Owing to the liberalisation of the economy, there is now plenty of food in the shops and supermarket chain Shoprite has meant that a much wider variety of goods are available. It is possible that only basic provisions will be on sale in smaller towns.

National specialities:
• Freshwater fish: bream from the Kafue, Luapula and Zambezi rivers.
• Nile perch and lake salmon can also be freshly caught.
• Nshima (ground maize porridge served with relish and meat or fish).

National drinks:
• Mosi and Rhino lager.
• Opaque beers such as Chibuku.
• Baobab White is made at a local craft bakery with the fruit from the baobab tree.

Tipping: A 10% sales tax is added to all bills. Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law but a 10% tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.

Lusaka has dancing and floorshows in the main hotels, cinemas and theatres. The Copperbelt and Livingstone areas offer a variety of entertainments including casinos and nightclubs. Very popular among travellers are boat trips on the river with a few drinks.

Lusaka has modern shops, supermarkets and open-air markets. Special purchases include African carvings, pottery and copperware, beadwork and local gemstones.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300 (some stay open until 1700).