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Europe has the best air connections with Zambia. British Airways, KLM and Air France all have regular service to Lusaka. African carriers flying to the capital include Air Zimbabwe, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways and South African Airways. Lusaka Airport is 20km (12mi) east of downtown. There's no airport bus, but taxis and hotel courtesy vans meet international flights. The airport departure tax is US$20.

The most fabulous way of entering Zambia is over the Victoria Falls Bridge from Zimbabwe. Buses run regularly between Harare and Lusaka; the trip takes about nine hours. The other main border points with Zimbabwe are Chirundu and Kariba. From Mozambique, most travellers enter Zambia at Cassa Catiza. From Malawi, the main crossing point is east of Chipata, on the main road between Lusaka and Lilongwe. The only crossing point between Zambia and Botswana is the ferry across the Zambezi river at Kazungula, about 60km (37mi) west of Victoria Falls. From Namibia, buses run regularly between Livingstone and Windhoek, crossing the border at the Zambian village of Katima Mulilo, near Sesheke.

Money & Costs

Currency: Kwacha (K)

Meals


• Budget: US$1-5

• Mid-range: US$5-10

• Top-end: US$10 and upwards
  
  Lodging
  

• Budget: US$2-10

• Mid-range: US$10-75

• Top-end: US$75 and upwards

Zambia is a relatively inexpensive destination. Comfortable travel is available for US$100 a day, though luxury hotels and chartered planes will be significantly more. Travellers on a moderate budget should expect to spend around US$15-50 a day or more, depending on their taste for restaurant meals and safaris. If you do a lot of self-catering, take the train or bus and don't load up on artefacts, you can keep your costs below US$15 a day.

You can find a foreign exchange (forex) bureau in most large towns, and they'll generally give better rates than the banks. Cash advances can be had in Lusaka, but don't expect to get cash for plastic in other towns. There's no black market worth bothering with, and most street moneychangers will rip you off.

Tipping is illegal. You'll find a 10% service charge added to your bill in most restaurants. Bargaining is common and expected