Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $25–60 |
| Food | $3–8 | $10–25 |
| Transport | $1–5 | $5–15 |
| Activities | $2–10 | $10–30 |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–15 |
| Daily Total | $20–50 | $55–145 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on arrival available for most nationalities — $50 USD, paid in cash
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance at all times
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
Health & Safety
- Malaria is present in Dar es Salaam — take antimalarials and use mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+)
- Drink bottled or filtered water only. Avoid ice from unknown sources
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — the nearest high-quality hospitals are in Nairobi or South Africa
Getting Around
- Dala-dalas (local minibuses) cover the entire city cheaply. BRT (rapid transit buses) run on dedicated lanes and are faster
- Bolt and Uber operate reliably and affordably — recommended for evening travel
- Traffic in Dar is notoriously heavy — allow extra time for all journeys, especially during rush hours
Connectivity
- Buy a local SIM card (Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo) at the airport or any phone shop — data is cheap and coverage is good in the city
- WiFi is available at most hotels and restaurants but speed varies. Download offline maps before exploring
- Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa) is widely used — you can pay for many services via mobile money with a local SIM
Money
- Currency: TZS (Tanzanian Shilling). USD widely accepted for hotels, tours, and larger purchases
- ATMs are available in the city — Visa and Mastercard accepted. CRDB and NMB banks have the most reliable ATMs
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants, 5,000–10,000 TZS for guides. Street food vendors do not expect tips
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing — Dar is hot and humid year-round (28–33°C). Modest dress is appreciated, especially away from tourist areas
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET-based), and a reusable water bottle are essential
- A headlamp and portable power bank are useful — power cuts are common outside the city centre
Cultural tips
Greetings Matter
Swahili greetings are important — "Mambo!" (informal hello), "Habari?" (how are you?), and "Asante sana" (thank you very much) will open doors. Tanzanians are warm and welcoming, and a greeting in Swahili shows respect.
Dress Modestly
Dar es Salaam has a significant Muslim population. Dress modestly when away from the beach — cover shoulders and knees, especially in markets and residential neighbourhoods. Beachwear is fine at the beach only.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people. Many Tanzanians are happy to be photographed but expect to be asked first. Never photograph military or government buildings. Offer to show people the photo on your screen.
Language
Swahili is the dominant language. English is spoken in business and tourist contexts but Swahili makes a huge difference to your interactions. Learn basic phrases — Tanzanians genuinely appreciate the effort.
Support Local Economy
Buy directly from artists and craftspeople. Eat at local restaurants rather than hotel restaurants. Use local guides. Your spending has the most impact when it flows directly into the Tanzanian economy.
Swahili Time
Tanzania uses Swahili time — 6 hours behind clock time (so "1 o'clock" in Swahili time is 7am). This can cause confusion when arranging meeting times. Always confirm whether someone means "saa moja" (Swahili 1 = 7am) or "one o'clock" (1pm).
