Formalities and prescription drugs | Zambia - Lonely Planet Forum

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Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:48:02 +0000

Hey folks,

Sorry if this is somewhat of a repost. I've browsed dozens of previous posts and found vague answers to my questions, but I'd like to get a better handle on a few logistics before November... I'll be working on a carnivore conservation and sustainable development project near the Angolan border for about four months. I've read a few things about formalities and prescription drugs that raise a couple questions:

I've heard Zambian culture is one of formality, and cleanliness and attire are quite important. I'll be working in the bush and will need to pack clothes that can get filthy, but I'm sure I'll spend some time in Lusaka and Livingstone. Will it be necessary to pack an extra pair of slacks and a collared shirt? Or will clean jeans and a clean t-shirt be sufficient? Are sandals frowned upon in the city?

I've read a few posts about over the counter meds and getting in trouble with them. When I travel, I usually bring a few OTC meds just in case, including benadryl, ibueprofen, antibacterials, neosporin, etc. Will I need to chase down a doctor here in Alaska to write a prescription for those OTC meds?

I'll be near Mongu and Kalabo. Anybody been there? Anything informative or important to share about the region?

Muchisimas gracias,
D

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Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:16:19 +0000

Hi, I've heard Zambian culture is one of formality, and cleanliness and attire are quite important.
This can be true of the business and official areas, so to be taken seriously, when visiting government departments or businesses, it is advisable to be "correctly" attired. No civil servant would be seen dead without a tie! Jeans are OK but they can be uncomfortably hot, loose cotton slacks are better. Sandals are OK for casual, but again, you may find that they are not "the done thing" in "official" circumstances. I find that if I wear sandals or flips I end up being well bitten around the lower limbs, it’s for good reason that the old colonial look was safari boots and long socks! In the bush, wear what you want. There will be someone to do your washing in any case!
As far as the drugs are concerned, its pot luck whether you get stopped. Some say they have never had a problem in many visits, but there have definitely been cases of visitors being stopped and given a hard time at the border.
Benadryl seems to be the biggest culprit; but most of the “usual” OTCs are OK.
Anything that could contain a narcotic, or PSYCHOTROPIC drug is a problem, along with powerful painkillers, but these should have a prescription in any case.
With a prescription there should be no problem, (as long as you haven’t got one for 2000 tabs!)
http://www.deczambia.gov.zm/docs/Cap%2096%20of%20the%20Laws%20of%20Zambia.pdf/
Ivan

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Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:21:40 +0000

I agree with the above. It is a bit of question of taste as well how you match the things. Zambian taste is slightly old+fashioned but they are not militaristic (lovely people, actually). If you lack something you can always buy some Salaula (imported second hand stuff) or do shopping in one of the shopping centers. Lusaka is not so hot so jeans are quite comfy but you would need to match them with something more formal. For men, sandals in a city would look strange but depends on the style.

I cannot imagine who would first of all go through your belongings, who would care what you have there, who would know what for they are. Ibuprofen, antibacterials are just everyday stuff.

I have been to Mongu and Kalabo few times some years ago but not lived there (my colleagues were living in Mongu). If you are talking about Mongu town and Kalabo Boma they are not exactly close to Angolan border, still far away in terms of time. What would you like to know, and what could I tell what your contacts in Zambia have not told you?

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