Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate: TZS 2,748 TZS per € (November 2020)
Time zone: UTC +3
Country code (Tel.): +255
Climate (for Dar es Salaam): tropical (humid, hot); Inland: moderate
Entry requirements
Before you set off on a ‘safari’ (swahili: trip) to Tanzania, please read the information from the Federal Foreign Office regarding entry requirements. A tourist visa can be issued on arrival at one of the country’s international airports, but it is recommended that you apply for this at the Tanzanian embassy a few weeks before arrival. For longer stays, it always makes sense to contact the German embassy in Tanzania.
New, since June 1, 2019, is the ban on the import or export of plastic bags, which has existed for several years in some other African countries (e.g. Rwanda, Kenya).
Update on COVID-19: International air traffic with Tanzania has been resumed on June 1, 2020 to a lesser extent. All travelers whose airline or country of departure require a negative test result as a condition for the start of the journey must also show this when entering Tanzania. However, there is no longer a general quarantine obligation. If symptoms of COVID-19 are found upon entry, the passenger will receive medical care directly at the airport. If the screening guidelines are not followed, entry may be refused. All travelers are also advised to follow the applicable distance and hygiene regulations and wear face masks. When entering by land, a corresponding screening is also carried out at the border crossing before entry is permitted.Official statistics so far show a moderate extent of the virus spread; However, this information should be viewed with caution, as test capacities are only available to a very limited extent. The Tanzanian government has not published any current corona figures since April 29. President John Magufuli had questioned the last test results and spoke of sabotage. Zanzibar last presented the latest figures on May 7th. After that, there were at most reports from some hospitals, which, according to the President and the Minister of Health, are hardly occupied with corona sufferers.
Money and money transfer
According to ezinereligion, the national currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TZS). You can only pay with credit cards in larger hotels. Withdrawing cash (TZS) with German EC cards is only possible in rare cases at ATMs. It is therefore advisable to take various credit cards (VISA / Mastercard) with you, with which you can withdraw cash from most ATMs. Often there are very high fees on foreign exchange accounts. Therefore, it may make sense to bring enough foreign currency with you, which can be imported and exported in unlimited amounts. Tanzanian shillings, on the other hand, may not be brought into or out of the country at all. The exchange rate tends to rise in favor of the EURO. The US dollar has developed as a kind of parallel currency in everyday life. Especially in tourist areas (national parks and coastal regions) and at state institutions such as immigration or customs, only US dollars are often accepted. Please note that exchanging new euro bills for local currency causes problems at some banks. Individual banks are already equipped for this (e.g. DTB).
It is also very interesting to take a look at the cost of living in Tanzania.
Language
Swahili is spoken by almost everyone in Tanzania. English can be used as a tourist and possibly even in professional life in Tanzania. But in order to feel at home in the fascinating culture of the host country, you have to learn Swahili. You can then use this language in some of the neighboring countries because it is the most widely spoken African language. An internet course is ideal for self-study, but there are also many Swahili courses and teachers in German-speaking countries. Advanced learners will be able to follow Deutsche Welle’s Swahili program.
Security
Tanzania is considered one of the safe countries in Africa. However, the insecure situation in Somalia and Kenya has also had an impact on the security situation in Tanzania.
Primarily one should avoid gatherings of people and demonstrations, as there have been riots between demonstrators and security authorities in the recent past. You should also be very careful when visiting tourist attractions and public places as well as religious buildings. In recent years there have been isolated attacks in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha. There were attacks on Christian institutions and people in particular on the island of Zanzibar and Pemba.
The crime has increased in recent years, especially in the larger cities. Robberies and cases of theft and break-ins are on the rise. Avoid unregistered taxis and walks after dark.
The government has been intensifying its efforts to fight crime for several years. Success has already been achieved, but concerns remain among local people about falling victim to crime. A report on citizens’ assessments of security in Dar es Salaam can also provide an overview of possible dangers.
