Security, Money & Insurance
Security
Tanzania is a generally safe country, but don`t invite temptation. Keep an eye on your belongings. Don`t walk in the towns or cities at night, take a taxi. Do not take cameras or large amount of cash, be aware of pickpockets. Do not leave money or valuables in your hotel room, use a safe deposit box. Tanzania police have special tourism unit to take care of the safety requirements of diplomatic mission members and other foreign touristic visiting destinations in the country. We believe that peace and security are critical factors in attracting more visitors to any destinations.
Money
The currency unit is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). There are numerous banks in major towns and cities, as well as bureau de change. You can get Tanzania shillings from ATMs.
Money matters: the “clean note” policy
Tanzania is a cash-heavy society for small purchases, through lodges and camps take credit cards (often with a 3 – 5 % surcharge). U.S Dollars are the preferred foreign currency, but they must be printed after year 2009. Older bills are often rejected by banks and exchanges due to past counterfeiting issues. Ensure your bills are crisp, clean, and un-torn.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellations, flight cancellations, lost or stollen luggage, or any other incidents that may affects your safari. As well as coverage for damaged property. It is also important to have international medical insurance.
The “bush plane” luggage rule
If your itinerary involves flying between parks (e.g., Serengeti to Zanzibar) on light aircraft like Cessnas, strict luggage rules apply. Total weight often capped at 33 lbs (15 kg), including your carry-on /camera bag. Hard-shell suitcases are often refused because they can not be squashed into the plane`s cargo pod. You need a duffel bag or backpack. Always check your baggage allowance with your airline before leaving home.
Health, Safety & other regulations
Tanzania has banned single-use plastic bags. Do not pack shoes or laundry in plastic bags. You may be fined at the airport. Ziploc bags for toiletries are generally allowed if you take back home with you, but mesh packing cubes are safer.
