Zimbabwe Healthcare and Money

By | May 9, 2022

Health care

Vaccinations

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

Overview

Medical care cannot be compared to that in Europe and is often problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. There is often a lack of doctors and qualified nursing staff (particularly in rural areas). In the event of an accident, insist upon admission to a private hospital in Bulawayo or Harare, if possible. However, admission to private and state hospitals only takes place if either payment is made in advance or a guarantee is given. Very seriously ill patients should be flown to South Africa / Germany. Adequate health insurance coverage valid worldwide and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. In many pharmacies – not least with the introduction of the US$ – a satisfactory stock of medicines can be found again. Nevertheless, a well-assorted individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected from the temperatures on the way. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.

Notes vaccinations

[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who intend to enter within six days of stay or transit in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Exceptions are transit passengers in Zimbabwe who do not leave the airport. Proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination is not required when entering Europe via London or Johannesburg. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection in the capital Harare and in rural areas, especially during the rainy season from November to March. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is recommended obtain medical advice in good time before the start of the journey. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Areas below 1200 m are at high risk of malaria all year round in North, North West and North East, Zambezi Valley, Kariba Basin, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park etc. High risk from September to May inclusive in South and South East Zimbabwe in areas below 1200m. Low risk from June to August in areas below 1200 m in the south and south-east. In Harare, Bulawayo and areas above 1200m there is a low risk all year round. The more dangerous malaria species Plasmodium falciparum predominates (99%). [4] Because of the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured, for example typhus epidemics occur regularly. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterilized water. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.

Other risks

Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a major problem in the country and a major threat to anyone who takes the risk of infection. Sexual contact, the use of drugs (dirty syringes or cannulas) and blood transfusions generally pose a high risk. Condom use is always recommended, especially on the occasion of acquaintances. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is endemic to Zimbabwe and occurs nationwide. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid contact with animals. Plague occurs in the Matabeleland North region. 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 nationwide, particularly in the Caribbean Basin in the north of the country. Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. For backpackers, kids, Vaccination is recommended for occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Health certificate

Permanent residency and work permits require presentation of a Health Certificate in English proving that the traveler is free from contagious diseases, specifically tuberculosis. A chest x-ray should be included, and the x-ray film should be included if possible.

Money

Currency

1 Zimbabwe dollar = 100 cents. Currency code: $ or Z$; ZWD. ZWL (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of Z$5 and Z$2. The largely demonitized currency currently exists almost exclusively in the form of promissory notes (bond notes) and as electronic currency. In November 2019, Z$2 and Z$5 banknotes were issued. The US dollar and South African rand, like all foreign currencies, were banned as legal tender in Zimbabwe in June 2019.

Credit cards

Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.

ATMs

Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, no money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The ATMs are currently empty and not working. 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

Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Traveller’s checks can be cashed at Stanbic Bank branches in major cities in Zimbabwe.

Bank opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wed 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Foreign exchange regulations

The use of foreign currency as a means of payment is prohibited in Zimbabwe.

Currencies

Code Symbol Exchange rates (no guarantee)
EUR 1 EUR = 755.24 €
1 CHF = 899.57 €
1 USD = 726.65 €
MWK Mark 1 EUR = 755.24 Mk
1 CHF = 899.57 Mk
1 USD = 726.65 Mk
ZAR R 1 EUR = 755.24 R
1 CHF = 899.57 R
1 USD = 726.65 R
USD U.S$ 1 EUR = US$755.24
1 CHF = US$899.57
1 USD = US$726.65

Zimbabwe Money