USEFUL INFO - COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone and Fax Services (+265)
Telephone services in Malawi can be poor, mainly due to weather effects. While a 24-hour direct dialing facility between main centres within the country is available, it can be difficult to get through, particularly during business hours and the rainy season, there are approximately 236,000 landlines in Malawi (2008). Direct international dialing service is available to 60 countries, mostly in Europe, North America and Africa. Calls to other countries can be placed through the international operator and are sometimes subject to disruptions and considerable delays. There are also a vast amount of bureaus located throughout the cities that offer international call services, however please ensure you query about the estimated cost before making your call.
Cellular telephones have been introduced, and there are more than 1.4 million users. The service is widespread and efficient, the average top up is $5 – $10, and the two main suppliers include Celtel and Telkom. There is only coverage in certain parts of the country, mainly in and around and between the main cities: Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu. You may also text any contacts you have abroad at the standard local rate. Some mobile phones from abroad offer roaming facilities, however using your original country sim card, will charge you extortionate prices. Therefore when you can purchase a local sim card, try it on your own phone, and if it works top it up.
Internet and Email Services
There are various internet and email providers all over the country, charges and band speed vary. Registering for services at home would cost you an average of $40 per month.
Mail Services: National Postal services
Airmail from the United Kingdom normally takes 4 to 9 days, while airmail from other countries in Europe, USA, Canada, Asia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand can take up to three weeks. Letters and parcels sent by surface mail can easily take up to six months to arrive. Mail from within Africa, including neighbouring countries, can be subject to extraordinary delays of up to six weeks. There is no house-to-house mail delivery. The Post Office also has an Express Mail service to main cities within the country and to countries all over the world. The costs are very high but the service is quick and reliable. The DHL courier service is also available.
