£1 TZS 3,444.61
Today
6:58 am
+3h from you
Travel warning
There are active attacks by extremist groups near the border with Mozambique, so it's not safe to travel to areas within 20km of that border.
Weather in Tanzania
Tanzania
27°
Slight rain showers
Wed
24
27
Thu
24
29
Fri
24
31
Sat
24
31
Sun
24
31
SPF level in Tanzania
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Tanzania
Tipping in Tanzania
Tipping is customary in Tanzania for various services. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation for good service. Amounts can vary depending on the quality of service and your personal discretion.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill, if service is not included.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip (e.g., a few thousand TZS) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 10% for good service, especially for longer journeys or assistance with luggage.
Hotel Porter
1,000-2,000 TZS per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
2,000-5,000 TZS per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 USD per person per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour. For a safari guide, consider a higher amount.
Safety in Tanzania
Tips for British travellers
Tanzania is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid walking or cycling alone at night as there is a risk of crime including assault, rape and sexual aggression at beach resorts.
Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a copy for ID checks, as immigration officials or police can request these documents at any time.
Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep car doors locked and windows up when in a vehicle to reduce the risk of robbery.
Arrange taxis through a hotel or travel operator and always ask to see the driver's ID to avoid getting into unlicensed or unsafe vehicles.
If you think a ferry appears overloaded or not seaworthy, do not get on board.
Always carry copies of your passport photo page and visa for ID checks.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and display valuables such as expensive jewellery or watches.
Bonus tips:
Dress modestly throughout Tanzania to avoid causing offence, especially in Stone Town where the authorities can issue fines for inappropriate clothing.
Plastic bags are banned, so you will be asked to hand over any you have when you arrive by air.
Driving in Tanzania
A UK driving license is valid for up to six months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
111
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Tanzania
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Tanzania uses 230V at 50Hz. Plug types D and G are common. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in Tanzania, particularly in larger hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses. However, cash is still widely preferred, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. It's advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Tanzania
ATMs are mainly available in larger cities and tourist areas, but can be scarce in rural locations. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major urban centers.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs in Tanzania generally accept international cards, but it's always a good idea to check with your bank beforehand to ensure your card is compatible and to inform them of your travel plans. Chip and PIN is generally required. Transaction fees may apply.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Tanzania. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 25,000 TZS (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Vodacom Tanzania, Tigo Tanzania, Airtel Tanzania
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in tourist areas and major cities. However, internet speeds can be variable, and connectivity may be unreliable in more remote locations.
Average speed
10 Mbps
While WiFi is becoming more widespread in Tanzania, it's not as ubiquitous as in some other countries. It's advisable to check with your accommodation or establishment about WiFi availability and speeds before relying on it.
Health & vaccinations in Tanzania
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan to undertake, such as trekking or safaris. It's crucial to have insurance as medical facilities can be limited in some areas, and treatment can be expensive.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Tanzania has a risk of malaria, so preventative medication is strongly recommended. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets. Avoid swimming in fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia. Medical facilities in major cities are adequate, but may be limited elsewhere.
Calling Tanzania
Country code
+255
00 255 [area code] [local number]
To call a Dar es Salaam number (e.g., 22 215 XXXX) from the UK, dial 00 255 22 215 XXXX.
To call Tanzania from the UK, dial the UK exit code (00), followed by the Tanzanian country code (255), then the area code (if applicable) and the local number.
UK Embassy in Tanzania
British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Umoja House, Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Airports in Tanzania
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.