• Population: 58.8 million
• Capital: Dodoma
• Demographics: Tanzania is home to more than 120 different ethnic groups including Sukuma, the largest ethnic group representing about 16% of Tanzania's population. Other ethnic groups include the Hehe and the Nyakyusa, as well as nomadic Maasai and Luo populations, among others. About 45% of the country's population is below the age of 15.
• Type of government: Parliamentary Republic
• Currency: Tanzanian shilling (Tsh)
• Common foods: rice, ugali, pilaf, biryani, banana
• Culture: Read more about the culture of Tanzania.

Swahili is the official language spoken in Tanzania.

There are over 120 different languages spoken in Tanzania. It is common for locals to speak English as it was used and taught alongside Swahili in Tanzanian schools until very recently. Other ethnic languages spoken in Tanzania include Maasai, Datooga, Ngasa, Ogiek, Bemba, and more.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

All travelers to Tanzania require a visa. The visa application to Tanzania can be accessed and completed online, along with gathering all required visa application materials. Read more about the visa application process to Tanzania on the Embassy of Tanzania's website.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• In general, smart phone usage information is scarce in regards to Tanzania, since most locals use simple cell phones instead of smart phones for calling, if at all.
• Data roaming tends to get expensive and roaming calls back to the US can cost upwards of $1/minute.
• Local Tanzanian SIM cards are available for purchase in-country, and may provide faster speeds than using your own cell data plan.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Internet infrastructure is sporadically spread throughout the country.
• There are internet cafes in large towns where WiFi access is available for purchase per hour, and WiFi hotspots are widespread, except in rural areas.
• Mid- to high-end hotels also usually provide wireless WiFi access, although sometimes for a small fee.
• Most tourist areas will have WiFi access, at lower-than-average speeds compared to that of the U.S.
• Personal hotspot travel WiFi is also available for purchase before you depart to Tanzania.
• Read about SIM cards and cell connectivity in Tanzania.

Electricity

• Tanzania uses Type D and Type G electric plugs, with sets of 3 round or flat prongs arranged in a triangle (see pictures below). You will need to purchase a plug adapter to use any electronic devices and appliances brought from the U.S.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.
• Read about electricity and travel adaptors for Tanzania.

Using Money

• Credit and debit cards are NOT widely accepted throughout the country, even in tourist areas and most hotels. The only place credit or debit cards might be necessary are at major national park entry points.
• You will need to heavily rely on cash and ATMs for most purchases in-country.
• There are a few main ATM operators in Tanzania, found in most larger towns. They operate 24/7, but may sometimes be out of order or out of cash, so be sure to always have backup currency. The ATM operators include Barclays, CRDB, Exim, National Bank of Commerce (NBC), Stanbic, and Standard Chartered.
• Bargaining is expected at any street markets and small vendors, except for fixed shops. It is always a good idea to have at least a small amount of local currency ready to use and in case of emergencies.
• Read about banking and currency in Tanzania.

Geography

The country is a little bit more than twice the size of California. Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, is located in Tanzania and stands at about 19, 341 feet above sea level. Tanzania is home to the largest concentration and diversity of wild animals, with a total of about 4 million wild animals and roughly 430 different species represented.

Climate

• Tanzania is characterized by a tropical climate with hot and humid coastal areas, and cool and temperate highlands.
• There are two rainy seasons, a short one from October to December, and a long one from March to June.
• Most of the country, except for the highlands, rarely has temperatures that fall below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Packing

• Locals wear tropical clothing throughout the year, so it is recommended to pack light for summer weather.
• In the cooler season, from June to September, jackets and sweaters are recommended, especially in the evenings.
• If you plan to hike any of the Tanzanian mountains, warm clothing is required as temperatures will drop drastically with increasing altitude.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Taxis can be hired to travel around most major towns. Many drivers have an official price list with set rates for your required routes. Fares, especially for longer trips outside of town, are open for negotiation with the driver.
• ocal routes and trips within rural areas are serviced by dalla-dallas (minibuses) or pickup trucks and old 4WDs. Dalla-dallas are usually crowded, especially during busy times, and make many stops. Accidents happen frequently, so think about alternate forms of transportation. Dalla-dalla stops are either posted on the vehicle or called out by the driver's assistant.
• Longer distances are also able to be traveled by bus, train, or ferry, which are slow and scenic with common delays. Be sure to plan these in advance if this is your preferred form of travel across Tanzania.

Flights

• Cities with airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Abeid Amani Karume Internaitonal Airport in Zanzibar, Mwanza Airport, Arusha, Bukoba, and Mtwara Airports
• Common airlines: Precision Air, Flightlink Tanzania, Zanair

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.