Capital city in Maputo City, Mozambique
Maputo
Art deco capital with Indian Ocean seafood, live music and Portuguese cafés, a short hop from Eswatini and South Africa. Petty crime, police shakedowns and thin tourism infrastructure need care.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,100–1,800Comfortable, one person · MT70,000–115,000Details
- Value for money53/100Better value than 52% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Feb, 31°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–63Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at hotels, supermarkets and bigger restaurants; cash meticais for chapas, markets and small cafés.Details
Where to stay in Maputo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Polana (Cimento and Caracol) | Embassies, restaurants and the safest places for first stays |
| Sommerschield | Quiet, upscale, near the Avenida Julius Nyerere cafés |
| Baixa (downtown) | Art deco, markets, cheaper guesthouses; busier and edgier |
| Costa do Sol | Seafood restaurants and beachfront nightlife north of center |
Apps that work in Maputo
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yango | The main app; cars and cash payment |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- M-Pesa: Mobile money used by locals
- Taxis: Street taxis do not use meters; negotiate before getting in. Apps help avoid overcharging but supply thins at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mozambique.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels, supermarkets and bigger restaurants; cash meticais for chapas, markets and small cafés. ATMs in malls.
- Currency: Metical (MZN). US$1 ≈ MT63.83 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in cities dispense meticais; fees apply and machines sometimes fail. Withdraw more in Maputo before heading to beach towns.
- Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants if no service charge; round up for drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: M-Pesa and eMola are used locally; visitors need cash or cards. Apple and Google Pay are rare.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most nationalities need a visa; many can use the e-visa system or visa on arrival, with fees in USD. Check the official site for your passport.
- Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from risk countries; passport needs 6 months validity and blank pages.
- Carry your passport copy and register your stay as required by hotels.
Emergency numbers
Police 119 · Ambulance 117 · Fire 198
Plugs
Type C, F, M · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Vodacom and Movitel SIMs sold in shops and kiosks; passport registration required. Data is pricey by regional standards.
More places in Mozambique
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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.