Malawi Healthcare and Money

By | May 9, 2022

Health care

Vaccinations

Vaccination needed receipt required
yellow fever 1
cholera 2
Typhoid & Polio Yes
malaria 3
Eat Drink 4

Overview

The standard of medical care cannot be compared to Europe. In the event of traffic accidents outside the cities, emergency care is not guaranteed. Clinics/Air Rescue: – Kamuzu Central Hospital, Tel: (01) 75 37 44, (01) 75 35 55 or (01) 75 04 43. – MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service), Tel: (01) 79 50 18, (01) 79 49 67, Emergencies: Tel: (01) 79 40 36.- MRI Johannesburg, Tel: 101-27-114 40 37 90.- German rescue flight watch e. V., Tel: +49-711 70 10 70. International health insurance and travel repatriation insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you. Check ebizdir for more information.

Notes vaccinations

[1] A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required from all travelers (including transit travellers) who want to enter the infected areas designated by the WHO within 6 days of their stay and are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] There is a risk of malaria all year round in all parts of the country. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Therefore, careful food and drinking water hygiene measures should be implemented. Milk is not always pasteurized. Dry and canned milk are available and recommended if in doubt. All dairy products are subject to strict quality controls by the Malawi Bureau of Standard. Fruit should be peeled as a precaution.

Other risks

Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers and in Lake Malawi. In general, you should seek local advice before bathing in inland waters. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: Unprotected sexual contacts, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Malawi is one of the most contagious countries. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. The plague occurs. Protection against rats and fleas through safe sleeping places and more frequent linen changes as well as keeping away those who are already sick reduce the risk of infection. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. Sleeping sickness occurs mainly in the north of the country. Pay attention to mosquito repellent. Rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. Sleeping sickness occurs mainly in the north of the country. Pay attention to mosquito repellent. Rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. Sleeping sickness occurs mainly in the north of the country. Pay attention to mosquito repellent. Rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Vaccination is recommended for occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Vaccination is recommended for occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Money

Currency

1 kwacha = 100 tambalas. Currency code: MWK (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 MWK. Coins are in denominations of 10, 5 and 1 MWK and 50 Tambala.

Credit cards

International credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard (occasionally), Diners Club and American Express are accepted in large hotels, shops, travel agencies and car rental companies. However, high fees are usually charged. Occasionally technical problems prevent paying by credit card.

ATMs

Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in larger cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.

Travelers cheques

Travelers checks are not accepted in Malawi.

Bank opening hours

Mon-Fri 08.00-13.00. Currency exchange for tourists in Blantyre and Lilongwe also Sat 9am-11am.

Foreign exchange regulations

The export of the local currency (Malawi Kwacha) is limited to the equivalent of a maximum of US$ 5,000 per person. Unlimited import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare. Export of foreign currencies only up to the amount declared.

Currency Exchange

US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds and South African Rands can easily be exchanged at official exchange offices. There are hardly any exchange options for less common currencies. Outside the larger cities, only cash payment is possible. Foreign visitors to the country must pay their hotel expenses in foreign currency. It is advisable to bring US dollars and pounds sterling cash with you. An exchange outside of banks and exchange offices is prohibited.

Currencies

Code Symbol Exchange rates (no guarantee)
MWK Mark 1 EUR = 755.24 Mk
1 CHF = 899.57 Mk
1 USD = 726.65 Mk

Malawi Money