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WHAT TO DO BEFORE TRAVELLING
THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU
THINGS YOU DON’T NEED TO BRING
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PRICE LEVEL
Prices for most things in Tanzania are relatively low. Local food and drinks are cheap, but imported goods are more expensive. Hotels and lodges may also have higher prices.
CURRENCY
Currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian shillings. You can’t buy Tanzanian shillings outside the country, so instead you may take Euros or US dollars with you. Don’t carry large sums of cash with you. Please note that US dollars printed before 2006 will not be accepted here. Paying with US dollars is only possible in Zanzibar.
Traveler’s cheques are difficult to exchange. However, you can draw money from most ATM machines with Visa, Visa Electron and MasterCard. Visa is accepted only in few places and for safety reasons it’s not recommended to use Visa for paying.
SAFETY
Tanzania is one of Africas safetiest countries. Moving alone in town after sunset is not safe. You should keep your valuables out sight and safe from pickpockets. Safaris are safe regardless of wild animals, but you should always listen to the instructions from your guide.
For your safety, there is a guard and dogs all day and night.
MEDICINES AND VACCINATIONS
Travelers’ basic vaccinations are diphtheria, tetanus and hepatitis. Remember that all vaccinations can´t be given at once so make sure that you consult your doctor with plenty of time before travelling. Bring malaria prophylaxis with you and yellow fever vaccination is compulsory.
You should pack basic medication in your hand luggage. Different bacterial strains in foods may give uncomfortable symptoms to people with sensitive stomachs. It’s good to have something with you that will calm down your stomach. You can purchase antacids from your pharmacist for mild stomach upset.
Hygiene in Tanzania is generally good, but may vary in different regions. You can take care of hand hygiene with disinfectant gel.
AIR TRAFFIC
Delays, last minute changes in departure times and cancelled flights are common in domestic flights throughout East Africa. Always be prepared for delays because it can be difficult to get an alternative flight.
CLOTHING
in the cities it is good to remember to dress decently in knee-length or longer skirts, shorts or trousers. While staying in TVL-house and during safaris you can dress freely. You should also take warm clothes with you because it can get to lows of 10-15 oC (50-60oF) at night in northern parts of Tanzania. You should also have long sleeved shirts and trousers to protect yourself from the sun and moskitos.
In your placement you need to wear appropriate clothes. You need to cover your shoulders and knees all the time. Short sleeved T-shirts are accepted, sleeveless shirts and tank tops are not. Make sure also that your shirts are not too open in front and that they cover your bras everywhere. Skirts or trousers need to cover you knees. Make sure also that your waist is not seen between you shirt and skirt/ trousers. For interns working in hospitals, hotels, restaurants or offices check the introduction of your placement for special dressing instructions.
Islam is the dominant religion in Zanzibar, so if you plan on traveling there, you should avoid wearing revealing clothes. Zanzibarians are slowly getting used to more casual dress.
EATING AND DRINKING
Program package includes 3 meals a day. The menu is mix of western and African food. From Moshi town, you can find local and western style restaurants. It is recommended to drink only bottled drinks.
