Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is a place where old and new coexist in harmony. The newer parts of the city will remind you of any European capital city, as life moves at a hectic pace in the business districts. A short distance away, the old quarters enjoy life in a much more leisurely manner. You can experience beaches, cafes and restaurants, bustling markets, lively nightlife and more during your Maputo vacation.
Are you planning a trip to Maputo or Mozambique? Get ready to have a great time. However, before you go, we highly suggest that you take the time to research and purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance. The right insurance plan can provide a significant level of financial protection if your trip does not go as you had planned.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Maputo – FAQs
You can’t predict when you might need medical assistance while vacationing in Maputo. The healthcare facilities in the city are basic as compared to the first-world countries, but even these can cost you a fair amount. Medical evacuation can cost you even more. That’s why you need to purchase travel medical insurance.
Is Travel Medical Insurance Required for Maputo?
The government of Mozambique does not legally require visitors to have travel medical insurance, but that does not mean you should go without it. When you consider the risks from mosquitos, water-borne illnesses, and the risk of injury while sightseeing, it’s understandable why it is essential that you have proper insurance coverage.
Why Buy Travel Medical Insurance Before Traveling to Maputo?
Healthcare facilities in Maputo may not be up to the standards you are used to. Relatively minor treatment can be taken care of, but even that can come at a steep cost if you do not have insurance. For more serious injuries and illnesses, medical evacuation could be required. This can easily cost more than $25,000 for transport to a larger African city, and far more for transport to Europe or North America. Since it is unlikely that you can shoulder these costs alone, travel medical insurance is something you simply cannot afford to go without.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Maputo – FAQs
Most people cannot travel to Maputo on a whim. Rather, you’ll need to book several flights, and make hotel reservations and other bookings far in advance. This is a significant outlay of money, and it is often nonrefundable. So, what happens to that money if you’re suddenly unable to take your trip? If you’d like the opportunity to be reimbursed, make sure you have trip cancellation insurance.
Why Should I Get Trip Cancellation Insurance for My Maputo Travel?
You can’t predict getting sick right before your Maputo trip. You also can’t predict a personal emergency, natural disaster, or disease outbreak that makes travel impossible. What you can predict is that all the money you spent on nonrefundable, prepaid bookings is lost. Don’t let this situation happen to you. Get trip cancellation insurance that can help you recoup your covered expenses.
What Can be Covered by Maputo Trip Cancellation Insurance?
That all depends on the policy you choose, making it extremely important that you read the policy documents before making a purchase.
Generally, a travel insurance plan can cover instances like:
- Trip interruption
- Trip cancellation for a covered reason
- Loss of baggage
- Baggage delays
- Emergency medical coverage
- The option to cancel for any reason with certain plans
Maputo’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Maputo has a lot to get you hooked. Museums, art and food fairs, oceans, and cathedrals are just some of the attractions of the city. So, don’t consider this as just a one-night stop on your Mozambique trip. Let the sights and sounds of Maputo sink in over a few days.
Maputo Fortress
This former Portuguese defense outpost is a military history museum today. It attracts considerable footfall, owing to the impressive collection of military equipment that was used in Mozambique through the ages. It also pays tribute to Ngungunhane, who was the last emperor of the province of Gaza, before he was captured by the Portuguese conquerors.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
The simple, yet attractive white façade of this Roman Catholic place of worship is built of cement and concrete, and located in the vicinity of the famed Independence Square. The interior of the cathedral boasts ornate designs, so be sure to check them out on your visit.
Maputo Railway Station
Among the most beautiful rail stations anywhere in the world, this more-than-a-century-old building is bound to awe you with its grandeur. Built on the lines of Beaux-Arts architectural style, the still-operational rail station boasts of a clocktower and ornate wrought iron columns and porches. There is a railway museum here with an impressive collection of memorabilia. You might also be lucky enough to view a cultural program during your visit.
FEIMA
Want to experience a kaleidoscope of colors? Craving to be a part of a bustling cauldron of art, food, dresses, and flowers? Then you need not look beyond FEIMA. Local artists showcase and sell their mind-boggling array of paintings, wooden handicrafts, bags, various traditional fabrics, and much more here.
You can see and buy exotic flowers at the plants and flower market, or simply take a walk amidst all the activity, and soak in the infectious spirit of the place. Feeling hungry after all the shopping and walking? Step into a restaurant and savor some authentic Mozambican cuisine.
Natural History Museum
The neo-Gothic architecture of this building built during the Portuguese occupation of Mozambique is an eye-catcher by itself. Have a look at the wonderful murals by Mozambican artist Malangatana Valente Ngwenya in the gardens outside the building.
There are a large number of taxidermized African animals inside the building that vividly portray the diversity of fauna in the continent. Also check out the fossils of ancient animals here, as well as the clay models of animals and insects.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Maputo
Mozambique and Maputo are safe places for international tourists, by and large. The crime rates are not extremely high, so you can stay fairly relaxed. But, it wouldn’t be wise to let your guard down entirely. You should adopt some standard safety measures during your Maputo travel.
Beware of Muggers
The oceanfront is not policed around the clock, so do your best to avoid it in the late evenings. Don’t venture into desolate city locations after sundown, as these are areas where muggers operate. Don’t withdraw cash from ATMs at night, especially in deserted locations, as this could make you a target of thieves.
Avoid Public Demonstrations
Though the political situation is not overly volatile, demonstrations against the government do occur from time to time, and these can turn violent all of the sudden. If you happen to be in an area where such a gathering is forming, leave immediately.
Malaria Menace
Malaria is fairly rampant in Maputo and the adjoining areas. Do not travel anywhere without mosquito repellent, especially after sunset when mosquitoes are more active. Wear clothes that cover your entire body to prevent mosquito bites. Carry anti-malaria medication with you, and consult a doctor prior to your travel.
Protection on the Roads
If you choose to drive in Maputo, be sure to keep the doors of the car locked and the windows rolled up. Follow this protocol even in taxis and chauffeur-driven, rented cars. Incidents of snatchings from stationery vehicles at traffic signals are common. Carjacking also happens, so be careful about the areas where you are driving.
Check Before You Click
Capturing the sights of a beautiful city like Maputo on your camera is something you are justifiably excited about, but be careful as to what you are photographing. Taking pictures of the police, military, government buildings, and similar stuff might land you in trouble. If you are not sure, then don’t assume. Get it confirmed whether you can photograph a certain building or not, preferably from a police officer or other city official.
Before You Travel to Maputo – Do This
- Do some research before you book your hotel in Maputo. Hotels are expensive, by and large. There are several middle-of-the-road guesthouses here that are comfortable, yet not costly.
- Learn a smattering of Portuguese before your travel, as this is going to be of immense help in getting around the city on your own.
- Carry a power adaptor with you. The power sockets in use in Mozambique are of the C, F, and M types with a standard voltage of 220V.
- Set aside some time to research and purchase the right travel medical insurance or travel insurance plan before you go. Doing so could potentially save you a whole lot of money.