Moving to Tanzania

Although not typically a popular expat destination, Tanzania has become a growing tourist destination thanks to its vast natural reserves and wildlife, beautiful beaches, and the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Most of the country’s population live along the northern border and eastern coastal regions, with many congregating in the main cities of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, leaving the country’s interior quite sparsely populated

Tanzania’s population is diverse, made up of around 125 ethnic groups, which has resulted in a rich cultural landscape. Expats who are adventurous and open-minded will find that a wealth of new experiences await them in Tanzania.

Living in Tanzania

The country is rich in natural resources and most expats in Tanzania are likely to find themselves employed in the mining industry. Many also move to the country as part of humanitarian projects based in the region. Other sectors where expats may include tourism, agriculture, and telecommunications. Construction is also a growing sector that in recent years has presented opportunities for those with the right skills.

Despite its wealth of natural resources, Tanzania has faced several severe social issues, including poverty and inequality. The extreme poverty in which many Tanzanians live is often the most significant source of culture shock for expats arriving from more affluent countries.

Cost of living in Tanzania

The cost of living in Tanzania is extremely low when compared to Western countries such as the US, and even more developed African countries such as South Africa are expensive in comparison. That said, eating western food, frequenting fine dining restaurants, and luxury travel within the country can be costly. Taking local and shopping at local grocery stores are two ways in which expats can decrease their cost of living in Tanzania.

Expat families and children

Expats from Western countries are likely to struggle when adapting to many of the issues faced by this developing country. Tanzania’s infrastructure tends to be severely underdeveloped by Western standards.

The country’s facilities are sorely lacking in staff and equipment and the local education system will likely not meet the standards that many expats are used to. Expats will find that private healthcare and schooling are often their only viable options when relocating to Tanzania.

Climate in Tanzania

The weather in Tanzania ranges from hot and humid in summer to cool and mild in winter. While temperatures can reach up to 95ºF (35ºC) during the hotter months in the tropical coastal regions of the country, the temperatures in the highlands average around to 68ºF (20ºC) and drop to around 50ºF (10ºC) in winter.

Despite the challenges of living in this East African country, expats moving to Tanzania will likely be greeted with warmth by the local population and can look forward to a richly rewarding cultural experience.

Fast Facts

Official name: United Republic of Tanzania.

Population: Around 61 million.

Capital city: Dodoma.

Other major cities: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza.

Neighbouring countries: Tanzania is bordered by Uganda and Kenya to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern border runs along the Indian Ocean coast.

Geography: Tanzania is an East African country with a coastline along the Indian Ocean. The country’s landscape varies from mountainous and forested regions in the north to the vast flat plains of Central Tanzania. It is home to Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the continent’s lowest point at Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania also incorporates several offshore islands, including the Zanzibar archipelago.

Political system: Presidential republic

Major religions: Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions, with a small minority of the population practising animism.

Main languages: Swahili and English are the official languages. Arabic is also spoken in some areas.

Money: The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Although credit cards are accepted in major establishments, Tanzania remains a largely cash-based society.

Time: GMT+3

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. Type D and G plugs are used. Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular pattern and type G plugs have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Internet domain: .tz

International dialling code: +255

Emergency contacts: The emergency number for Tanzania is 112, but ambulance services are scarce, particularly in rural areas. Air evacuation to a neighbouring country may be necessary for serious emergencies.

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. Due to the poor condition of the roads and erratic drivers, expats should drive with caution. A four-wheel-drive vehicle will likely be needed if traveling outside of the major centres. Basic public transport is available in most towns in the form of buses, taxis and (minibus taxis).

Public transport in Tanzania

Most Tanzanian towns have basic public transport in the form of buses, taxis, and (minibus taxis). Dar es Salaam is the central transport hub for the country with intercity buses and trains traveling to local and regional destinations daily.

Buses

Buses are the most popular and cheapest means of getting around in Tanzania and operate between all major towns.

Long-distance buses also run between Tanzania’s major cities and the main centres of neighbouring countries, including Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, and Lilongwe in Malawi.

Dala-dala

Minibus taxis, known locally as are popular and cheap means of public transport in Tanzanian towns. These taxis generally operate set routes and will stop when hailed along the road. They are normally overcrowded and have a reputation for speeding and aggressive driving, so expats should use them with caution.

Taxis

Taxis are available in all major towns and cities, but they generally aren’t metered so it’s best to negotiate the fare before setting off on a journey. Compared to the buses and, taxis can be rather expensive in Tanzania. They are identifiable by their white number plates, are normally independently operated and can be hailed on the street – although a safer option is to find one at a designated taxi stand.

Driving in Tanzania

Tanzanian roads are generally in poor condition, especially in rural areas where roads are not tarred, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary. Traffic can be chaotic in the cities, especially in Dar es Salaam, and Tanzanian drivers are notorious for disobeying the rules of the road.

Expats living in Tanzania will likely need their own vehicles. Many living in the main centres hire a driver for their daily commutes to avoid having to navigate the poorly maintained roads and traffic congestion.

Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Tanzania.

Domestic flights in Tanzania

Due to its large size, limited public transport, and poor condition of the roads, flying is the most convenient option for travelling long distances in Tanzania. Several airlines including the national carrier, Air Tanzania, offer services between the major cities, and there are many charter companies that fly to smaller destinations as well as the country’s numerous game parks. If booking in advance, expats will find air travel to be rather inexpensive in Tanzania.

Although the country has seen much improvement in its healthcare system in recent years, as one of the poorest countries in the world, it follows that the standard of healthcare in Tanzania remains low. The country faces chronic shortages of medical staff, and facilities are underfunded and lack adequate medical technology.

