Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
Some government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hot spots.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
www.smarttraveller.gov.au
)
British Foreign Office
(
0845-850-2829;
www.fco.gov.uk
)
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
800-267 6788;
www.voyage.gc.ca
)
US State Department
(
888-407 4747;
http://travel.state.gov
)
Shopping
You can find all kinds of curios and souvenirs for sale, including animals and figures
carved from wood, bowls and chess-sets, and the very popular 'chief's chair', which is a
three-legged stool made from two pieces of wood, with a high back decorated with pic-
tures.
There are craft stalls aimed at tourists in both Blantyre and Lilongwe as well as in the
country's more popular tourist areas. Prices are usually not fixed, so you have to bargain,
but if you prefer not to, there are craft shops in Blantyre and Lilongwe that use price-tags,
though they're generally more expensive.
BARGAINING
At craft and curio stalls, where items are specifically for tourists, bargaining is expected.
Some vendors might initially ask for double the price they're willing to accept; haggle un-
til you arrive at a mutually agreeable price. Try not to have the attitude that people are try-
ing to rip you off. If the price seems fair and affordable to you, there's no point in bargain-
ing someone down just for the sake of it.
Solo Travellers
Solo travellers might attract a little attention in rural areas, especially a woman, but other
than that people will barely notice you. Of course, solo travellers should be extremely
careful at busy bus stations, and avoid walking around isolated areas, or at night (espe-
cially women).
