A Little about Tanzania
After earning its independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanzania—made up of what was then Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It became a united republic in 1964 and subsequently, East Africa's largest country. Its flag was issued the same year and it combines yellow, blue, green and black. These colors symbolize the sun, the Indian Ocean, the nation's naturally rich landscapes and the native Swahili people respectively. Heavily dependent on agriculture which represents over 80% of the country's jobs and exports.
Tanzania was a one-party state until its first democratic election in 1995. Since then, its biggest political challenges in modern history have revolved around managing relations with Zanzibar, a nearby archipelago and technically semi-autonomous extension of the nation's mainland territory. From the sun-drenched plains of the Serengeti to the exotic beaches and spice plantations of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a wildly beautiful and culturally rich country.
Expansive wilderness and intimate interactions in small tribal villages are equally accessible to adventurous souls. Journeys through Tanzania span from Africa's lowest point;Lake Tanganyika— to its highest point and Mount Kilimanjaro revealing all of the country's true colors along the way.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency is the Shilling, which is divided into 1000 cents. There are TSH10000, TSH5000, TSH2000 and TSH1000. Coins come in TSH500, TSH200, TSH100, 50c and 25c.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Travelling around Tanzania and Zanzibar is relatively easy by air, road,water and rail.
Principal air routes are serviced by ATC and Precision Airways. There are also low-cost carriers on main routes such as Auric air, Coastal and Zanair. Facilitating travel around Tanzania and Zanzibar are more or less 5 airports managed by the Tanzania Aviation Authority.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in Tanzania by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Please note that a valid international driver's licence is required. We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most global car hire firms have branches in Tanzania and Zanzibar- Uber and Bolt are also available.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in Tanzania and Zanzibar are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in Tanzania and Zanzibar is not safe to drink and cook with.It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads as well as putting ice in your drinks. Tanzania's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.
Restaurants are subject to Tanzania's food safety control legislation which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspecters
Climate and Weather
The average humidity is 78%. The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 kph). The average sea temperature is of 26,5 °C (79,5 °F). In November, the average temperature is of 27,2 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 23,5 °C (74,2 °F) and a maximum of 31 °C (87,7 °F).
Clothing and Dress-Recommendations
Summer - Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).
Winter - The winters are generally mild comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive especially in high-lying areas such as the Arusha, Iringa, Mbeya and Kilimanjago, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Kilimanjaro gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.
General - Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable. For the evening if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, the smart-casual attire is recommended.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in the Republic of Tanzania there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
