Kwetu Faraja

U.S. Embassy Dar Es Salaam

686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Telephone: +255-22-229-4122

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +255-22-229-4000

(Dial 1 for an emergency operator)

http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/

 

 

Packing:

• Travel light! You will be able to move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand.
• Dress conservatively. Avoid the appearance of affluence.
• Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
• Leave valuable jewelry, irreplaceable family objects, electronic items, and unnecessary credit cards at home.
• Put your name, address and telephone numbers on the inside and outside of each piece of luggage.
• While there are many items that can be purchased in Tanzania – like personal hygiene products, batteries, etc. They are very expensive and you will have a hard time finding the brands you are used to. It’s best to bring these items with you.

 

Money:

Tanzania is a “cash only” land.  There are VERY few instances where a credit card or debit card can be used.  It is best to plan to only use cash. There are ATM machines available in the city, but you can expect for your home bank to charge you a fee of about $7.00 for the international transaction.  It is good to plan to travel with all of the cash that you expect to use while in Africa, and only use the ATM machine in extreme circumstances. Traveler’s checks will not be understood or accepted. Pay attention to the following guidelines:

• Carry a minimum amount of cash when out in the city or village. Be discrete with your money so that you are less likely to attract pick-pockets or thieves.
• There are very few locations where credit cards and/or traveler’s checks are accepted. ATM machines are available, but your bank will charge an international service fee for all transactions. The exchange rate with ATM machines is generally very poor.
• Your host will help you exchange of Dollars for local currency at the best available rate. Note that the dollar bills must be printed after 2004, and be unmarked and without defect in order to be accepted. Denominations of $50 or $100 will get a better rate than lower denominations. Some places will not accept anything lower than $20.

 

Safety:

Tanzania is a relatively safe country. It has had a stable government for many years, and is a haven for refugees from nearby countries during times of war. Being in an urban setting, you should be aware of your surroundings, but there is no need to be nervous! Some ways to increase your personal safety are listed below:

• Watch your personal belongings at all times.
• Do not wear anything flashy, like expensive or precious jewelry.
• Don’t flash your cameras, phones, money or other expensive property in front of people. It could target you for theft.
• Do not go out at night unless you are with a group.
• Do not travel alone
• Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. If you see crowds gathering go the other direction. Crowds often mean trouble and you don’t want to get mixed up in it.
• Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
• Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
• If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your host.
• Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by creating a disturbance. A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket.
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse snatchers.
• Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.