Language: Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
Currency: The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureaux in the main towns usually offer a better rate on travelers cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit
cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10% surcharge.
Time: GMT +3.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.
Communications: The international country dialing code for
Tanzania, as well as
Zanzibar, is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for
South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for
Dar-es-Salaam. International calls made from rural areas may have to go through the operator. Mobile phones work in the main urban areas and Zanzibar; the network operators use GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Travelers should contact their service provider to ensure they have international roaming. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can charge as much as $10 per minute. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to Tanzania do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; alcoholic beverages up to 1 bottle; and 473ml perfume. Restrictions apply to firearms, plants, plant products and fruits.
Tourist OfficeTanzanian
Tourist Office: +255 (0)22 512 7671 (Dar es Salaam) or www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 112/999.
Embassies
Embassy of Tanzania,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 939 6125.
High
Commission of Tanzania,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7569 1470.
High Commission of Tanzania,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 232 1500.
High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania,
Tokyo,
Japan (also responsible for
Australia and
New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3425 4531.
High Commission of Tanzania,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 4371/93.
United States Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 266 8001.
British
High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 211 0101.
Canadian High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam (also responsible for
Madagascar,
Comoros and
Seychelles): +255 (0)22 216 3300.
South African High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 260 1800.
Irish Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 260 2355.
The
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Tanzania): +27 (0)12 342 8656.
