Island, Tanzania
Internet in Zanzibar: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Zanzibar?
Median fixed broadband in Tanzania is 41 Mbps and mobile is 33 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi in Stone Town cafés and beach lodges is variable, often slow when busy; mobile data (Vodacom, Airtel) is the backup.
Getting online in Zanzibar
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Some fibre in Stone Town and resorts; long-stay rentals usually rely on 4G routers or guesthouse wifi. |
| Cafés and coworking | Wifi in Stone Town cafés and beach lodges is variable, often slow when busy; mobile data (Vodacom, Airtel) is the backup. |
| Outages | Frequent power cuts and occasional undersea-cable or network disruptions. |
| Tourist SIM | Vodacom and Airtel kiosks at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar airports; passport and fingerprint registration required. Coverage in parks is patchy. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Vodacom Tanzania, Airtel Tanzania, Yas, Halotel |
| Monthly data plan | TSh15,000–40,000 ($5.7–15.1) |
| Blocked services | X (Twitter) was blocked in 2025 and the internet cut after the October 2025 election; VPN use is legally restricted. |
Coworking in Zanzibar
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in Africa
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Zanzibar?
Median fixed broadband in Tanzania is 41 Mbps and mobile is 33 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi in Stone Town cafés and beach lodges is variable, often slow when busy; mobile data (Vodacom, Airtel) is the backup.
Which SIM card should I get in Zanzibar?
Vodacom and Airtel kiosks at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar airports; passport and fingerprint registration required. Coverage in parks is patchy.
Can I use an eSIM in Tanzania?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Zanzibar
Going to Zanzibar solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Tanzania
- Vodacom Tanzania
- Airtel Tanzania
- Yas
- Halotel
- Zanzibar Tourism Commission
- Tanzania Immigration
- Azam Marine
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.