Swaziland

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

The highland regions has a humid near temperate climate with 40 to 90 inches of annual rainfall. The middleland is sub-tropical and somewhat drier, with 30 to 45 inches of annual rainfall and the lowland is almost tropical and definitely sub-humid, receiving 20 to 35 inches of rain annually. Rainfall tends to be concentrated in a few violent storms. Temperatures range from about -3.4°C (26°F) in the winter to over 29.4°C (85°F) in the summer.

Climate Chart for Mbabane

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Nationals of the following countries do not require visas:-
Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Eire, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Granada, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Listing of Swaziland's Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    Lilangeni=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling as other currencies incur a higher exchange commission. South AFrican Rands are accepted as payment throughout the country although many places won't accept coins.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0830-1300     Saturdays: 0830-1100
Shops:     Monday to Friday: 0830-1700     Saturdays: 0830-1300
Offices:     Monday to Friday: 0800-1300 and 1400-1645

LOCAL TIME

Swaziland is two hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:
Scan Air Charter based at Matsapha Airport offer air charter facilities to all towns and villages throughout Swaziland and neighbouring territories.

Public Transport:
A number of bus services, express and regular, connecting the main towns. Minibus taxis run along the shorter routes although the prices are slightly higher. Taxis are available in Mbabane and Manzini.

Hitching:
Hitching here is fairly easy on main roads but you'll have a lot of competition from the locals. Never hitch alone.

Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Map & Atlases for Sale

Road conditions are fairly good but speed is limited to 80km/h, (50mph)60km/h in built up areas. Driving is on the left hand side and seatbelts must be worn. An International Driving Licence is required by all except South Africans. Most petrol stations are open on a 24 hour basis and Mastercard, Visacards and Barclays petrocards are accepted. There are several car hire firms and cars can be collected and left at Matsapha Airport. Some car hire firms require that the renter is 23 years of age or above

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Swaziland, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

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	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.