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Here’s a selection of useful information to make your trip to Dar-es-Salaam as easy and enjoyable as possible. From public holidays to phoning home, browse through this practical advice before packing your bags...
Weather: Dar es Salaam has a very humid climate and relatively stable temperatures. The driest and coolest season is June through early October. Short rains occur November through February (especially December), and long rains occur March through May. Temperatures are high November through May, highest in January.
Getting In Dar-es-Salaam: Julius Nyerere International Airport is Dar-es Salaam's and Tanzania's main Airport.
The airport is 10 km from the city center. Most large hotels offer a pick-up and drop-off service upon request.
Visa: You will probably require a visa to visit Tanzania. A tourist visas can be obtain upon landing in Dar-es-Salaam at a cost of US$50 (US$100 for US passport holders) paid in US dollars. However, some may prefer to get a visa before arriving from the Tanzanian High Commission/Embassy. Normally ready same day
Money: The currency of Tanzania is the Shilling (Tsh.). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the currency exchange shops located throughout the city.
Language: You will be able to speak English to many Tanzanians, most of whom are fluent in it. All Tanzanian also speak Swahili and many speak additional tribal languages.
Consumer Advisory: For a pleasant shopping experience, compare prices. Enquire about refund policies and check the invoice as well as the warranty of the product before making a purchase.
Health: It is advisable to take a few health precautions when travelling to Tanzania to make sure your trip goes as comfortably and smooth as possible. Malaria is usually top on the list of visitors' worries, and prevention goes a long way towards keeping you protected. Make sure to visit your doctor to get a prescription for the anti-malarial drug and other vaccinations if needed.
Safe Drinking Water: It is recommended to use bottled water for drinking or cooking purposes while in Dar-es-Salaam and throughout Tanzania. Bottled mineral water are available almost on all hotels and can also be purchased everywhere.
Safety: Tanzanians are warm - hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. However, as in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, not walking alone at night and not carrying too much cash/valuables on the street.
Getting Around Dar-es-Salaam: Driving in Dar-es-Salaam can be chaotic due to stressful driving style and ongoing infrastructure constructions. It is advisable to use public transport (BRT buses/Mwendokasi, Minibuses/DalaDala, Tri-Wheelers/Bajaj, Motorcycles/BodaBoda or Taxis) and walking to get around the city
Useful Numbers:
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) : 112
Police: +255 22 2117362
Traffic Police: +255 22 211747
Immigration: +255 22 2850575
Communications: Most international mobile SIM cards can operate on Tanzanian networks. It is also possible to purchase a prepaid SIM card from high-street telecom shops.
If you are a guest of a hotel, you can often use their wireless internet. If you don´t have a laptop you can use one of the internet cafes in the city.
Public Holidays: The following is a list of public holidays in Tanzania (These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates). On these days, shops, museums and attractions usually either close earlier or are closed the entire day
1 Jan 2020 - New Year's Day
12 Jan 2020 - Zanzibar Revolutionary Day
7 Apr 2020 - Karume Day
10 Apr 2020 - Good Friday
12 Apr 2020 - Easter Sunday
13 Apr 2020 - Easter Monday
26 Apr 2020 - Union Day
1 May 2020 - Labour Day
24 May 2020 - Eid al-Fitr
25 May 2020 - Eid al-Fitr
7 Jul 2020 - Saba Saba
31 Jul 2020 - Eid al-Hajj
1 Aug 2020 - Eid al-Hajj
8 Aug 2020 - Nane Nane
14 Oct 2020 - Nyerere Day
29 Oct 2020 - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
30 Oct 2020 - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
9 Dec 2020 - Republic Day
25 Dec 2020 - Christmas Day
26 Dec 2020 - Boxing Day