Kiswahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
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The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in U.S. Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureau in the main towns usually offer a better rate on travelers checks than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10 percent surcharge. Visitors must pay a $50 airport tax on arrival and a $30 tax on departure.
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The international country dialing code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0001 for the U.S.). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for Dar Es Salaam. International calls made from rural areas may have to go through the operator. Mobile phones work in the main urban areas and Zanzibar; the network operators use GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Travelers should contact their service provider to ensure they have international roaming. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can charge as much as $10 per minute. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
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Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10 percent. Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service and the number in your party.
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As in other East African countries, the threat from terrorism is high and visitors should be cautious in public places and tourist sites and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The area bordering Burundi should be avoided. Street crime is a problem in Tanzania, especially in Dar Es Salaam where tourists should be alert and cautious.
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Travelers are advised to take medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Most visitors will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and polio. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fevervaccination certificate. There is a risk of malaria all year and most doctors will recommend medication. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks and visitors should avoid bites by tsetse flies. HIV/Aids is a serious risk. Cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilized water only; there is currently an outbreak of cholera in Zanzibar and Pemba, as well as in Dar-es-Salaam. An outbreak of measles has also been reported in Dar-es-Salaam, and visitors should ensure they are up to date with immunizations against measles, mumps and rubella before traveling. Medical services are available in Dar Es Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited; visitors with particular requirements should take theirown medicines. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
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230 volts, 50Hz. Square or round three-pin plugs are used.
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