Border red tape

[TheoP]

We have traveled extensively but this is our first trip to Mozambique and would appreciate some advice from somebody with recent experience on crossing the border.

We will be crossing at Kosi Bay around mid April.

I have all the usual documentation - is there any other border red tape that we should take note off?

What cross border fees / TIP etc should I expect ?

How much do I budget for cross border fees / Tip etc etc ?

Do I pay that in ZAR or Metical? Or US$ ?

Any potential issues to look out for & avoid ??

I will be spending some time in Ponta - is it advisable draw Metical from an ATM there ?
or where do I exchange currency ?


Many thanks

[RayRay]

Hi Theo
TIP and border entry has no cost.
You only need to declare stuff that isn't 'normal' holiday stuff, or if you have a trailer(need both papers)

You need the usual, registration documents, passports, insurance letters.

Most places in Ponta will accept Rands, and also have cards, VISA works best, MASTERCARD sometimes has issues.
You can draw 5000mzn per transaction at the ATM if you find someone who doesn't take rands. Exchange is a bout 3.5mzn/R1 now

There was a Toll gate between the border and the Ponta turnoff but that has been gutted.(They accepted rands as well)

Get to the border, park on the SA side, go into the building on the left, get exit stamp from SA.
Only one person needs to drive the car through the border gate, and park on the left next to the buildings.

Others can walk across the road into Moz, to the buildings on the right

Driver walks across the road to the building on the right, get Moz entry stamp. CHECK THE DATE IS CORRECT
You stay outstide the building and deal with the officials through the window.

Go back to the buildings on the left where you parked.
Go inside building to get the TIP and gate Pass by showing your passport and Reg documents to the guys behind the counter.
(They usually fill in the paperwork if the computer system is offline)

Take TIP and Gate Pass(and all your papers) to the vehicle and get one of the Customs(Blue uniform/Alfandega) guys to check contents and sign gate pass.
They usually only look in the boot.

Drive to the Boom and hand in Gate Pass.(Sometimes they ask for 'something' )
Not really a bribe because the worst they can do is search your car again.(waste your time)
Take your time, be friendly and don't let them think you are in a hurry.


Enjoy beautiful Mozambique.

PS: Please DO NOT crack open your first beer as you leave the border, this is not the lawless province of SA.

[River Rat]

You will need 3rd party insurance which you can buy online.

Third-Party for Foreign-Registered Vehicles | Car Insurance