Taxi Booking

Visa

Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Moldova can obtain a visa on arrival at Zanzibar Airport.

Citizens of many other countries must apply for an e-visa in advance, so it’s important to check the entry requirements before your trip. The visa fee is $50 — visa.immigration.go.tz.

Visa for U.S. Citizens
U.S. travelers must obtain a multiple-entry visa to enter Tanzania/Zanzibar, costing $100

Insurance

Starting from October 1, 2024, travel insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is mandatory for entry into Zanzibar.

It must be purchased online in advance. The cost is $44. inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

Currency & Payments

What currency is used in Zanzibar?
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), but US dollars (bills from 2009 or newer) are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Where can you exchange money?
It’s best to exchange money at official exchange offices or banks. Airport rates are usually less favorable.

Can you pay by card?
Major hotels and restaurants often accept cards, but many places operate on a cash-only basis. It’s important to carry shillings for markets, small cafés, and local tours.

Are there ATMs on the island?
Yes, there are ATMs in Stone Town, Nungwi, and some other areas. However, not all cards are accepted, and fees may be high.

Climate & Weather

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but the best months are October to March.

• April and May are the rainy season, but showers are usually short and often happen at night.
• The weather stays warm throughout the year, with air temperatures from +25°C to +33°C (77°F to 91°F) and ocean temperatures around +27°C (81°F).
• Humidity is high, especially from November to April.

Should you worry about the rainy season?
Not really. Even in April and May, it rarely rains all day — most showers are brief, followed by sunshine. The rest of the year is mostly dry.

Mobile & Internet

Best mobile networks: Tigo Yas and Vodacom offer the most reliable mobile internet on the island.
You can buy a SIM card at the airport (more expensive) or in town — your passport is required.
Wi-Fi availability: Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants, but the speed is often low.
For a more stable connection, it’s better to use a local SIM card with mobile data.

Language

The official languages in Zanzibar are Swahili and English.
In tourist areas, many people speak basic English.

Here are a few common Swahili phrases you might hear:

• Jambo — Hello
• Asante — Thank you
• Pole pole — Slowly / Take it easy (this is a local life philosophy)
• Hakuna Matata — No problem (yes, it’s not just from The Lion King)

Transport

From the airport:
Taxi is the most convenient option. It’s best to book a transfer in advance, as airport taxi prices are often inflated.
Car rental:
Yes, you can rent a car, but you’ll need a local driving permit, which can be arranged by the rental company.
Driving is on the left, and road conditions vary — some roads are in poor shape.
Getting around:
Popular transport options include taxis, dala-dala (local minibuses — the cheapest option), tuk-tuks, and scooter rentals.

Health & Safety

• Is Zanzibar safe?
  Overall, Zanzibar is safe for tourists. Just be cautious in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
  At night, avoid walking alone in quiet or poorly lit streets.
• Are vaccinations required?
  No vaccinations are officially required, but it’s recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Typhoid.
  Also, take precautions against malaria — use repellents and wear long sleeves in the evening.
• Can you drink tap water?
  No. Always drink bottled water.

Food & Restaurants

Yes, you’ll find many restaurants with European and international cuisine in popular tourist areas.
Menus often include seafood, pasta, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.