Victoria Falls/Livingstone VAT tax help
 

I've read conflicting information regarding the VAT (Value Added Tax), can anyone help?

One sight I looked at says that no VAT taxes are added on the Zimbabwe side, if pre-paid before arrival, but is included if payment is made inside the country, and that VAT is paid in Zambia, irrespective. Another site says that in Zambia a 16% VAT is due
on accommodation and food, unless clients have a pre-booked package that includes activities to the value of 25% of the booking.

I wanted to book as few activities ahead of time as possible in order to leave myself more flexibility, but I'm not going to do that if I'm going to get taxed that much. Looking for clarity and advice. Thanks.

Death and taxes are guaranteed regardless where you are!

Where do you currently live?
Are there taxes associated with services where you are - hotels, restaurants, clothing, etc.?
Do you not use such services because of taxes?

What are the activities of interest?
What is the cost of these activities?
How tight is your budget that a country's VAT is an issue?

Not trying to be flippant, but this is a new one!

I'm not complaining that there are taxes, but why pay taxes you don't have to?

Without looking at my plans, I think activities and accomodation will be about $700 over 7 days. A 16% VAT tax would be $112. Can I afford that? Of course, but a hundred dollars here and there adds up. Just trying to be prudent and save some money...

One option might be to book my accomodations and a few activities still leaving me with some flexibility for the rest of my time.

Goodness, where are you staying (accommodations) and activities (whatever these may be) that your daily cost is only $100/day? Camping? Backpacking?

The reason visitors pre-book is to be assured they have the place you want to lay their head - clean, safe/secure, food. Otherwise, no guarantee and neither Zambia or Zimbabwe is where I'd want to be walking around to find a place. Nor, be carrying whatever cash needed, always aware and hoping that no one is trying to put something over on you or petty thievery.

So, agree with last sentence... book your lodging and some activities, then go with the flow.

Yeah, staying at hostels.

FYI http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/v...added-tax.html