Island, Tanzania
Zanzibar
Spice island of white beaches, kitesurfing, diving and a historic old town. Cheap for beach life but costs rise in tourist zones; mind modest dress, the island's tides and Tanzania's strict laws.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,060–1,810Comfortable, one person · TSh2.8M–4.8MDetails
- Value for money46/100Better value than 45% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–Feb, Jun–OctWarmest: Mar, 30°CDetails
- Internet41 MbpsFixed broadband, Tanzania medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water or use ice from unknown sources.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–38Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash rules except at upmarket hotels and dive centres.Details
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Stone Town | Culture, food and history; base for ferries and day trips |
| Nungwi and Kendwa | Swimmable beaches at all tides, sunsets and nightlife |
| Paje and Jambiani | Kitesurfing, hostels and laid-back nomads |
| Matemwe and Kiwengwa | Quiet east-coast resorts and diving trips |
Apps that work in Zanzibar
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- M-Pesa: Mobile money payments
- SGR tickets (TRC): Dar–Morogoro–Dodoma electric train
- Taxis: Most visitors use hotel taxis or agreed-price drivers. Agree the fare before getting in; apps are patchy on the beaches.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Tanzania.
- Mostly cash Cash rules except at upmarket hotels and dive centres. USD notes (2013 or newer) are often accepted for tours; mobile money is widespread.
- Currency: Shilling (TZS). US$1 ≈ TSh2,648.20 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic) in towns; they sometimes run out of cash, and parks have none.
- Tipping: Tips are a big part of safari and Kilimanjaro crew pay; follow operator guidelines. Round up or add 10% in restaurants.
- Paying by phone: Register M-Pesa (Vodacom) or Airtel Money with your passport; tap-to-pay is limited outside upmarket places.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply for the e-visa at visa.immigration.go.tz before travel; single-entry visas are also sold on arrival at main airports and borders.
- From October 2026 mainland arrivals need NIC inbound travel insurance (about US$44, up to 92 days); Zanzibar-first arrivals buy ZIC's policy instead.
- Show a return or onward ticket at the border. Plastic bags are confiscated on arrival.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Vodacom and Airtel kiosks at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar airports; passport and fingerprint registration required. Coverage in parks is patchy. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Tanzania
Going to Zanzibar solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Zanzibar meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.