What not to do in Tanzania: 9 important tips

Tanzania is currently a safe destination, but you still need to follow certain rules to ensure your vacation goes smoothly. Of course, unpleasant situations can happen in any city, but the following tips will definitely come in handy.

• In Tanzania, tap water is of very poor quality and should not be drunk under any circumstances. Bottled water is safe to drink, but be sure to check that the bottle is properly sealed. It is recommended to use bottled or boiled water for brushing your teeth, washing your face, and washing dishes. You can also use special disinfectant tablets.
• Do not buy meat or fish at local markets, and wash any fruit you buy thoroughly.

• Never pay for goods or services in advance. If you order a dish in a café and pay for it immediately, the waiter will most likely ask you for money after the meal. Of course, you will explain that it was not a tip, and everything will be fine. But you probably don't want to spend your vacation dealing with this.
• The standard of living in this African country is quite low. Service staff earn €100 per month, and many locals are unemployed, so tourists (mostly careless ones) sometimes fall victim to robberies. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to walk the streets unaccompanied after dark or to stray from busy streets.
• Do not take your original documents with you on walks; leave all your valuables in the hotel safe.

You can book a hotel in Tanzania with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

• In Zanzibar, it is not recommended to hail taxis on the street. Before traveling, find the contact details of reliable transport companies and only use their services. In early January 2021, Ukrainian tourists accepted an offer from a taxi driver on the street to take them to their hotel. Half an hour into the journey, the driver suddenly turned off the road and stopped. Local men approached the car, beat up and robbed the travelers, while the taxi driver hid. We don't want to scare you, but such stories do happen sometimes, so be on your guard.
• Local robbers in Tanzania approach their victims on motorcycles or mopeds and snatch their bags. It is best to stay away from the side of the road and not carry large amounts of cash with you.
• Do not smoke in public places. The ban is very strict, and failure to comply can result in a large fine or several hours in jail. Smoking is allowed in hotel rooms (check with the administration) and in special areas of some restaurants.
• Don't forget to use sunscreen. The higher the protection level, the better: Tanzania is located almost on the equator, so the sun is very strong.