Adventure
Language The official languages are Kiswahili and English, but there are more than 120 tribal vernaculars.
Currency The currency is the Tanzania Shilling. The Bureau de Change's offer favorable exchange rates. See daily listings for current rate. Credit cards- ACCESS, VISA, MASTERCARD, DINERS AND AMERICAN EXPRESS are excepted at the larger hotels around the country. There is no limit on importation of foreign currency.
Electricity The local electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 cycles AC.
Banking Hours Monday to Friday 8:30 to 12:30 and Saturday 8:30 to 11:30. Some bakes and Bureau de Change's are open until 16:00 hours, be sure to check around. The Bureau de Change at the Sheraton is also open on Sundays and has longer working hours than above.
Health A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential if arriving from a yellow fever infected area. Malaria exist below 1800m, so be sure to take a recommended prophylactic two weeks before arriving and six weeks after departing. Boil or sterilize drinking water and milk. Many places now sell bottled water which are perfectly safe to drink.
Religion Muslim, Hindu, Christian and traditional beliefs.
Visas Visas are required by almost all. They are obtainable from the Tanzanian Embassies, but can also be purchased upon arrival at the International airports. The visa fee depends on the type of passport held. A visitors pass is required for all visitors. You should check with the Tanzanian Embassy nearest you, before you travel, as regulations may change.
Public Holidays The start of Eid Al-Fitr and Easter are changeable holidays each year. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of the various stages of the moon.
1 Jan New Year's Day
2 Jan. Zanzibar Revolution Day
Mar/April Good Friday, Easter
26 April Union Day
1 May International Worker's Day
7 July Saba Saba
8 Aug. Peasant's Day
9 Dec. Independence Day
25 Dec. Christmas Day
26 Dec. Boxing Day
When to Visit The climate of Tanzania is tropical. The coastal areas are hot and humid year round, but there is a nice cool sea breeze in the months of June-September, the weather can be very pleasant at this time. The central plateau areas are dry and arid, the days are hot but the nights cool. The north-western highlands remain cool and temperate.The "long rains" are from March to May and the "short rains" are between October and December, both can vary quite a bit, so plan your trip carefully. The hottest months are between November and February, especially on the coast.
| Author: Cindy
Tacktill Email: tinker@cruzio.com |