Malawi
Malawians are characteristically polite and helpful in both personal and business dealings. However, they have a difficult time saying "no", even when they do not agree. English, the official language of Malawi, generally suffices for business communication, although few rural Malawians speak it. The most common vernacular languages include Chichewa (throughout the country), Chitumbuka (primarily in the North), and Yao (primarily in the South).
Armed robberies and carjackings are becoming common throughout Malawi. Residential break-ins, car theft and petty crime are frequent in urban areas. Travelers have been the victims of robberies and serious assaults and emergency services are extremely basic. The armed hi-jacking of expensive cars and four-wheeled drive vehicles is prevalent, both during the day and at night. Lock doors while driving and conceal valuables. Be wary of small groups in quiet areas. Visitors to Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and tourist destinations such as Nkhata Bay, Senga Bay (aka Salima) and Cape Maclear should be alert to muggers, bag snatchers and con men. In recent months several British visitors have been robbed at knifepoint in Senga Bay, Nkhata Bay and Blantyre. A British national was murdered recently near Mzuzu. Visitors should be wary of drugs being planted in their luggage. This results in bogus policemen demanding money to allow onward travel. Be cautious with over-friendly people who offer to act as tour guides.
The long-awaited Anti-Corruption Bureau, first promised in 1994, finally became operational in February 1997. It is constitutionally mandated to investigate and prosecute corruption. Given widespread disappointment that the bureau has been slow in materializing, the government must prove that the bureau will operate efficiently and transparently. Investigations must be completed; cases referred to court must be prosecuted in a timely manner; and, judicial decisions must be handed down expeditiously.
In the main centers there are excellent hotels, the most sophisticated being in Blantyre and Lilongwe. In addition, there are some excellent lodge-style hotels in the main tourist resorts.
Telephone IDD is available. Country code is 265 (there are no city codes). Outgoing international code is 101. Malawi's telecommunications infrastructure is overburdened, and service is deteriorating. Telecommunications with Zimbabwe and South Africa are especially bad. Most corporate offices and tourist class hotels have telephones and faxes. There is no local Internet provider. Post offices are generally open 0730-1200 and 1300-1700 Monday to Friday. Post offices in some of the larger towns may be open 0900-1000 Sunday, but only to sell stamps or to accept telegrams.
Electricity is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, most modern buildings using square 3-pin plugs.
230 volts AC, 50Hz. The standard plug is square three-pin.
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Fresh fish from Lake Malawi is the country’s specialty, chambo (Tilapia fish) being the main lake delicacy. There are trout from streams on the Zomba, Mulanje and Nyika plateau. Hotel restaurants and many of those in the cities are of a good standard. They offer a wide choice of dishes including European, Korean and Chinese as well as authentic Malawi dishes and haute cuisine. Poultry and dairy produce are plentiful and tropical fruits are abundant in season. The local beer is very good and imported beer and soft drinks are widely available. Malawi gin and tonic is well known
and inexpensive, with almost cult status. Wine is imported largely from South Africa. Tipping:
Generally not expected, but some employees who are very poorly paid might appreciate a small tip for good service.Nightlife
There is little nightlife in the European or US sense. Some restaurants have entertainment as do some of the hotels but outside Blantyre and Lilongwe this will usually take the form of a display of dancing during or after dinner at the lakeshore hotels.
