Malaria / Mandatory insurance / Travel Visa / Location / Taxi / Local Bus / ATM’s / Money / Credit Cards / Internet / Swahili / Safety / Beach Boys
Malaria
While very common on Tanzania’s mainland, Malaria is rare on Zanzibar Island. That is why most travelers who are only visiting Zanzibar prefer not to take Malaria medication.
If you do take malaria pills while diving with us, we suggest taking them upon returning from your boat trip, as they are known to promote seasickness.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for all foreign visitors to acquire inbound travel insurance cover (of up to 92 days stay in the islands) from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, even if you already have your own travel insurance. While you can purchase the insurance on arrival, it’s highly recommended to purchase it in advance here: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
The insurance cost $44 per person for most nationalities.
Travel Visa
Valid for 3 months and will be issued upon entry in the airport. Prices for tourist VISA’s is $50 for most nationalities. To prevent corruption, you will be asked to pay for your VISA by credit card.
Location
Nungwi is located in the North tip of Zanzibar and about one hour drive from Stone Town and the airport. Chosen by CNN as one of 2018 best beaches in the world. To find recommendations for things to do in Nungwi, visit our guide to Nungwi page.
Taxi
Takes one hour from anywhere in town to Nungwi. Cost $40-$60. It is very easy to find one whether you are at the airport or anywhere else on the Island.
Local Bus
Called “Dala Dala”. Number 116 leaves every 10 minutes, until 18:00, from Stone Town market and takes 1.5 hours to Nungwi. Always packed with friendly locals, so you might end up with a little kid sitting on your knees :) Stay on until the last stop – Nungwi.
ATM’s
Most ATM’s are in STONE TOWN and there are very few around the Island.
One ATM is located at Zanzibar airport and there are few others scattered around Stone Town. There are also one ATM in PAJE and one in KIWENGWA.
IN NUNGWI, you can find 1 ATM next to the Zanzibar Horse Club, two minutes walk from the beach. There are also 3 ATM’s, located at the petrol station next to the police, about 20 minutes walk from the beach.
Maximum withdraw limit is 400,000 Shillings ($180) for one transaction. In case you need more cash, you can redraw several times.
Money
Planning to bring with you cash in USD?
Please note that bills that from 2009 and older are NOT ACCEPTED in Tanzania (not even in the banks).
There are few exchange places in Nungwi and their rate is not as good as the rates in Stone Town. You will need Tanzanian Shillings for paying restaurants, bars and shops. However, for Hotels and Activities you will find a better rate paying Dollars.
Credit Cards
The majority of respected hotels and activity centers accept cards as well as some restaurants. Usually with 5% surcharge that is imposed by the banks. Check ahead with your hotel in case you plan to pay by card. Spanish Dancer Divers accept all cards but unfortunately there is a 4% surcharge.
Internet
Most hotels offer free WiFi as well as some of the restaurants. There is free fast WiFi and coffee in our diving reception for all our customers.
Swahili
It is easy to get by in Zanzibar without knowing any Swahili. But, there are few word that are a must to know. Zanzibar’s people are very welcoming and almost every person you meet will welcome you in one of the following ways:
Karibu (welcome). You should answer back Asante Sana (thank you very much)
Jambo (Hello). You should answer back Jambo
Habari Gani? (How are you?) You should answer back Mzuri Sana (very good), na wewe? (and you?)
Mambo Vipi? (how are you?) You should answer back Poa (good)
Hakuna Matata (No Problem)
Pole Pole (slowly slowly)
1 Moja, 2 Mbili, 3 Tatu, 4 Nne, 5 Tanu, 6 Sita, 7 Saba, 8 Nane, 9 Tisa, 10 Kumi
That is all you need for starting a great and friendly communication with any Zanzibari you meet.
Safety
Nungwi is very safe and crime rate is very low, whether in tourist area or at the village. Use common sense like everywhere else. Try to avoid walking alone in Ras Nungwi Beach also in day time. Don’t walk alone at nights outside the hotels zone. Don’t leave you bags unattended on the beach.
Beach Boys
They only care about getting commission, so they will promise you the world. They will take you to whoever pays them commission and tell you its the best place. Don’t ever give them deposit, because there is a good chance you will never see them again. You will get much reliable taxi’s, excursions, diving, snorkeling, etc.. at the hotels.
