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Tanzania - Useful Tips

Visiting Tanzania (and by extension Zanzibar) can be a great holiday. There are, however, some bits of information that you may find interesting or useful if you are planning a trip to the area.

Accommodation
The rating system used in African countries is different from the rest of the world. Expect that a 5 star rating is closer to 4 stars by Western standards.

Entry
A valid passport (dates valid up to six months after date of departure) and a return ticket is required to the enter the country.
A visa is necessary by all foreign nationals and the costs vary depending on the country of origin.
Nationals of the following countries, do not need a visa: Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Brunei, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Grenada, Indonesia, Kenya, Kiribati, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, São Tomé, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tonga, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe
A valid and up to date yellow fever vaccination and Yellow Card is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever area.
 
General Information
Electricity is 220-240V 50 Hz with 3-pin square or round pins.
Time Zone is Greenwich Mean Time 3 all year round.
Official languages are Kwiswahili and English.
Muslim holidays are observed in many parts of the country and may impose restrictions on shopping hours, drinking and smoking.

Health
Malaria is a problem, especially in the rainy season. Check with your tour operator and remember to use prophylactics.
Do not drink the water. Drink only bottled water.
Do not buy food from street vendors or eat food that has not been properly cooked or peeled.

Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling.
Money can be exchanged at airports or banks.
It is recommended that visitors carry small denominations of US dollars with them instead of exchanging their currency as many locations except it as legal tender.
Credit cards are accepted in most tourist locations but are unreliable.

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