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Weather in Tanzania
Tanzania
31°
Overcast
Sun
26
31
Mon
26
31
Tue
26
30
Wed
25
32
Thu
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.
Transportation in Tanzania
Tipping in Tanzania
Tipping is appreciated for good service. While not mandatory, it's customary to tip in many service industries.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10% of the bill or round up
Taxi
Round up the fare or 10% for good service
Hotel Porter
500-1000 TZS per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1000-2000 TZS per day
Tour Guide
5-10 USD per day (convert to TZS)
Safety & security in Tanzania
Tips for British travellers
Tanzania is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry copies of your passport photo page and visa, as officials may request them at any time.
Dress modestly, as Zanzibari authorities can fine you for wearing clothing they consider inappropriate in public.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying valuables like expensive jewellery or watches.
Do not accept lifts from strangers or anyone offering to find a taxi for you; arrange taxis through your hotel or a reputable operator.
Keep car doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight when driving, and be particularly careful at night.
Bonus tips:
Plastic bags are banned for environmental reasons, so be prepared to hand them over on arrival at the airport.
Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a copy for ID checks to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
Driving in Tanzania
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
Cards & payments
Card acceptance varies. Major hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in cities are more likely to accept card payments. Smaller establishments and rural areas often prefer cash.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
ATMs in Tanzania
ATM availability is limited, especially in rural areas. Major towns and cities have ATMs, often found at banks, airports, and shopping centers.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a good way to get local currency, but be aware of transaction fees. Always check for skimmers before using an ATM. Carry enough cash when traveling to remote areas.
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 charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 25,000 TZS (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Vodacom Tanzania, Tigo Tanzania, Airtel Tanzania
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major towns and cities. Coverage can be limited or unreliable in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Reliable internet access is primarily found in tourist hubs. If consistent access is vital, consider a local mobile data plan.
Health & vaccinations
It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Ensure your policy covers activities you plan to participate in, such as safaris or diving. Although the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not applicable in Tanzania, travel insurance is still crucial.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever (certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission)
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Malaria is a risk throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar, so take appropriate precautions. Drink only bottled or boiled water and be cautious of food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets. Avoid swimming in fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia.
Calling Tanzania
Country code
+255
To call Tanzania from the UK, dial 00 255 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call a Dar es Salaam number, dial 00 255 22 xxxxxxx.
The country code for Tanzania is 255. When calling from outside Tanzania, you'll need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 255, then the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas but can be limited in more remote areas.
UK Embassy in Tanzania
British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Umoja House, Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Airports in Tanzania
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania
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.