Time: | Local time is GMT +1. |
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Electricity: | Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. |
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Language: | English is the official language, but many people also speak Afrikaans and German. |
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Health: | A yellow fever certificate is required for all travellers arriving from infected areas. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, typhoid fever and polio are also recommended. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, but medical insurance is essential as treatment is expensive. |
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Tipping: | Tips of 10% are expected by tourist-orientated establishments where a service charge has not been included in the bill. Tour guides, game rangers and trackers rely on tips for their income, but these are discretionary and depend on good service. |
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Customs: | It is best to check before taking pictures of State House or properties where the President is residing, as well as any buildings guarded by the army or police. |
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Safety: | The majority of visits to Namibia are trouble-free, but beware of street crime and pickpockets in the town centres. Care should be taken when travelling in the Caprivi Strip; travel in daylight hours only and stay on the main tarred highway, as there is a risk of landmines remaining from the Angolan civil war. |
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Communications: | The international access code for Namibia is +264. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)61 for Windhoek. Most towns are covered by a GSM 900/1800 mobile network. Internet access is available from some hotels and Internet cafes are available in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. |
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Duty Free: | Travellers to Namibia over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits or liquor; 50ml perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; and gifts to the value of N$50,000. |