Maputo, Mozambique Report of what it's like to live there - 05/17/10

Personal Experiences from Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo, Mozambique 05/17/10

Background:

1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?

Yes.

View All Answers


2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?

Brasilia, Brazil.

View All Answers


3. How long have you lived here?

2 years.

View All Answers


4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?

Brazilian diplomat.

View All Answers


Housing, Groceries & Food:

1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?

Some big houses around the embassy area. Expect to pay at least USD 2000 a month.

View All Answers


2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?

Groceries and appliances, not too bad. Everything is imported, but from their next door neighbor. Furniture is difficult and a bit expensive, though.

View All Answers


3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?

Furniture, bookcases.

View All Answers


4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?

Only KFC! Price is low.

View All Answers


5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?

MALARIA! Watch for the mosquitoes. Nets are a must for children, and different neighborhoods have more or less incidence.

View All Answers


Daily Life:

1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?

View All Answers


2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?

Plenty and cheap. Not every worker is good, but with some patience you can find decent people.

View All Answers


3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?

Some.

View All Answers


4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?

There are many, and I was always able to draw money from my US account in local currency.

View All Answers


5. What English-language religious services are available locally?

I know there are plenty, because of the South African community.

View All Answers


6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?

You can get cable, but is not cheap.

View All Answers


7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?

My first language is Portuguese, so I didn't have any problems. But I know that in malls and banks you can find people who speak English.

View All Answers


8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?

Many, as you can imagine.

View All Answers


Transportation:

1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?

You should have the phone number of at least 2 or 3 taxi drivers you trust, which are not too hard to find.

View All Answers


2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?

You need an SUV or a jeep.

View All Answers


Phone & Internet:

1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?

Same as above.

View All Answers


2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?

Buy one there. Getting a pre-paid account is very easy.

View All Answers


Pets:

1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?

Not in Mozambique. But try to ship them through Lisbon, not Johannesburg, to avoid quarantine in the connecting flight.

View All Answers


2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?

There is at least one good vet.

View All Answers


Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:

1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?

Yes, among international agencies.

View All Answers


2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?

Government and diplomatic people wear suit and ties.

View All Answers


Health & Safety:

1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.

Burglaries happen a lot. Find an enclosed area (better) or get an electric fence.

View All Answers


2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?

MALARIA. They have the necessary medicines, but sometimes the doctors are not too good. Some people had bad experiences with the most recommended hospitals.

View All Answers


3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?

Good, except in the crowded avenues, where it is moderate.

View All Answers


4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?

Wet the whole year, and hot in the summers - though less so than in Rio de Janeiro.

View All Answers


Schools & Children:

1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?

There are American, French, Italian and Portuguese Schools, and an International one, which is not very good. Also a few small private schools with classes in English, which are a bit better and not as expensive as the American School

View All Answers


2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?

View All Answers


3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?

View All Answers


4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?

View All Answers


Expat Life:

1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?

Big. Not only there are many embassies, but also lots of International cooperation.

View All Answers


2. Morale among expats:

Pretty good, as far as I know. People are not enthusiastic about Maputo, but I haven`t seen anyone who strongly dislikes.

View All Answers


3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?

Some bars, one good concert hall.

View All Answers


4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?

Mostly yes, though it may get a little boring.

View All Answers


5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?

View All Answers


6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?

Not that I`ve seen. Lots of Indian/Pakistani immigrants, and people of Portuguese origin (white), and they seem to get along well. The bantu groups are many, but they have less problems than in other African countries.

View All Answers


7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?

I like the old part of the city (the "Baixa") and the Kruger park, across the border.

View All Answers


8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?

Some bars and restaurants, with lots of different foods (though service is slow). If you want to see nature, take the car to South Africa.

View All Answers


9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?

Statues, small craft.

View All Answers


10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?

It is very close to South Africa, which has great safaris and very good shopping. The diplomatic passport helps you through the border faster.

View All Answers


11. Can you save money?

Yes, if housing is covered by your government.

View All Answers


Words of Wisdom:

1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?

Yes.

View All Answers


2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:

Warm clothes.

View All Answers


3. But don't forget your:

Malaria medicines. Take them as soon as you get typical symptoms, don`t wait a lot for the dyagnosys. If you have been to South America, bear in mind that African Malaria is MUCH more dangerous.

View All Answers


4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?

Anything from Mia Couto.

View All Answers


5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:

View All Answers


6. Do you have any other comments?

View All Answers


Subscribe to our newsletter


New book from Talesmag! Honest and courageous stories of life abroad with special needs.

Read More