Mozambique offers visitors numerous things to see and do, as well as dozens of beaches that are perfect for just lazing around on. See the enormous sand dunes and freshwater lakes of Bazaruto Island, or visit Benguerra Island's forests and wetlands. History enthusiasts will enjoy Maputo's Museum of the Revolution or the historic lighthouse on Inhaca Island.

Other attractions include Africa's second largest artificial lake, Cahora Bassa, and 'the place where Noah parked his Ark', Gorongosa National Park. Go horse riding on the beach in Vilanculos, or scuba diving in its turquoise waters, and take a trip on a Pemba Bay dhow. Ponta d'Ouro is good for swimming with dolphins, or surfing one of the most perfect waves in the world.

Mozambique has largely been cut off from foreign investment and has only in recent years started opening up to the worldwide business community. Conducting business in Mozambique can be difficult as many people only speak Portuguese, or their own ethnic language. Translators are hard to come by, and most are found in Maputo. Generally business in Mozambique follows the Portuguese model in terms of business etiquette - punctuality is important, dress is usually conservative (though lightweight materials are recommended). Women, in particular, should dress conservatively and modest behaviour is encouraged. Meetings usually start and end with a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are usually 7.30am or 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Mozambique's climate varies in the different regions of the country, but generally, the inland areas are slightly cooler but more humid than the coastal areas during the rainy season. Winter is the dry season, lasting from April to September, and is the best time to visit Mozambique. The southern parts of the country are generally drier and less tropical than the north, with temperatures along the coast averaging 80ºF (27ºC). The rainy season coincides with the heat and humidity from October to March, with average coastal temperatures of 88ºF (31ºC).

The international dialling code for Mozambique is +258. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are also in use, e.g. (0)1 for Maputo, (0)22 Xai Xai. Outgoing international calls, other than for South Africa, must go through the operator. Two mobile phone GSM 900/1800 networks provide limited coverage in and around Maputo, Beira, some coastal locations and a few other isolated towns. Internet cafes are available in Maputo.

Taking photographs of public buildings is prohibited by law. Identity documents should be carried at all times.

Travellers to Mozambique may enter the country with the following items and not incur customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, perfume for personal use, and 750ml of spirits. Drugs are strictly prohibited and a permit is required for firearms and ammunition.

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The rounded three-pin plug is common, particularly near the border with South Africa and in Maputo. Two round- and flat-pin plugs are also found.

Health regulations in Mozambique require visitors to have a yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria is a risk throughout the year in the whole country. Cholera and other water-borne diseases are prevalent during the rainy season. Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout the country, and untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink. The government has declared tuberculosis (TB) a national emergency and it is expected to be a problem for the next 15 years. Hospital facilities are generally poor and outside the major cities of Maputo and Beira medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential and it is recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with them.

Portuguese is the official language, and there are 13 main national languages spoken. English is taught in secondary schools, but is only spoken in the southern tourist regions.

The official currency is the New Metical (MZN), which is divided into 100 centavos. In the southern parts of the country, South African Rand, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also accepted to pay for accommodation. Credit cards are accepted in some upmarket hotels in Maputo, but facilities throughout the rest of the country are limited; it is advisable to carry cash or travellers cheques. ATMs are limited and tend to be unreliable, but local banks have branches in most cities.

All foreign passengers to Mozambique must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Visitors of most nationalities can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Mozambique: the visa fee is USD 66, and further 30-day extensions are possible. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Mozambique, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Safety in Mozambique is not usually an issue for visitors. However, many unexploded landmines lie scattered about the country and visitors are advised that it is extremely risky to wander off well-travelled paths and roads: local information should be sought before going off-road outside provincial capitals. Violent crime is on the increase, including car hijackings and armed robbery. In the cities, particularly Maputo, muggings, bag snatching and pick-pocketing is common, and visitors are advised to be alert in public places, to keep valuables out of sight and to avoid walking anywhere at night. Identity documents should be carried at all times. All visitors, especially women, should not walk alone on any beach in Mozambique as there have been several severe attacks (and rapes) on tourists. Overland travel after dark is not recommended and travellers should be especially alert when driving near the Mozambique-South African border. Police checkpoints are common and foreigners are at risk of frequent harassment. Many roads can become impassable in the rainy season (November to April), when there is also a risk of cyclones.

Tipping in Mozambique is not customary, although in tourist areas a tip of 10% is expected.