Maputo Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Maputo.
Healthcare System
Maputo's healthcare system is a mix of public hospitals, which are often under-resourced and overcrowded, and private clinics that offer significantly better standards of care. Public facilities face challenges including limited supplies, equipment shortages, and long wait times. Private healthcare facilities cater to expatriates and tourists with better-trained staff and modern equipment.
Hospitals
For tourists, recommended private facilities include Clínica Cruz Azul, Clínica Sommerschield, and Hospital Privado de Maputo. These accept international insurance and cash payments. The public Hospital Central de Maputo is the largest facility but is recommended only for emergencies when no alternative exists. Always contact your embassy or insurance provider for current recommendations.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias) are widely available throughout Maputo, particularly in central areas and shopping centers. Many common medications are available over the counter, though supplies can be inconsistent. Bring prescription medications in original packaging with documentation. Pharmacies generally operate during business hours (8am-6pm), with some 24-hour locations in central Maputo.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential for Maputo. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to South Africa (Johannesburg or Pretoria), as this may be necessary for serious conditions. Private facilities require payment upfront or insurance guarantees before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including any prescription medications you need for your entire stay plus extra
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with generic drug names, as brand names may differ
- Private clinics require upfront payment; keep emergency cash or ensure your insurance provides direct billing
- For serious medical issues, evacuation to South Africa provides significantly better care options
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are the most common crimes affecting tourists in Maputo. Thieves often work in groups, with one creating a distraction while another steals belongings. Items stolen from cars at traffic lights or through smashed windows are particularly common.
Muggings can occur, particularly after dark and in isolated areas. While less common than petty theft, armed robberies do happen, sometimes involving weapons. Criminals may target pedestrians, especially those appearing wealthy or distracted.
Carjackings, smash-and-grab thefts at traffic lights, and thefts from parked vehicles occur regularly. Criminals may target rental cars or vehicles that appear to belong to tourists or foreigners.
Contaminated water and food can cause traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera. Tap water is not safe to drink, and food safety standards vary widely between establishments.
Maputo is in a malaria-endemic zone, with risk year-round but higher during the rainy season (November to April). Malaria can be life-threatening if untreated.
Road conditions vary from good to poor, with potholes, unmarked hazards, and unpredictable driving behavior. Pedestrians face significant risks from vehicles. Public transportation safety standards are inconsistent.
Beaches can have strong currents and riptides. Theft on beaches is common, and isolated beaches pose security risks. Lifeguard services are limited or non-existent at most beaches.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals pose as police officers and demand to see identification, wallets, or bags, claiming they need to check for counterfeit money or drugs. They may steal items or demand bribes to avoid arrest.
Street money changers offer attractive exchange rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, swap bills for lower denominations, or provide counterfeit currency. Some work near banks or official exchange offices to appear legitimate.
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers quote inflated prices, take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or demand extra fees for luggage or waiting time. Some work with accomplices to stage fake breakdowns or diversions.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items, engaging in conversation) while an accomplice steals your belongings. Common in markets, tourist areas, and restaurants.
Fake accommodation listings online, properties that don't match descriptions, or 'agents' who demand deposits for non-existent properties. Some taxi drivers receive commissions for taking tourists to specific hotels and claim your booked hotel is closed.
Beach vendors selling food, drinks, or souvenirs quote inflated prices to tourists, sometimes claiming the price is in US dollars after the purchase when it was actually in meticais (resulting in a 60x markup).
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep a low profile and avoid displaying wealth, expensive jewelry, cameras, or phones unnecessarily
- Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and store separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down separately
- Avoid discussing travel plans, accommodation details, or valuables with strangers
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during business hours, never alone at night
- Carry only the cash you need for the day in a money belt or hidden pocket
- Keep a 'dummy wallet' with expired cards and small bills in case of robbery
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person and in luggage
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- Be discreet when accessing money; don't count cash in public
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Transportation
- Use registered taxis from reputable companies or ride-hailing apps (Uber operates in Maputo)
- Avoid chapas (minibus taxis) as they're overcrowded, poorly maintained, and targeted by criminals
- If renting a car, choose a reputable company and consider hiring a local driver
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving, especially at traffic lights
- Plan routes in advance and avoid driving at night
- Don't pick up hitchhikers or stop for people flagging you down
- Park only in secure, guarded parking areas
Accommodation
- Stay in reputable hotels or guesthouses with security measures (guards, secure entrances)
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside your room
- Use the door chain or additional locks provided
- Don't open the door without verifying who's there
- Store valuables in room safes or hotel safety deposit boxes
- Be aware of who can see into your room from outside
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled water with sealed caps; use bottled water for brushing teeth
- Take antimalarial prophylaxis and use insect repellent religiously
- Ensure vaccinations are current: hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, routine vaccines
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit with prescription medications, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and first aid supplies
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals, especially dogs and monkeys, due to rabies risk
- Seek immediate medical attention for fever, as it could indicate malaria
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data access
- Keep your phone charged and carry a portable battery pack
- Save important numbers before arrival (embassy, hotel, emergency services)
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases for emergencies and common situations
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Know your accommodation address in Portuguese
- Have offline maps downloaded in case of connectivity issues
Night Safety
- Avoid walking after dark—always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services
- If going out at night, travel in groups and stick to well-lit, populated areas
- Inform someone of your plans and expected return time
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness of your surroundings
- Keep valuables at your hotel; bring only essentials when going out
- Be extra vigilant when leaving bars, restaurants, or entertainment venues
- Avoid isolated beaches, parks, and quiet streets after sunset
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Maputo safely with appropriate precautions, though they may face additional challenges including unwanted attention, verbal harassment, and catcalling. Solo women travelers should be particularly vigilant, especially after dark. The local culture is generally conservative, and women may receive more attention than they're accustomed to in Western countries. However, serious incidents against female tourists are relatively uncommon when sensible precautions are taken.
- Dress conservatively to minimize unwanted attention; avoid revealing clothing, particularly in non-beach areas
- Never walk alone after dark; always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services
- Consider joining group tours or traveling with others when possible
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband or boyfriend to deflect unwanted attention
- Book accommodations with good security, preferably with other travelers or families present
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight at bars and restaurants
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Keep your phone charged and accessible for emergencies
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases to firmly decline unwanted attention
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and keep windows up
- Be cautious about sharing personal information, travel plans, or accommodation details
- Connect with other travelers or expat women's groups for current safety information
- Avoid isolated beaches, quiet streets, and deserted areas at any time of day
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Mozambique (decriminalized in 2015), and the constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, there are no specific legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. Despite legal decriminalization, LGBTQ+ rights are not widely accepted or understood.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; public displays of affection should be avoided
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; international hotel chains are generally safer options
- Be cautious about sharing information about sexual orientation with locals, taxi drivers, or casual acquaintances
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly in public spaces
- Connect discreetly with local LGBTQ+ communities online before arrival for current safety information
- Be aware that dating apps may not be safe; exercise extreme caution if meeting people
- Have a cover story prepared if asked about relationships or traveling companions
- Choose nightlife venues carefully; mainstream clubs and bars may not be welcoming
- Be prepared for inappropriate questions or assumptions about relationships
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily available
- Consider traveling as 'friends' or 'colleagues' rather than as a couple in public
- Document any harassment or discrimination and report to your embassy
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Maputo due to the limited quality of public healthcare, high risk of theft and crime, potential for medical evacuation needs, and exposure to tropical diseases including malaria. Medical treatment at private facilities requires upfront payment, and serious medical conditions will require evacuation to South Africa, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance. The combination of health risks, crime, and infrastructure challenges makes travel insurance a critical safety net rather than an optional extra.
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