What You Need to Know: Fly into Kilimanjaro (JRO) for safaris and Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar (ZNZ) and Dar es Salaam (DAR) for the coast and the south. Carry US dollars printed after 2009 plus a card, buy a local SIM or eSIM, and plan on English being widely spoken in tourism. Visitors need a visa (US$100 for US citizens) and {INS}.
Flying into Tanzania
| Airport | Best for |
|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro (JRO) | Kilimanjaro, Arusha and northern safaris |
| Dar es Salaam (DAR) | The southern parks, Mafia Island and Dar es Salaam |
| Zanzibar (ZNZ) | Beach holidays and safaris from Zanzibar |
We meet you at the airport: see our airport transfers.
Tanzania Visas and Insurance
Most visitors need a visa: US$50, or US$100 for US citizens (multiple entry). Apply online in advance, or let us do it for US$45; see our Tanzania visa guide. Everyone also needs the mandatory inbound insurance, US$44 per adult.
Getting Around Tanzania
| Mode | Good for |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights | Arusha, Zanzibar, the Serengeti, southern and western parks |
| Private vehicle with driver | Safaris and transfers |
| Ferry | Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, about 2 hours |
| SGR train | Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and beyond |
| Self-drive | Experienced drivers; see our car hire |
Money, Cards and Exchange in Tanzania
- The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); US dollars are widely used for tourism
- Bring US dollar notes printed after 2009 and in good condition; older notes are often refused
- Cards work in larger hotels and for park fees; carry some cash for tips and markets
- ATMs are found in towns such as Moshi, Arusha and Stone Town
SIM Cards and Internet in Tanzania
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Local SIM | Passport needed for registration; good coverage in towns and along main roads |
| eSIM | Bought online before you travel |
| Wi-Fi | In most hotels and lodges; our safari vehicles have Wi-Fi, patchy in remote areas |
Language, Power Plugs and Time Zone
- Swahili and English are the official languages; English is widely spoken in tourism
- A few Swahili words help: jambo (hello), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome), pole pole (slowly)
- Electricity is 230 V; plugs are mostly the British three-pin type (G), with some type D
- Time zone: East Africa Time, UTC+3, with no daylight saving
Dress, Culture and Local Rules in Tanzania
- Dress modestly in towns and villages, especially on Zanzibar and in Stone Town: cover shoulders and knees
- Ask before photographing people
- Plastic carrier bags are banned in Tanzania; leave them at home
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon
Safety in Tanzania
Tanzania is a safe destination for visitors who take normal precautions: use a driver at night, keep valuables out of sight, and follow your guide's instructions on safari. See our travel health guide and safari packing list.
Tipping in Tanzania
Tips are customary for guides, porters and lodge staff. On safari we suggest US$10–25 per person per day for your driver-guide; see our tipping guide.
What Things Cost in Tanzania
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer, Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi or Arusha | US$60 per person each way |
| Day trip around Moshi | From US$115 per person, with lunch |
| Tanzania visa | US$50, or US$100 for US citizens |
| Inbound travel insurance | US$44 per adult |
| Safari driver-guide tip | US$10–25 per person per day |
Useful Swahili Phrases
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Jambo / Habari | Hello / How are you? |
| Asante (sana) | Thank you (very much) |
| Karibu | Welcome |
| Hakuna matata | No problem |
| Pole pole | Slowly, slowly |
| Ndiyo / Hapana | Yes / No |
| Bei gani? | How much? |
Before You Go: A Simple Checklist
Check that your passport is valid for at least six months with blank pages. Apply for your visa and buy the mandatory inbound insurance, plus your own travel insurance with evacuation. See a travel doctor 6–8 weeks before you go. Bring US dollars printed after 2009, a card, and a few spare passport photos.
Pack light, in soft bags if you will fly on light aircraft, with layers for cool mornings and evenings. Download offline maps and save our 24/7 number, +255 678 992 599. See our visa guide and health guide.
Food and Drink in Tanzania
Tanzanian food is simple and filling: ugali (maize porridge) with stews, rice and beans, nyama choma (grilled meat), chapati and fresh fruit. On the coast and Zanzibar, Swahili cooking adds coconut, spices and seafood. Lodges and hotels also serve international food.
Drink bottled or filtered water. Local beers such as Kilimanjaro and Safari are popular, and Tanzanian coffee and tea are excellent. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan or allergy needs and we pass them on to every lodge and cook.
Photography Etiquette in Tanzania
Always ask before photographing people, and accept a no. Don't photograph government buildings, police, military sites or airports. Drones need permits and are not allowed in national parks without special permission, so leave yours at home unless you have arranged one.
Common Questions About Traveling in Tanzania
What currency should I bring to Tanzania?
US dollars printed after 2009, plus a card. Cash is useful for tips and markets.
Which airport should I fly into?
Kilimanjaro (JRO) for safaris and Kilimanjaro; Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) for the coast and the south.
What plug type does Tanzania use?
Mostly type G (British three-pin), at 230 V.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal precautions.
Do people speak English in Tanzania?
Yes, in tourism and in towns; Swahili is spoken everywhere, and a few words are always appreciated.
What is the best way to get around Tanzania?
With a private driver or on a guided trip; domestic flights save time between regions.
Is Tanzanian food spicy?
Not usually; spices are used more on the coast and Zanzibar, and chili sauce is served on the side.
Do I need cash on safari?
A little, in US dollars or shillings, for tips and small purchases; lodges usually take cards for drinks.
The Bottom Line
With a visa, the inbound insurance, some clean US dollars and a local SIM, you are ready for Tanzania. We handle the rest.
Send us your dates and what you need through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com. Our team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and replies with a written quotation.