Question 1

Google Maps offline

Accepted Answer

Download offline maps of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar before travel; connectivity in remote areas is unreliable.

Question 2

Accepted Answer

Essential for communication with guides, hotels, and locals; most Tanzanians use WhatsApp over SMS.

Question 3

Local SIM card (Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo)

Accepted Answer

Buy a SIM at the airport or in-town for reliable 4G/LTE; Vodacom has the best coverage nationwide.

Question 4

eSIM option

Accepted Answer

If your phone supports eSIM, pre-purchase a Tanzania plan from Airalo or similar to activate on arrival and avoid airport queues.

Question 5

Passport validity

Accepted Answer

Tanzania requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.

Question 6

Visa or eTA

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities need a visa; many can now apply online via Tanzania's eTA system before arrival, or obtain a visa on arrival.

Question 7

Yellow fever vaccination

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry if arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors to Tanzania.

Question 8

Malaria prophylaxis

Accepted Answer

Malaria is present in most of Tanzania; consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel about atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.

Question 9

Travel insurance with evacuation

Accepted Answer

Medical facilities outside Dar es Salaam are limited; insurance covering emergency evacuation to Kenya or South Africa is essential.

Question 10

Drinking water safety

Accepted Answer

Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water, purification tablets, or a portable filter throughout your stay.

Question 11

Routine vaccinations

Accepted Answer

Ensure polio, tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A/B are current; check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure.

Question 12

Tanzanian Shilling cash

Accepted Answer

Withdraw TZS from ATMs in major cities (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi); many rural areas and parks accept only cash.

Question 13

Mobile money: M-Pesa & Airtel Money

Accepted Answer

Register a local SIM with M-Pesa or Airtel Money for seamless payments at shops, restaurants, and transport; widely trusted.

Question 14

Credit/debit card backup

Accepted Answer

Carry a Visa or Mastercard for hotels and upmarket restaurants, but expect 3–5% surcharges and limited acceptance outside cities.

Question 15

Best season: June–October (dry)

Accepted Answer

Cool, dry weather and excellent wildlife visibility; book accommodation early as prices peak July–August.

Question 16

Cultural etiquette & dress

Accepted Answer

Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas; greet elders respectfully; avoid photographing people without permission.

Question 17

Tipping customs

Accepted Answer

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; 10% for good service at restaurants, 5–10 USD per day for safari guides.

Question 18

Emergency number: 112 or 999

Accepted Answer

Dial 112 (mobile) or 999 (police) in emergencies; response times in remote areas may be slow.

Question 19

Petty theft & pickpocketing

Accepted Answer

Avoid displaying cash, phones, or jewellery in crowded areas; use hotel safes and keep copies of documents separate.

Question 20

LGBTQ+ legal context

Accepted Answer

Same-sex relations are illegal in Tanzania; exercise discretion and avoid public displays of affection.

Tanzania, as a local

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