Important Travel Tips To Know About Zanzibar And Tanzania

Travel tips image: Tourists confidently enjoying shopping in the narrow streets of Stone Town

Currency And Money Matters

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). Bills range from 1 shilling to 10,000 shillings.

Exchanging Money

The easiest foreign currency to exchange in Tanzania is the US dollar, in either cash or travelers checks. While you get better rates at banks and foreign exchange bureaus for the larger bills, keeping a stack of small bills is handy for tips. Most of the high-end hotels and wildlife parks accept US dollars. Approximately, the rates are:

• 1 USD = 1,500 TZS
• 1 EUR = 1,800 TZS

ATM's (Automated Teller Machines) can be found in all the major cities. Major credit cards (Visa, Master, American Express) are also accepted in some areas, especially at exclusive restaurants and hotels.

Immunizations

No immunizations are required by law to enter Tanzania if you are travelling directly from Europe or the US. If you are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present you will need to prove you have had the inoculation. Several vaccinations are highly recommended when traveling to Tanzania, they include:

• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Diptheria

It is also recommended that you stay up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccinations. Rabies is also prevalent and if you're planning to spend a lot of time in Tanzania, it may be worth getting the rabies shots before you come. Contact a travel clinic at least 3 months before you plan to travel.

Malaria

There's a risk of catching malaria in Tanzania. While it's true that areas of high altitude like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are relatively malaria-free, you will usually be passing through areas where malaria is prevalent in order to get there. Make sure your doctor or travel clinic knows you are traveling to Africa so s/he can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication.

Basic Safety Travel Tips

• Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
• Don't walk on your own at night in the major cities
• Don't wear jewelry.
• Don't carry too much cash with you.
• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
• Don't carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities.
• Beware of thieves posing as police officers.