Time Difference:
Tanzania is three hours ahead of GMT on Eastern Africa Time (EAT). During UK summers, they are only two hours ahead.
Money:
Tanzania's currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Most hotels and lodges accept credit cards and can exchange other currencies. However, there may be a charge (roughly five or ten percent added to your payment). We recommend paying with cash if possible. Banks are usually open from 9am to 2pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that US dollars dated prior to 2006 are not accepted.
Electricity and Plugs:
The electricity in Tanzania operates on 220 and 230 volts. The plug types are D and G. You should be able to use your usual UK plugs, but it's always a good idea to bring an adaptor - just in case. Please be aware that power cuts are frequent throughout the country.
Local Amenities:
Shops are typically open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Media:
In Tanzania, the primary language used by the media is Swahili. There are two daily English newspapers, The Guardian and The Daily News.
Post:
Post offices are typically open from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30pm to midday on Saturdays. Stamps can be purchased in hotels as well as post offices. Note that it may take up to ten days for mail to be delivered to Europe.
Phone:
To make calls to Tanzania from the UK, dial 00 255 followed by the area code (without the 0) and the desired number. Please note that making phone calls from your hotel can be challenging, and it may be even more difficult in remote areas. However, in the case of an emergency, most lodges will have the ability to radio for help. It's important to be aware that international phone calls can be quite expensive, typically costing around £3-4 per minute. We recommend contacting your service provider before your trip to obtain detailed information on rates and coverage.
Internet and Mobile Coverage:
Most hotels and lodges in Tanzania offer Wi-Fi to guests. While some provide this service free of charge, others may require a small fee. It's important to note that while mobile coverage is widespread in Tanzania, it can be patchy in certain areas, particularly in the Serengeti. To ensure you are connected during your trip, we suggest contacting your service provider prior to your departure for detailed information.
Currency
TZS
