Malawi
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 22.2 million people live in Malawi, on 118,484 km². The capital is Lilongwe.
- Capital
- Lilongwe
- Population
- 22,216,120
- Area
- 118,484 km²
- Official languages
- English, Chewa, and Tumbuka
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Malawi?
Sockets take plug type G, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Malawi?
Call 997 for the police, 998 for an ambulance and 999 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Malawi?
About 10 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Malawi?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in Malawi?
Prices are in Malawian Kwacha (MWK).
What language do they speak in Malawi?
Official languages: English, Chewa, and Tumbuka.
How do I call a number in Malawi from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +265.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
