Travel Tips (What to pack, what to leave at home, and what to expect when you get there)

Cash

Local currency can be used for all transactions including port fees, airport tax, national monument fees, and hotel and restaurant bills. The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) and at the time this guide was printed the rate was at 680 per dollar but expected to settle to about 640. Credit cards are accepted at large hotels and restaurants only. There are Visa/MasterCard Assistance Points, which allow for cash advances, at Mtoni Marine, the Mtoni Marine office next to the Serena Inn, and at Mbweni Ruins Hotel. Cash advances include a $5 service charge, are transacted at unfavourable rates, and may not be available if the power or the phones are down. Travellers’ Cheques are accepted at large hotels and restaurants and can be exchanged for local currencies at Bureaux de Change as long as you have your passport with you and the Cheques are properly signed.

 

Medical

Check with your local physician about vaccinations before you leave. If possible, see an Infectious Disease or Tropical Disease specialist because they will have perishable vaccinations on hand and won't have to order them. They may also be more aware than your regular physician of the possible health threats in your destinations and can prescribe medications accordingly. If you have special medical needs such as diabetes or a heart condition be sure to wear a medical bracelet or necklace and bring an extra supply of your medication carried separately from your primary supply, in case one gets lost or damaged. Bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts for the same reason. Women may consider packing tampons because they can be hard to find in Zanzibar although pads (sanitary napkins) are readily available.

 

What to Pack

Waterproof shoes such as rubber flip-flops are excellent for Stone Town because if it rains your feet will get drenched no matter what you're wearing. Flip-flops are also easy to remove and some restaurants are Arab-style and require shoes to be removed at the door. Almost all homes in Stone Town have a pile of shoes at the door. If you are invited into one and see this, remove your shoes before entering. Shoes must be removed when entering mosques (this applies to men only as women are not permitted in Zanzibari mosques except for the old one in Kizimkazi). Take an umbrella or rain poncho if traveling from October to January or March to June. Flashlights (torches) and pocket knives come in handy for all kinds of situations from power outages to missing bottle openers. Clothes should be light and loose and washable. When in town women and men should have their shoulders and knees covered. Bermuda shorts and a polo shirt are perfectly fine but halter-tops and miniskirts are insulting to the local population and could land you unwanted stares and comments (aside from the fact that it would be rude).

 

Zanzibar Travel Info