Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Maputo

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, or budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Street food, local markets, basic restaurants serving traditional Mozambican dishes, self-catering

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Local chapas (minibus taxis), walking, occasional regular taxis for longer distances

Activities

$0-15 per day

Free beach access, walking tours, local markets, occasional museum visits, public spaces

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use chapas (local minibus taxis) instead of regular taxis for transport (usually 70-90% savings)

Stay in neighborhoods away from the waterfront tourist areas (generally 30-50% lower accommodation costs)

Buy groceries and prepare some meals yourself when possible (can reduce food costs by 50-70%)

Visit free attractions like beaches and local markets rather than paid tours every day

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through booking sites to avoid commission fees

Travel during low season months for significantly reduced accommodation and tour prices

Only eating in tourist-oriented restaurants near the waterfront (typically 100-200% markup over local establishments)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the chapa system (can increase transport costs by 300-500%)

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season (usually 40-80% more expensive)

Not negotiating prices for tours and activities (missing potential 20-40% savings)

Changing money at hotels or airports instead of banks or authorized dealers (typically 5-15% worse exchange rates)