Currency
- Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 10h00 to 13h00.
ATMs are found throughout Tanzania’s major city centres and shopping complexes. - The currency is the Tanzanian shilling, where TZS1 is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates.
- Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted by most restaurants, shops and hotels. Proof of identity may be requested, so be sure to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations.
- Please note that US dollar bills printed before 2003 are not accepted in Tanzania, as there was a large amount of illegal processing of dollar bills in the country during that time. High denomination bills may also not be accepted.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Guests visiting Tanzania must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available in their passport.
It is a good idea to obtain a visa for Tanzania before leaving your country of origin, however, visas can also be obtained at the airport on arrival. If you are planning to get your visa at the airport, please note that you will need to pay for this in USD. Make sure that you have enough cash available for the fee. Try to have the exact amount available, as you may not be able to obtain any change at the visa counter.
Visitors who intend travelling to Tanzania’s neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.
Safety
- It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.
- It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, and if you are on a self-drive adventure then please ensure your car is locked at all times – park in well-lit, busy areas.
- Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewellery) when exploring Africa’s diverse cities. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
Stopping for hitch hikers is not recommended.
Cultural Sensitivities
Please be sensitive when photographing people. Tanzanians are renowned for being friendly; however, it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.
Drones
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.
Health
Please consult your physician before you travel to Africa for advice on precautions against malaria.
Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last the visit.
Yellow fever certificates are required for entry into East Africa if you have travelled through the yellow fever belt. All guests entering Tanzania, from countries that are yellow fever endemic, are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate; if the transit period at the airport is 12 hours (or more) or if guests leave the airport, while in transit, in a yellow fever endemic country. Travellers entering Tanzania directly from non-endemic countries do not need a yellow fever vaccination or present yellow fever certificates. For more information about yellow fever endemic countries, please see the list provided by the World Health Organisation: www.who.int/ith/ITH_country_list.pdf
Ticks can be found in Africa’s wilderness areas. To avoid getting bitten when going on bush walks, guests are advised to take precautions by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Please note that there is a possibility that tick bites could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches and painful, enlarged lymph glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home, please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.