Medical facilities are extremely limited outside of major urban areas and any serious medical emergency will likely require air evacuation to a nearby country such as Kenya or South Africa.

That said, English is widely spoken in Tanzania and doctors will generally be able to speak the language. Most doctors in the country will expect an upfront payment in cash.

Public healthcare in Tanzania

Both private and public facilities are available in the major cities, with the best hospitals found in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Public healthcare in Tanzania generally falls well below the standards expected by most expats. As such, most expats in Tanzania choose to use private healthcare, while the local population opts mainly for public care.

Private healthcare in Tanzania

Private healthcare is usually the preferred option for expats living in Tanzania. While these hospitals are in a much better condition than the public hospitals, they are still below the standards of Western countries.

The doctors in private hospitals generally speak English and can treat most ailments. In cases of emergency or for serious procedures, however, expats tend to look to healthcare options outside of the country. Expats should ensure that they have comprehensive international healthcare coverage to cover the exorbitant costs of private healthcare in Tanzania.

Health insurance in Tanzania

Expats generally use private medical facilities in Tanzania and will require private health insurance. Although private health insurance coverage is not widespread among the local population, it is essential for expats to have comprehensive coverage. Expats should ensure that they choose a plan that covers them for different kinds of treatments in Tanzania and abroad, as well as covering emergency air evacuation.

Medicines and pharmacies in Tanzania

Pharmacies are readily available in the main urban centres but medicines may be in short supply. Expats should consider bringing all prescription and chronic medication with them. These should be carried in their original labelled containers and accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note.

Health concerns in Tanzania

Malaria is endemic throughout most of Tanzania and expats should discuss possible prophylaxis options with their doctor before travelling. Preventative measures include wearing long, light-coloured clothing, regular application of insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid are some of the most common travel-related ailments in Tanzania and tap water is generally not safe to drink. It is advisable that expats stick to drinking bottled water wherever possible.

Pre-travel vaccinations for Tanzania

Expats should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date. Before leaving for Tanzania should ensure that they are covered for the following:

Diphtheria
Tetanus
Measles, mumps and rubella
Rabies
Typhoid
Polio
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B

The above list is merely a guide and expats should consult a medical practitioner about the health risks in Tanzania before they depart.

Emergency services in Tanzania

In the case of an emergency, expats can dial 112 or 114, but emergency services are extremely limited and some medical emergencies may require air evacuation.

Doing Business in Tanzania

As one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, there are many opportunities for doing business in Tanzania. Expats will likely find themselves working or doing business within one of the three most important sectors of agriculture, mining or tourism and based in one of the major centres of Dar es Salaam, Arusha or the capital, Dodoma

Nevertheless, expats will find that doing business is not always easy in the country, as evidenced by its dismal ranking of 141 out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Survey for 2020. Factors for which the country ranked particularly low were trading across borders (182nd) and starting a business (162nd).

Business hours

The work week is Monday to Friday and office hours are usually between 8 am and 5 pm, with lunch between 12 pm and 2 pm.

Business language

Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business circles. Arabic is also common in some predominantly Islamic areas, such as Zanzibar.

Business dress

Business attire should be smart – suits for men and long skirts for women. The tropical heat dictates that lightweight fabrics are best.

Greeting

It is important to greet the most senior person in the room first. A handshake is the most appropriate when greeting a man, but it’s best to wait for a woman to first extend her hand before shaking as some Muslim women will not shake hands with men. Sometimes a nod is sufficient when greeting a woman.

Gifts

It’s customary to give a gift if invited to someone’s home – a small token from one’s home country is best. Flowers should be avoided as these are usually only given as condolence.

Gender

Generally speaking, business culture in Tanzania is traditional and male-dominated. Although women’s rights are protected and the proportion of women in high-ranking positions is increasing, it’s still uncommon for them to occupy these executive positions.

Business culture in Tanzania

The business culture in Tanzania is generally friendly and easygoing, but there are some cultural nuances that may take time to get used to.

Business structures

Tanzanian business structures are hierarchical, with the most senior person being the primary decision-maker. Employees are used to taking orders and accepting the decisions of those in senior positions, so decisions are not often questioned and ideas are not regularly shared between management and subordinates.

Relationships

Networking is essential to business success in Tanzania. Establishing a relationship and getting to know associates on a personal level is important to doing business successfully in Tanzania. It’s not common to get straight down to business when first meeting with colleagues – it’s customary to begin a business meeting with small talk, with topics such as family and sport being good starting points.

Communication

Tanzanians are not always direct in their communications and decision-making can be a slow process. Expats will need to exercise patience when doing business in Tanzania. Being direct can often be misinterpreted as being rude, so it’s unusual to receive an outright yes or no to any request, which is often a frustrating delay in making decisions.

The Tanzanian understanding of personal space may be different from what expats are used to, and it’s quite normal to stand extremely close to someone when talking to them. Hand gestures and direct eye contact are also common, and expats should not be surprised if their associate puts a hand on their arm while talking to them.

Tanzanians don’t often show anger in public and the concept of saving face is important in Tanzanian society. It’s best to always speak calmly and to never show irritation or impatience in order to avoid offending associates. Never criticise a Tanzanian associate in public. If there is a disagreement it should always be discussed in private.

Dos and don’ts of business in Tanzania

Do always be punctual for meetings, even if it means having to wait for Tanzanian associates.
Do try to learn Swahili, even if it’s just a few key phrases. Although English is the main language of business, efforts to learn the local language will be highly respected.
Don’t say or do anything that will cause an associate to lose face in public. Any disagreements should be discussed privately.