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Tanzania FAQ

Is tipping customary in Tanzania?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Tanzania but a little generosity will be received positively, especially when considering the low wages that Tanzanian service workers are typically paid. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change or rounding up the bill at restaurants.

What is the internet access like in Tanzania?

Travellers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the internet cafes of Tanzania’s large cities, but limited to no access should be expected in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Tanzania?

Mobile phone coverage is good in Tanzania’s large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

What are the toilets like in Tanzania?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Tanzania, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels, tourist attractions and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as they are rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Street snack = 1,000 TZS
Bottle of beer = 2,000 TZS
Plate of food from a local eatery = 3,000 TZS
Dinner in an international restaurant = 10,000-20,000 TZS

Can I drink the water in Tanzania?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Tanzania. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Tanzania?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Tanzania?

ATMs are easily found in large cities and urban centres but are rarer in small towns, rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the big cities as ATMs aren't always an option.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Tanzania?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Tanzania?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 12 Zanzibar Revolution Day
Jan 24 Birth of the Prophet
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
Apr 26 Union Day
May 1 International Labour Day
Jul 7 Saba Saba (Industry’s Day)
Aug 8 Nane Nane (Farmer’s Day)
Aug 8 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Oct 14 Nyerere Day
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Dec 9 Independence and Republic Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. Muslim festivals are timed around the lunar calendar and change each year according to lunar phases, so these dates are estimates.

For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/tanzania/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • TANZANIA:
    Australia: Yes - Visa required
    Belgium: Yes - Visa required
    Canada: Yes - Visa required
    Germany: Ye - Visa required
    Ireland: Yes - Visa required
    Netherlands: Yes - Visa required
    New Zealand: Yes - Visa required
    South Africa: Yes - Visa required
    Switzerland: Yes - Visa required
    United Kingdom: Yes - Visa required
    USA: Yes - Visa required
    It is recommended you purchase your visa in advance at any Diplomatic or Consulate Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania abroad. The cost is approximately US$100 depending on nationality and should take 1 business day. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). However if your trip visits Tanzania twice after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.
    It is also possible to obtain a tourist's visa for a single entry at any one of the following main entry points to Tanzania, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration and health requirements:
    -Dar es Salaam International Airport
    -Zanzibar International Airport
    -Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
    -Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point)
    -Kasumulu Border crossing
  • TANSANIA:
    Australien: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Belgien: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Kanada: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Deutschland: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Irland: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Niederlande: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Neuseeland: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Südafrika: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Schweiz: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Großbritannien: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    USA: Ja – Visum erforderlich

    Wir empfehlen Ihnen sich Ihr Visum im Voraus bei einer Botschaft oder einem Konsulat der Vereinigten Republik Tansanias zu beschaffen. Das Verfahren kostet – je nach Staatsangehörigkeit – ca. USD100 und dauert einen Werktag. Derzeit benötigen Sie aufgrund eines entsprechenden Abkommens kein Visum mit mehrfacher Einreise zwischen Kenia, Tansania und Uganda. (Wenn Sie z.B. von Kenia nach Tansania reisen, können Sie mit dem selben Visum wieder nach Kenia reisen.) Sollten Sie jedoch ein zweites Mal nach Tansania einreisen, nachdem Sie ein Land besucht haben, das nicht zu diesem Abkommen gehört, müssen Sie zwei Visa erwerben. Es ist an den folgenden vier Grenzübergängen auch möglich ein Touristenvisum mit einfacher Einreise zu erwerben, wenn Sie die gesundheitlichen und anderen Einreisevoraussetzungen erfüllen:
    - Internationaler Flughafen Daressalaam
    - Internationaler Flughafen Sansibar
    - Internationaler Flughafen Kilimandscharo
    - Namanga Grenzübergang (Grenzübergang zwischen Tansania und Kenia)
    - Kasumulu Grenzübergang

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Tanzania at a glance

  • 50
  • Dodoma
  • 42.7 million
  • Swahili, English
  • TZS
  • (GMT+03:00) Nairobi
  • Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +255

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