Getting Around Zanzibar
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Zanzibar Info > Languages & Culture > Getting Around > Zanzibar Health Requirements
Getting Around Zanzibar
Currency
Tanzania operates a decimal system based on the Tanzanian Shilling. Notes
are in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 10,000. Foreign currency- cash
as well as travellers cheques- may be exchanged at banks, bureau de change
or the larger hotels. tipping for good service (10%) is always appreciated.
When shopping around ALWAYS bargain and try to pretend you know
what you are doing.
Visas
All visitors are requires to have a passport and visa.They are neccessary
for all visitors except: danish, English, Irish, Finnish, Icelandic, Kenyan,
Norwegan, Singaporean, Swedish and Zimbabweans nationals
Packing
Light sandals or rubber flip-flops. Some places require you to remove
your shoes before entering. Good walking shoes if you plan on doing a
lot of sight seeing. Raincoat or umbrella if you are traveling in the
rainy season. Monsoon rains are heavy. Flashlight, for those irritating
power cuts. Many hotels do have generator backup systems though.
Photography
Ask for permission first before taking photograhs of people. No military
area may be photographed and there are generally signs indicating such
areas.
Shopping
The main shopping centre is the Gizenga Street and Shangani Street, while
the Stone Town is famous for handicrafts and antiques. Shops are open
till late in the afternoon, after a midday break. Shopping in zanzibar
can be enjoyable and rewarding. Items to look out for that are traditional
for Zanzibar are:
- Spice basket- containing a variety of freshly packed spices
- Kangas- cotton cloth printed with bold design, Kikois has a simple woven pattern with fringed ends
- Antique silver jewelry- made in Zanzibar from the customs brought over from the Asian continent.
- Tinga Tingas- a morder style of painting named after the inventor Edwin Said Tinga Tinga. They are colorful animal abstracts painted on cloth or hardboard
Clothes
These should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker
is recommended for those winter nights). Women are "frowned upon"
for wearing revealing clothes. Mini-skirts are a definite NO. Try
to wear shorts or a long skirt, and try to keep the shoulders covered.
Nudity on the beach is not acceptible. Also remember that taking alcohol
in the public may offend the local residents
::Getting Around Zanzibar::