Living in Zimbabwe as a French National: Cities, Formalities and Daily Life

Zimbabwe offers remarkable landscapes (Victoria Falls, the Hwange, Mana Pools and Gonarezhou parks), a highland climate on the central plateau, three official languages (English, Shona, Ndebele) and a society where the rules of courtesy are very widely respected, in town and in the countryside according to France Diplomatie. English makes settling in easier for a French speaker who speaks English.

• Strengths: nature, an English-speaking setting, very widely respected rules of courtesy, no malaria on the central plateau (Harare, Bulawayo).
• Points of caution: recurring fuel shortages, degraded roads, variable water cuts and quality, a fragile public health system, healthcare paid for in cash, lengthy administrative procedures.
• Context: France Diplomatie mentions a degraded socio-economic context that does not allow social tensions to be ruled out; one should stay away from gatherings and not intervene in political activities.

Harare, the capital, concentrates the French embassy, administrations, international organisations and most skilled posts. Bulawayo, the second city, Mutare, Gweru, Chitungwiza and Epworth complete the list of main cities cited by France Diplomatie.

Victoria Falls, in the north-west, lives off tourism; it is also a year-round malaria area according to France Diplomatie, like the Zambezi valley between Hwange and Beitbridge, whereas the central plateau, around Harare and Bulawayo, is not affected. Nature lovers head for the national parks, with a guide.

In Harare, France Diplomatie reports a rise in burglaries, often at nightfall, sometimes by armed individuals; it recommends an alarm system linked to a security company, clearly signposted, and not offering resistance. The city centre is little frequented at night: walking there is strongly discouraged.

The official currency is today the ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold), introduced on 5 April 2024 to replace the Zimbabwean dollar, but France Diplomatie specifies that dollarisation remains very high: most purchases are settled in either currency, and the US dollar serves as the reference for card payments. Electronic payments, by debit card or by mobile phone (Ecocash), are common. The ZiG cannot be exchanged outside the country.

Old US dollar notes, issued more than ten years ago, may be refused, especially 100-dollar notes; check their issue date. Withdrawals in dollars with a Visa or Mastercard card are possible at some cash machines and international cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in Harare and Victoria Falls; it remains wise to leave with US dollars in cash.

No average budget is put forward: rents and prices are compared on the spot with several landlords; current inflation and the exchange rate appear in the “Economic indicators” block. A resident’s tax obligations should be checked with the tax authority, ZIMRA.

An entry visa is mandatory for French nationals. It is requested before departure on evisa.gov.zw (pre-registration strongly recommended) or obtained on arrival: 30 US dollars for a single entry, 45 US dollars for a double entry, payable in cash in US dollars, amounts that may change at any time. The pages read do not specify the length of stay authorised or the required validity of the passport: these points should be confirmed with the Embassy of Zimbabwe or immigration.

At customs, the allowance is 200 US dollars per person, with 5 litres of alcohol at most, including 2 litres of spirits. Narcotics, honey and pornographic publications are prohibited. An import licence is required for medicines and agricultural products, a veterinary permit and a health certificate for pets. Currency must be declared on entry and the maximum amount authorised on exit is 2,000 US dollars or the equivalent.

To reside, permit rules depend on the activity; they fall to the Zimbabwean immigration department and should be prepared several months before departure. French nationals are invited to register on the register of French nationals living abroad with the French embassy in Harare.

The France Diplomatie pages devoted to Zimbabwe mention no French school. The French embassy in Harare and the directory of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) are the sources to consult before departure to learn of any French-language schooling options.

Families generally compare local schools and distance learning, according to language, the exams taken, fees and distance. Children’s health requires up-to-date vaccinations, and malaria prevention if travelling in low-altitude areas: see children’s cover abroad.

France Diplomatie advises against, except for an imperative reason and a precise professional purpose, the Marange diamond fields (about 50 km south-west of Mutare) and the northern border with Mozambique, where anti-personnel mines make any travel off the main roads dangerous. The level of crime is generally low, petty crime occurring mainly at nightfall near large hotels, banks and cash machines.

On the road, break-ins to vehicles have been reported, particularly on the Harare airport road for a night flight; doors must stay locked, windows closed when stopped and nothing should be left in view in the passenger compartment. The police very often set up checks (fines of 5 to 20 US dollars); private minibuses called “commuters” are to be avoided, as is night driving outside the towns.

On legislation, narcotics are severely punished, photographing official buildings, notably the Presidency, is an offence, holding or buying raw minerals is strongly discouraged, and homosexuality is an offence punishable by sanctions. The French embassy runs a duty line for French nationals: +263 8677 00 71 54.

Visitors can drive with their French licence for 90 days; residents must obtain a local licence, by examination or exchange. Traffic drives on the left and comprehensive insurance is advised. Roads are in poor condition, with more potholes in the rainy season (November to March); fuel shortages are recurrent, including in Harare and Bulawayo, hence the recommendation to keep the tank full.

The train is not recommended because of delays that can reach several hours, even dozens of hours; the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls line operates in better conditions. Fast-Jet links Harare to Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. For telephony, Econet, Netone and Telecel have an office at the airport, and the phone must be unlocked before departure.

The page the healthcare system in Zimbabwe details the health risks, and expat health insurance the cover options.