From money and mobile internet to vaccinations, malaria protection and medical care, this guide covers some of the most important practical questions to help you prepare for your Malawi adventure.

1. Where can I exchange money in Malawi?

The local currency is the Malawi Kwacha (MWK). Malawi is still largely a cash-based destination, so having enough cash with you is important.

US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange, and some hotels and restaurants may also accept US dollars. However, you’ll generally get more flexibility by having local currency available. Also, it will be cheaper for you 😉 

The Euro is also mostly possible to change, especially in big and more touristy cities!

We recommend exchanging money at official banks or authorised exchange bureaus.

It’s also a good idea to keep some emergency cash separately from your main wallet.

Good to know: If you bring foreign currency into Malawi, check the current declaration requirements on arrival and keep any documentation you receive.

2. How much cash should I bring?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your itinerary, accommodation and what is already included in your trip.

As a general rule, it’s better to have some cash available because card payments aren’t accepted everywhere. ATMs are available in larger towns and cities, but they can occasionally run out of cash.

For a longer trip, we recommend having a combination of:

• Malawi Kwacha for everyday expenses

• A small emergency reserve in euros or US dollars

• At least one backup credit or debit card

3. Can I pay by credit card?

Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Malawi, especially at hotels and larger tourist establishments. However, you shouldn’t rely on your card for everything.

Smaller shops, local restaurants, markets and businesses may only accept cash.

Our tip: bring a backup card and always keep some cash with you.

Before your trip, check with your bank whether your card works in Malawi and whether international transaction or ATM fees apply.

4. Which vaccinations do I need and when should I get them?

Vaccination requirements depend on your individual health situation, your itinerary and the countries you are travelling from or through.

It’s best to speak to a travel doctor or vaccination centre several weeks before your departure. This gives you enough time to complete any vaccination courses that require multiple doses.

Depending on your itinerary, vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid or others may be recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate can also be required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present.

Important: Don’t wait until shortly before departure to think about vaccinations. Your doctor can give you individual advice based on your travel plans.

5. Do I need malaria prevention medication?

Malaria is present in Malawi throughout the year, so malaria protection is an important part of preparing for your trip.

Whether you should take malaria medication depends on factors such as your itinerary, the areas you visit, the season and your personal health situation.

Speak to a doctor or travel medicine specialist before your trip about whether malaria prophylaxis is recommended for you.

And medication isn’t the only form of protection. Avoiding mosquito bites is just as important.

6. What mosquito protection should I use?

A good mosquito protection strategy combines several measures:

• Use an effective insect repellen (best to buy in Malawi)

• Wear long, loose-fitting clothing, particularly around dusk and at night

• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net where necessary

• Choose accommodation with good mosquito protection

• Keep doors and windows closed where appropriate

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes can be active throughout the year, so don’t skip mosquito protection simply because you’re travelling outside the rainy season.

7. Can I buy mosquito repellent in Malawi?

Yes, mosquito repellent can be available locally, e.g. in supermarkets or pharmacies. 

However, if you have a specific product that works well for you, pack enough for the beginning of your trip. Your accommodation or local guide can also advise you on what is readily available locally.

8. How good is the internet in Malawi?

Internet access varies considerably depending on where you are travelling.

In larger towns, cities and many tourist accommodations, you can usually find Wi-Fi or mobile data. In more remote areas, however, connectivity can be limited or unreliable.

If you need to stay connected, don’t assume you’ll have a strong internet connection everywhere.

Our tip: download important information before you leave, including:

• Offline maps

• Booking confirmations

• Flight details

• Important phone numbers

• Travel documents

• Translation apps

If you need frquent internet, we recomment buying a SIM card!

9. Do I need a SIM card or eSIM?

A local SIM card or eSIM can be useful if you want reliable mobile data during your trip.

Whether an eSIM works for you depends on your phone and the local network coverage available along your route.

If staying connected is important to you, check your provider’s international roaming options before departure and compare them with a local SIM or eSIM.

For remote areas, however, remember that a SIM card doesn’t help if there is no network coverage.

10. What is medical care like in Malawi?

Medical facilities in Malawi are limited, particularly outside the larger cities. There are private medical facilities in places such as Lilongwe and Blantyre, but they may not meet the standards you are used to at home.

For this reason, comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is especially important for a trip to Malawi.

We also recommend travelling with a personal first-aid kit and enough prescription medication for your entire trip, plus some extra in case of delays.

If you regularly take medication, keep it in its original packaging and carry your prescription or relevant medical documentation with you.

A few more things worth knowing

💧 What about drinking water?

For travellers, bottled or boiled water is generally the safer choice. Be cautious with ice and raw foods if you’re unsure how they were prepared.

🦟 What should I pack for a Malawi trip?

Think light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a small first-aid kit and any personal medication you need.

Depending on your itinerary, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and trousers are also very useful for evenings.

💳 What if I run out of cash?

Don’t leave your money planning until the last minute. Carry a backup card and keep some emergency cash separately from your everyday wallet.

🧳 Should I bring everything from home?

Not necessarily. Malawi has shops, pharmacies and supermarkets in larger towns, but availability can be limited in more remote areas.

For essentials such as medication, specific toiletries or specialist protection, it’s better to bring what you know you need.

Ready for Malawi?

Malawi isn’t a destination where you need to have everything figured out before you arrive. But a little preparation makes the journey much easier.

Bring some cash. Protect yourself from mosquitoes. Get your travel health advice in good time. Download the important things you might need offline – and then leave some space in your plans for the unexpected.

Because that’s part of what makes travelling through Malawi so special.

Ready to discover Malawi?

Get in touch with us and we’ll help you plan a trip that combines the places, experiences and pace that suit you.