CLIMATE
The highland regions has a humid near temperate climate with 40 to 90 inches of annual rainfall. The middleland is sub-tropical and somewhat drier, with 30 to 45 inches of annual rainfall and the lowland is almost tropical and definitely sub-humid, receiving 20 to 35 inches of rain annually. Rainfall tends to be concentrated in a few violent storms. Temperatures range from about -3.4°C (26°F) in the winter to over 29.4°C (85°F) in the summer.

Climate Chart for Mbabane

VISAS & IMMIGRATION
Nationals of the following countries do not require visas:-
Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Eire, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Granada, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.


MONEY
Official Currency: Lilangeni=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling as other currencies incur a higher exchange commission. South AFrican Rands are accepted as payment throughout the country although many places won't accept coins.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking: Monday to Friday: 0830-1300 Saturdays: 0830-1100
Shops: Monday to Friday: 0830-1700 Saturdays: 0830-1300
Offices: Monday to Friday: 0800-1300 and 1400-1645


LOCAL TIME
Swaziland is two hours ahead of GMT


TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air:
Scan Air Charter based at Matsapha Airport offer air charter facilities to all towns and villages throughout Swaziland and neighbouring territories.

Public Transport:
A number of bus services, express and regular, connecting the main towns. Minibus
taxis run along the shorter routes although the prices are slightly higher. Taxis are available in Mbabane and Manzini.

Hitching:
Hitching here is fairly easy on main roads but you'll have a lot of competition from the locals. Never hitch alone.

Self Drive / Hire Cars:
Road conditions are fairly good but speed is limited to 80km/h, (50mph)60km/h in built up areas. Driving is on the left hand side and seatbelts must be worn. An International Driving Licence is required by all except South Africans. Most petrol stations are open on a 24 hour basis and Mastercard, Visacards and Barclays petrocards are accepted. There are several car hire firms and cars can be collected and left at Matsapha Airport. Some car hire firms require that the renter is 23 years of age or above

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used is:
"South African" Plug - view