Most visitors to Zambia start in Livingstone, the town beside Victoria Falls, and many combine it with a safari in South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi or Kafue, flying between them via Lusaka. Coverage is good in the towns but disappears in most of the national parks, where lodges rely on Wi-Fi. Zambia is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so European plans charge their own roaming rates there.
Key facts for Zambia
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Airtel (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 991; ambulance 992; fire 993
- Embassies: in Lusaka
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Livingstone has good coverage, as does the main viewing area at the falls. The adventure activities around the gorge, from rafting to bungee jumping, have led to serious accidents and deaths, so choose established operators and follow every safety instruction. If you cross to the Zimbabwean side of the falls, note that the Africa plan does not include Zimbabwe, which needs its own plan.
Safaris in the national parks
In South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Kafue, the signal fades soon after you leave the park gates, and many camps offer only limited Wi-Fi. Wild animals, including venomous snakes, are unpredictable and do kill, on land and on the river, so stay with your guide and follow camp rules after dark.
Lusaka and the roads
Cities and the main parks are generally safe in daylight, but pre-arrange transport at night and do not walk after dark. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, and be wary at gates and road obstructions at night, where carjackings have happened. Many roads are badly potholed, floods can wash out roads and bridges from November to April, and driving outside towns after dark is dangerous.
Laws to know
Photographing army barracks or government buildings is illegal and can lead to arrest. Drug possession, including cannabis, is a serious offence, and same-sex sexual activity is illegal.
Paying
The currency is the kwacha. Cards work in hotels, lodges and larger shops in Lusaka and Livingstone, while markets and small towns run on cash; withdraw what you need before heading into the parks.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installed before departure connects on landing in Livingstone or Lusaka, and your own number still receives texts and bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa.
Zambian prepaid SIMs from Airtel, MTN or Zamtel are sold at the airports and in phone shops, and are registered with your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Zambia
- Call 991 for the police, 992 for an ambulance and 993 for the fire brigade.
- Embassies are in Lusaka. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Zambia, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Medical care outside Lusaka is limited, so make sure your insurance covers treatment and evacuation.
Questions travellers ask about Zambia
Does my EU plan work in Zambia?
No. Zambia is outside Roam Like at Home, so roaming is charged at your operator's own rates.
Is there signal on safari?
Rarely inside the parks. Expect lodge Wi-Fi and download maps before you go.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Zambia?
Airtel, with 4G where available.
What are the emergency numbers?
991 for the police, 992 for an ambulance and 993 for the fire brigade.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, add a Zimbabwe plan if you cross the falls, book adventure activities with established operators, avoid night drives, and save 991 and 992.
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