Warden Messages

New Metical

December 14, 2006

The Embassy is sending this Warden Message to remind Americans that December 31 marks the final day of dual circulation of the (old) Metical (MT) and the New Metical (MTn) in the marketplace. This means that starting January 1, 2007:
• The New Metical (MTn) designation will end and this currency will be known as the Metical with the abbreviation MT.
• All prices will be stated in Meticais (MT) only.
• (old) Meticais can be exchanged for Meticais at commercial banks through December 31, 2007.
• After December 31, 2007, (old) Meticais will be able to be exchanged for Meticais only at the Bank of Mozambique through December 31, 2012.
• Commercial banks will only process payments (checks, funds transfers, etc.) in Meticais.
• All checks drawn on local currency accounts must have only the designations "Meticais" or “MT” without any reference to "nova familia" or “MTn.”
• Commercial banks will accept deposits in both the (old) Metical and the Metical (MT) through December 31, 2007.
As an aside, December 23 is the last day checks written with the (old) Metical (MZM) designation before July 1, 2006, can be cashed or deposited.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1 888 407 4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1 202 501 4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
 
The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is located at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, Maputo
Telephone (258) 21 49 2797
Fax (258) 21 49 0448
Web site:  http://Mozambique.USEmbassy.gov
E-mail: ConsularMaputo@state.gov

The consular section is open Monday to Thursday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (closed 12:00 to 1:00 pm); Friday 7:30 am - 11:00 am. 

Visa interviews are normally conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, so Americans seeking non-emergency services are requested to visit the Consular section at other times.