Zanzibar Travel Guide 2026

Money & Currency in Zanzibar

The official currency of Zanzibar (and all of Tanzania) is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). At the time of writing, the exchange rate is approximately 2,500–2,600 TZS to 1 USD. The US Dollar is very widely accepted at hotels, tour operators, restaurants and most shops throughout the island — indeed, many hotels and holiday packages price entirely in USD. Euro and British Pounds are accepted at fewer places but can be exchanged easily.

ATMs are available in Stone Town and at the airport. ATMs are rare or unavailable in beach resort areas such as Nungwi, Paje and Jambiani — always carry sufficient cash when heading to smaller villages. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most mid-range and upscale hotels, dive centres and restaurants, but not universally at small local businesses. A 2–3% foreign transaction fee is common.

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Zanzibar. Typical amounts: restaurant servers 10%, safari/diving guides $5–10 per person per day, hotel housekeeping $2–3 per day, airport/hotel porters $1–2 per bag. Tipping is not mandatory but makes a significant difference to the local staff who depend on it.

Health & Safety in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is generally a safe destination for tourists, with petty theft the primary concern rather than violent crime. The main practical health considerations are:

Malaria: Zanzibar is a malaria-risk zone. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended — consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) and doxycycline are the most commonly prescribed options. Use DEET-based mosquito repellent at dusk and dawn, and sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation does not have air conditioning with sealed windows.

Yellow Fever: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (including much of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). Even if not required, the vaccination is recommended for travel throughout East Africa. Keep your yellow card with your travel documents.

Water: Tap water in Zanzibar is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your stay. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water — ask your accommodation about their policy. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is a more sustainable alternative for longer stays.

Sun: The equatorial sun in Zanzibar is intense year-round. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat and seek shade during the midday hours (11 am – 2 pm). Coral-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended when snorkelling or diving.

Culture & Etiquette in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — approximately 99% of the local population practices Islam — and visitors should be respectful of local culture and customs, particularly in Stone Town and non-resort villages. Practical cultural guidelines:

Dress modestly away from beach resort areas. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees when walking in Stone Town, entering mosques or visiting local villages. A light scarf or sarong is easy to carry and pull on when needed. Swimwear is entirely appropriate on resort beaches but should not be worn in village streets or markets.

Ramadan is observed devoutly in Zanzibar. If you visit during Ramadan (dates shift each year by approximately 11 days), eat and drink discreetly in public during daylight hours, and be aware that some restaurants may have limited daytime service. Iftar (the evening breaking of the fast) is a beautiful communal occasion — Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town during Ramadan is a particularly memorable experience.

Photography: Always ask permission before photographing local people. This is both respectful and often produces better photographs — people who have agreed to be photographed are invariably more relaxed and natural. Avoid photographing mosques without permission.

Practical Tips: SIM Cards, Power & Language

SIM Cards: Local SIM cards from Vodacom, Airtel or Zantel are available from the airport arrivals hall and shops throughout Stone Town. Data plans are inexpensive — 5 GB typically costs $3–5. You will need your passport to register the SIM. Most resort areas have adequate 4G coverage, though remote beaches and the outer islands have variable signal. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before heading to areas with poor coverage.

Power: Zanzibar uses 240V electricity with the UK standard Type G three-pin plug. Carry a universal travel adapter if coming from continental Europe, the Americas or Asia. Power cuts can occur, particularly outside Stone Town — all reputable hotels have backup generators that activate automatically.

Language: Swahili (Kiswahili) is the official language of Zanzibar and the mother tongue of the local population. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist-facing businesses throughout the island. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases is warmly appreciated: Jambo (hello), Asante (thank you), Karibu (welcome/you’re welcome) and Pole pole (slowly, slowly — the Zanzibari philosophy of life) will get you a long way.