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Zanzibar Basics

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Time

Time: GMT +3.

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. Square or round three-pin plugs are used.

Money: The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureaux in the main towns usually offer a better rate on travellers cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10% surcharge. Visitors must pay a $50 airport tax on arrival and a $30 tax on departure.


Currency Exchange Rates
TZS 100.00 = A$ 0.11 C$ 0.09 IRR 0.75 NZ$ 0.13 £ 0.05 US$ 0.08 R 0.70

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Kiswahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Entry requirements for Australians: A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans: A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: A Visitor's Pass is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors entering Tanzania require a visa. Visitors may obtain a visa on arrival at Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar airports for US$50, payable in cash. All visitors also require proof of sufficient funds and should hold documentation for their return or onward journey. Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Health: Travellers are advised to take medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Most visitors will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and polio. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There is a risk of malaria all year and most doctors will recommend medication. There have been outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever and travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as well as avoid food prepared by unlicensed vendors. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks and visitors should avoid bites by tsetse flies. HIV/Aids is a serious risk. Cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only. Medical services are available in Dar-es-Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited; visitors with particular requirements should take their own medicines. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping: Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10%. Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service and the number in your party.

Safety: As in other East African countries, the threat from terrorism is high and visitors should be cautious in public places and tourist sites and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The area bordering Burundi should be avoided. Street crime is a problem in Tanzania, especially in Dar-es-Salaam where tourists should be alert and cautious. Lonely beaches and footpaths are often targeted; women are particularly vulnerable to attacks. Visitors should leave valuables in their hotel safe and not carry too much cash on them at any time. Armed crime is on the increase and there have been serious attacks on foreigners in Arusha and on Pemba Island. In February 2007 a party of tourists were also robbed by armed men near Ngorongoro Crater. Road accidents are common in Tanzania due to poor road and vehicle conditions, violation of traffic regulations and exhaustion among long-distance drivers. In the most recent accident, a bus travelling to the popular tourist town Arusha plunged off a bridge into the river after the driver lost control of the vehicle, killing at least 47 passengers.

Customs: Visitors to Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim area and a modest dress code, especially for women, should be respected when away from the beach and in public places. Topless sunbathing is a criminal offence. Smoking in public places is illegal.

Business: Although Tanzanians come across as relaxed and friendly, it is important to observe certain formalities, especially with greetings. It is advisable to learn a few Swahili catch phrases when greeting, followed by a handshake. Women and men rarely shake hands in Swahili culture, however if the woman extends her hand, the man is obliged. Tanzanians are to be addressed as Mr., Mrs., and Ms, followed by the family name. Business dress is seldom very formal, however lightweight suits are recommended for formal occasions. Business hours are similar to Western countries, but a longer lunch break is taken during the hotter months, and business continues later in the evening from Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for Dar-es-Salaam. International calls made from rural areas may have to go through the operator. Mobile phones work in the main urban areas and Zanzibar; the network operators use GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Travellers should contact their service provider to ensure they have international roaming. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can charge as much as $10 per minute. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty free: Travellers to Tanzania do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; alcoholic beverages up to 1 bottle; and 473ml perfume. Restrictions apply to firearms, plants and plant products and fruits.