Time Zone:
Zimbabwe follows Central Africa Time (CAT), which is GMT + 2 hours. During daylight saving time in other countries, Harare is 8 hours behind Sydney, 7 hours behind Melbourne, and 6 hours behind Perth.
Phone Calls
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International and Domestic Calls:
International and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room, though international calls can be expensive, with rates typically ranging from USD $1 to $2 per minute. Hotels may also charge an additional service fee.
In cities and towns, you will find telephone booths that allow international and local calls at more affordable rates. These booths usually display the letters ‘ISD’ (International Subscriber Dialing) for international calls, and you can track your call duration via a meter. -
Calling Internationally:
To call abroad from Zimbabwe, you will dial 00 (the international access code) followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the number. For example, to call Australia, you would dial 00 61 followed by the area code and the local number.
Mobile Phones
- Mobile phones are widely used in Zimbabwe, and mobile coverage is generally good in urban areas and along major highways. However, rural areas may have limited or no mobile coverage.
Zimbabwe has active roaming agreements with many international mobile carriers. If you plan to use your mobile phone while in Zimbabwe, check with your home mobile provider regarding roaming charges and the availability of service. It is advisable to inquire about the costs for calls, SMS, and data usage before you leave.
Postage
- For sending mail or parcels, it is best to use local post offices rather than hotel services. The Zimbabwe Postal Services offers reliable services for regular mail, though for valuable or important items, it is recommended to use a courier service, such as DHL or FedEx, which are available in larger cities.
Internet and Email
- Wi-Fi and Internet Access:
Wi-Fi is available in most major hotels, restaurants, and cafés in urban areas. Many places offer free Wi-Fi, though some may charge for it, so be sure to check before using it. Internet cafes are also available in cities like Harare and Bulawayo, but their availability may be limited in smaller towns. - Email and Internet Calls:
Most hotels offer internet access for checking emails, and some may provide internet phone services. However, speeds may vary, and internet connections can be slow, especially in more rural locations.
Remote Areas
- In remote and rural areas, mobile phone reception and internet access may be unreliable or unavailable. In some places, you may not be able to access phone networks or the internet for extended periods.
It is advisable to inform friends or family members that you will be out of phone contact during specific sections of your itinerary, especially if you're heading to more isolated regions like national parks or rural villages.