Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–25 | $40–90 |
| Food | $8–15 | $20–40 |
| Transport | $2–8 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $10–20 | $25–50 |
| Entry Fees | $4–12 | $12–25 |
| Daily Total | $30–80 | $100–230 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on arrival ($50 USD) or e-Visa available for most nationalities — apply online at immigration.go.tz before travel
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance at all times
- Entry fees for museums and parks are payable in USD cash — carry clean, undamaged bills printed after 2006
Health & Safety
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country — check requirements before travel
- Malaria is present on Zanzibar — take prophylaxis, use DEET repellent, and sleep under a treated mosquito net
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — the nearest major hospital is in Dar es Salaam
Getting Around
- Stone Town is best explored on foot — the lanes are too narrow for vehicles and getting lost is part of the experience
- Dala dala minibuses depart from Darajani Market to all major beach and forest destinations across the island
- Ferries from Dar es Salaam arrive at the Stone Town port — Azam Marine runs fast ferries (2 hours, $35 USD) multiple times daily
Connectivity
- Buy a Vodacom or Airtel SIM card at the airport or any phone shop — data bundles are cheap (1GB for around $1 USD)
- WiFi is available at most guesthouses and cafes but speeds vary — download offline maps and guides before heading to beaches
- Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in daily, especially for boat trips and remote beach excursions
Money
- Currency: TZS (Tanzanian Shilling). USD widely accepted for tours and entry fees, but TZS needed for local purchases
- ATMs are available in Stone Town (Barclays, NMB, CRDB) — Visa is most widely accepted. Carry backup cash as machines can run dry
- Tipping is appreciated — 10% at restaurants, $2–5 per day for guides, and small tips for porters and boat crews
Packing Tips
- Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — cover shoulders and knees when walking through Stone Town out of respect for local culture
- Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent with DEET, and a lightweight rain jacket for occasional tropical showers
- Waterproof phone pouch for boat trips and beach days — the Indian Ocean salt spray is relentless on electronics
Cultural tips
Dress Modestly in Town
Stone Town is a conservative Muslim community. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through the streets — save swimwear and shorts for the beach. Respectful dress earns genuine warmth from local residents.
Respect Ramadan
If visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect. Restaurants still serve tourists but be discreet. The evening iftar meals are a wonderful cultural experience if you are invited.
Ask Before Photographing
Always ask permission before photographing people in Stone Town, especially women and children. Many residents are happy to be photographed but it is considered disrespectful to shoot without asking first. A smile and a Swahili greeting go a long way.
Learn Basic Swahili
Jambo (hello), habari (how are you), asante (thank you), and pole pole (slowly slowly) will transform your interactions. Zanzibaris are proud of Swahili — which originated on this coast — and even basic phrases earn genuine appreciation.
Support Local Artisans
Buy directly from Zanzibar's woodcarvers, spice vendors, and Tinga Tinga painters rather than middlemen. The Darajani Market and the workshops behind the Old Fort are the best places to find authentic crafts at fair prices.
Embrace Island Time
Zanzibar runs on pole pole (slowly slowly) time. Boats leave late, food takes longer, and plans shift. Relax into the rhythm rather than fighting it — the unhurried pace is central to the island's character and charm.
