Money
The currency used is the Tanzanian shilling with the exchange rate very roughly 2000 shillings equals EUR 1,15 or 1,73 US $. US$ are the most widely accepted foreign currency and most tourist establishments work in US$. Credit cards are still not widely accepted. ATM machines can be found in Dar Es Salaam, but credit cards should not be relied upon as sole source of finance.
Time Zone
GMT + 3 hours
Visas & Embassies
Check with your local Tanzanian High Commission for latest visa costs and requirements. It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania but there can be long queues at the airport. Please get your visa at the nearest Tanzanian Embassy prior to departure. Please note there is also a departure tax of US$25.
Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
2139 R Street NW, Washington D.C. 20008
USA
Website: http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/
Application form: http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/Forms/visa_form_04.pdf
Tanzania High Commission
3 Stratford Place
London, W1C 1AS
United Kingdom
Website: http://www.tanzania-online.gov.uk/
Application form: http://www.tanzania-online.gov.uk/form.pdf
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
Eschenallee 11
14050 Berlin (Charlottenburg, Westend)
Deutschland
Website: http://tanzania-gov.de/
Application form: http://tanzania-gov.de/images/downloads/visa_form.pdf
The Tanzania High Commission
50 Range Road
Ottawa, ON K1N 8J4
Website: http://www.tzrepottawa.ca/
Application form: http://www.tzrepottawa.ca/pages/visa_app_read_only1.pdf
Vaccinations
Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if arriving from an infected area, for example Kenya. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Meningitis vaccinations are all advised.
Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, so prophylactics should be used, as well as taking sensible precautions to avoid being bitten, such as using insect repellant, covering exposed skin and using a mosquito net at night.
Customs
Tanzania is one of the most hospitable and friendly countries in Africa with a history of peaceful co existence. Please respect all local customs especially when visiting Muslim communities. It is offensive in many areas for women to walk around with exposed shoulders and wear short skirts or shorts – as a general rule this should be observed in all areas of Tanzania. Also passing and receiving items with your left hand is offensive to Muslim society so bear this in mind in shops and restaurants when exchanging money. Always ask before taking a photograph. If you are asked for money think how you would feel if people kept pointing a camera at you. When haggling remember that the average monthly wage in Tanzania is about US$50, it is best to give a fair price related to the value the item means to you. That last 50 cents could mean feeding an extra meal to a family.
Dangers and annoyances
Tanzania is without doubt one of the safest countries in Africa but there is also incredible poverty and as such there is always a slight risk of crime. However basic precautions should make your stay completely trouble free.
Keep photocopies of all-important documentation separate from the originals so if you do lose anything replacement will be easier. Bus and train stations always attract petty thieves chancing their luck, be extra careful when traveling and never leave baggage unattended. On safari don’t forget that animals are in their own natural habitat, always listen to and follow the advice of your safari guide.
The old adage “Take only photographs, leave only footprints” should always apply. It is illegal to take back animals (dead or alive), seashells, turtle shells and animal skins – they will be confiscated if found at the airport. Some of the best memories you will take home will be of the friendly welcome received throughout the country – have a great expedition!
More information on what to bring will follow…
Emmanuel Van Heygen
