Search Sponsored by

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness
  • Sustainability

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise
  • Job Seeker Center

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Humans of Travel Podcast
  • Trade Secrets Podcast
  • Coronavirus and Travel

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Immersive Family Experiences

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards
  • Future Leaders in Travel Retreat

Sign Up for Our Monthly Explorer Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
Emma Weissmann
Emma WeissmannSenior Editor

Share

Culture Shock: Tips for Travel to Zimbabwe

Nov 05, 2017
EXPLR_750x550_171106_NOMAD_CultureShock
Victoria Falls // © 2017 Getty Images

The southern African country of Zimbabwe (dubbed “Zim” by locals) has all the makings of an unforgettable Africa vacation. And when it comes to acclimating to this country’s culture and customs, it pays to be prepared. Here’s what to know.

Sign Up for Our Monthly Explorer Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Time Is Relative
We’ve been taught that it’s polite to be punctual — especially in a professional setting — but in Zimbabwe, schedules are relaxed. In fact, although we take the word “now” to mean “immediately,” Zimbabweans have three variations on the word. There’s “now now,” which most closely relates to our definition of the word; “just now,” which translates to “in a little while”; and, finally, the singular “now,” which means you’ll probably be waiting for a few hours — or until tomorrow. 

Money Matters
Zimbabwe is experiencing a cash liquidity crisis, so clients should plan to arrive with all the cash they’ll need throughout the trip. ATMs are few and far between, and banks often have long lines, so it will be difficult to withdraw money. Although Zimbabwe has its own currency, most businesses prefer U.S. dollars. 

Respect the Rules of the Ruler
You can expect to see Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe’s portrait almost everywhere you go — including in hotels, at the airport, in restaurants and more. However, if you drive past the Zimbabwe State House in the capital of Harare (where he resides), be warned: Cars can’t slow down; passengers shouldn’t gawk; and taking photos of the area — or government officials — is strictly forbidden.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TravelAge West will remain a trusted resource for our readers now and long after this crisis is over, and will continue to publish articles on a variety of travel industry topics, destinations and more to inspire future trips. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, please send a message to [email protected]

Tell Us What You Think! forum

Related Content

Check out our cultural travel tips for Thailand.
  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. 7 Things to Do With Kids in Washington, D.C., During COVID-19
  2. Hawaii COVID-19 Travel Update: Kauai Re-Enters 'Safe Travels,' and Good News on the Way for Vaccinated Travelers
  3. Hotel Review: Conrad Punta de Mita
  4. French Polynesia Extends Tourism Shutdown Until at Least May
  5. Where to Eat and Stay in Mexico's Emerging Hot Spot, Valle de Guadalupe
  1. Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations?
  2. COVID-19 Vaccinations and Travel: Are Senior Citizens Ready to Roam?
  3. Disneyland Will Reopen on April 30
  4. This Black-Owned Travel Agency Is Hosting a Music and Wellness Festival in Jamaica
  5. Emotional Support Animals Are Banned on U.S. Airlines. What Does That Mean for Travelers Reliant on Service Animals?

More Stories Like This

devilsthumbranchresortspacolorado

Hotel Review: Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa in Colorado

ecochilecovidvisit

Why Advisors Should Keep Chile on Their Radars for 2021

Kayaking With Whales in Antarctica

Kayaking With Whales in Antarctica

scottsdaleoutdoorscovid4

Why Scottsdale, Arizona, Is Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts

safaricovid2020kenyatanzania

What It's Like to Go on Safari Right Now

skiseason2021usacovidskidestinations

What to Expect From the Upcoming U.S. Ski Season

whalewatchingbajacaliforniamexicotour

Become One With the Whales on This Epic Baja Whale Watching Trip

nimmobaykayakinghotelreview

Hotel Review: Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia

A Travel Advisor Guide to Ethical Travel Marketing Right Now

A Travel Advisor Guide to Ethical Travel Marketing Right Now

ATTA's Tomorrow's Air Program Officially Launches

ATTA's Tomorrow's Air Program Officially Launches

TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Digital Ad Specifications
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • Travel Weekly China
  • TravelPulse
  • TravelPulse Canada
  • TravelPulse Quebec
  • Meetings & Incentives
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • AGENTatHOME
Copyright © 2021 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here