Capital city, Zimbabwe
Harare
Zimbabwe's leafy, low-rise capital with good cafés, markets and safari-trip logistics. Cash and power are unreliable, public transport chaotic and city sights few; it works as a base more than a destination.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,300–2,000Comfortable, one person · $1,300–2,000Details
- Value for money50/100Better value than 49% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unreliable and sometimes contaminated; use bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashUS dollars are widely used and the local currency (ZiG) is common too.Details
Where to stay in Harare
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Avondale | Cafés, shops and guesthouses close to the centre |
| Borrowdale | Upscale suburb with malls, restaurants and hotels |
| Belgravia and Milton Park | Quiet, leafy streets with guesthouses |
| CBD | Daytime offices and markets; stay elsewhere |
Apps that work in Harare
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yango | Ride app listed for Zimbabwe; availability varies |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- EcoCash: Mobile money used by locals
- Taxis: Taxis are unmetered; agree fares before getting in. Hotels and restaurants can call trusted drivers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Zimbabwe.
- Mixed: cards and cash US dollars are widely used and the local currency (ZiG) is common too. Cards work in malls and hotels but fail often; ATMs run dry and charge fees.
- Currency: Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG). US$1 ≈ $26.77 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs often run out of cash and dispense ZiG or limited USD; fees are high. Bring USD cash for most spending.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated; tip safari guides and trackers in USD per day. Tourist lodges usually pool tips.
- Paying by phone: EcoCash and OneMoney are local mobile money; visitors mostly use cash USD or Visa cards. Apple/Google Pay is rare.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most nationalities buy a visa on arrival (USD cash, around 30 days) or apply for an e-visa beforehand; keep small USD notes.
- The KAZA UNIVISA (50 USD) covers Zimbabwe and Zambia, with day trips to Botswana; sold at Victoria Falls airport and border.
- Passport needs 6 months validity and blank pages; yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from risk countries.
Emergency numbers
Police 995 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993
Plugs
Type D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Econet and NetOne SIMs sold at shops and Harare airport; passport and registration required. Data bundles priced in USD.
More places in Zimbabwe
Going to Harare solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.