiFi use

Social Media Considerations:

• Avoid posting real-time location information

• Consider waiting until leaving accommodations to post about them

• Review privacy settings before travel

• Be cautious about posting travel plans publicly

• Respect local photography restrictions (government buildings, airports)

Staying informed during your visit:

Newspapers:

• The Herald (government-aligned daily)

• NewsDay (independent daily)

• The Zimbabwe Independent (business weekly)

• The Sunday Mail (weekly)

• The Chronicle (Bulawayo-based)

Television:

• Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) (state broadcaster)

• ZTN (Zimbabwe Television Network)

• Limited international channels at upscale hotels

Radio:

• Radio Zimbabwe (national, mostly Shona)

• National FM (various indigenous languages)

• Power FM (music and entertainment)

• Star FM (commercial)

• ZiFM Stereo (news and music)

• Various community radio stations

News Websites:

• zimbabwesituation.com (news aggregator)

• newzimbabwe.com

• zimeye.net

• bulawayo24.com

• VOA Zimbabwe (news in English, Shona, and Ndebele)

International News Access:

• BBC World Service (radio)

• CNN and BBC available in higher-end hotels

• Most news websites accessible without restriction

• Limited international newspapers in major hotels

Guidelines for taking photos and creating content:

General Photography Rules:

• Always ask permission before photographing people

• Photography of government buildings prohibited

• Military installations and airports strictly off-limits

• Some museums and monuments charge camera fees

• Victoria Falls has environmental fee for commercial photography

• National parks sometimes charge professional camera fees

Wildlife Photography Tips:

• Long lenses (200-400mm) ideal for wildlife

• Bring sufficient memory cards and batteries

• Early morning and late afternoon offer best light

• Private vehicles allow better positioning than shared

• Specialized photographic safaris available

• Monopods more practical than tripods on game drives

Drone Regulations:

• Drones require Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe permission

• Special permits needed for national parks and Victoria Falls

• Application process lengthy (30+ days)

• Many lodges prohibit drone usage near wildlife

• Flying near airports or government buildings strictly prohibited

Content Creation Considerations:

• Commercial photography/filming requires permits

• Respect cultural sensitivities when documenting ceremonies

• Social media influencer activities may require business visas

• Always verify rules with local guides before filming

Tips for business travelers and remote workers:

Business Culture:

• Formal address and titles important

• Punctuality appreciated but flexibility necessary

• Relationships valued over immediate transactions

• Business cards exchanged with both hands

• Morning meetings generally more productive (before power cuts)

• Conservative business attire expected

Remote Working:

• Co-working spaces available in Harare and Bulawayo

• Victoria Falls has several digital nomad-friendly cafés

• Consider accommodations with backup power for remote work

• Schedule important video calls during morning hours

• WeWork-style spaces emerging in Harare business districts

• Internet reliability challenging for time-sensitive work

Conference Calls:

• WhatsApp calls most reliable for business communication

• Zoom widely used but bandwidth can be limiting

• Consider audio-only calls when bandwidth limited

• Schedule calls outside peak internet usage (avoid 7-9pm)

• Have backup communication method arranged

• Some upscale hotels offer business centers with stable connections