FACT ABOUT TANZANIA

Useful to know before you arrive Tanzania.



CAPITALS:
Administrative Capital: Dodoma.
Commercial Capital: Dar es Salaam.

CLIMATE:
Tanzania's climate is predominately tropical, coastal areas are usually hot and humid, but on the beaches a sea breeze cools the air considerably. The average day temperature is 30c. Tanzania has two rainy seasons-the long rains from late March to June and the short rain from November to January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms, but the short rains tend to be much less severe. The hotest time of the year is from December to March, before the long rains begin. The coolest months are June, July and August, when the weather is often overcast. In high- altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Highlands, temperatures can fall below freezing.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.
A valid passport. Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa to enter the country. Three-month single-entry tourist visas are available at Tanzanian embassies in your country, prices are subject to nationality. Contact your local embassy or visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com for further details.

AIRPORT TAX.
Departure tax from Tanzania and Zanzibar is included in the price of your ticket, whether flying on domestic or international flights.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.
Kiswahili and English.

CURRENCY.
The Tanzania Shilling (Tsh or TZS), divided into 100 cents, is the national currency.

BANKING.
Banks and bureau de change are available at airports and in all major towns. Banking hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and saturdays, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. A few branches in the major towns are open until 4:00pm. Please note that banks are closed on sundays. But Most of Banks have 24hour ATM(Automatic Teller Money) services.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLERS CHEQUES.
Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Eurocard) are accepted only at major lodges, hotels, and travel agents. A surcharge may be added for this service. ATMs and 24-hour cash machines are available in branches of major banks.Travellers' cheques in pounds sterling or US dollars are recommended, though it may be difficult to exchange them outside the main cities.

TIME.
Local time is GMT +3hours.

ELECTRIC CURRENT.
220 volts AC50Hz.