LANGUAGE
Swahili, with English widely spoken. Many tribal languages.

LOCAL CURRENCY
The Tanzanian Shilling (TSH or TZS), is the national currency.

FOREIGN CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American Ex­press, Eurocard and Diners) are accepted by top tourist hotels around the country and in some banks. Branches of the major banks have ATM money machines and Money "Link machines. Travellers' cheques in pounds sterling or US dollars are recommended, though it may be difficult to ex­change them outside the main cities. Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or any of the numerous bureaux de change.

CLIMATE
Tanzania's climate is predominately tropical, and the average daily temperature is 30 degrees. Coastal areas are usually hot and humid, with cooling sea breezes. Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the 'long rains' run from late March to June, and the 'short rains' from November to January. The hottest time of 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.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Prior to departing for Tanzania, it is essential that you check with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate regarding the visa requirements for entry. It is advisable to purchase visas prior to departure for Tanzania in order to avoid any delays upon arrival. While it is possible to purchase a visa upon arrival in Tanzania, it can mean standing in a long, slow-moving queue after an international flight and only US dollars are accepted for visas.

ELECTRICITY
Voltage in Tanzania is 220-240 volts and the plugs are the same as the square 3-pin plugs used in the UK. It is recom­mended that guests bring adaptors with them.

HEALTH
As requirements and regulations are subject to change on short notice, visitors are requested to contact the nearest Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission or travel health advisor well in advance of their intended date of departure. They will be able to advise which vaccinations are required and which anti-rna-laria pills are most suitable.

AIRPORT TAX
A departure tax of US $30 must be paid by all passengers de­parting Tanzania on international flights. This tax is generally included in the price of the ticket, if departing from the main­land. When departing from Zanzibar, payment must be made in cash at the airport. There is a TSH 5,000 (approx US $5) tax levied on passengers travelling from Zanzibar International Airport to other destinations within Tanzania.

LANGUAGE
Swahili, with English widely spoken. Many tribal languages.

LOCAL CURRENCY
The Tanzanian Shilling (TSH or TZS), is the national currency.

FOREIGN CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American Ex­press, Eurocard and Diners) are accepted by top tourist hotels around the country and in some banks. Branches of the major banks have ATM money machines and Money Link machines. Travellers' cheques in pounds sterling or US dollars are recommended, though it may be difficult to ex­change them outside the main cities. Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or any of the numerous bureaux de change.

CLIMATE
Tanzania's climate is predominately tropical, and the average daily temperature is 30 degrees. Coastal areas are usually hot and humid, with cooling sea breezes. Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the 'long rains' run from late March to June, and the 'short rains' from November to January. The hottest time of 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.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Prior to departing for Tanzania, it is essential that you check with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate regarding the visa requirements for entry. It is advisable to purchase visas prior to departure for Tanzania in order to avoid any delays upon arrival. While it is possible to purchase a visa upon arrival in Tanzania, it can mean standing in a long, slow-moving queue after an international flight and only US dollars are accepted for visas.

ELECTRICITY
Voltage in Tanzania is 220-240 volts and the plugs are the same as the square 3-pin plugs used in the UK. It is recommended that guests bring adaptors with them.

HEALTH
As requirements and regulations are subject to change on short notice, visitors are requested to contact the nearest Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission or travel health advisor well in advance of their intended date of departure. They will be able to advise which vaccinations are required and which anti-ma­laria pills are most suitable.

AIRPORT TAX
A departure tax of US $30 must be paid by all passengers de­parting Tanzania on international flights. This tax is generally included in the price of the ticket, if departing from the main­land. When departing from Zanzibar, payment must be made in cash at the airport. There is a TSH 5,000 (approx US $5) tax levied on passengers travelling from Zanzibar International Airport to other destinations within Tanzania.

COMMUNICATIONS
The international counlry code tor Tanzania is 4255. Cellular telephone coverage is generally good, particularly near the major towns and cities, internet cafes are common. Public telephones operate on a card system, the cards can be pur­chased from most small shops.

BUSINESS OPENING HOURS
BANKS: Monday to Friday from 0830 to 1230 then 1300 to 1600. Saturdays from 0830 to 1130.
shops: Monday to Saturday from 0900 to 1200 then 1400 to 1700, a few exceptions have longer opening hours and are also open on Sundays.

TRANSPORT
THREE    international    AIRPORTS:    Dar    es    Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. International air carriers Air India, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Emirates, GultAir, Oman Air, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Swiss and KLM fly into Tanzania. Many other carriers fly into Nairobi where daily connections to any of the three Tanzanian international airports are available. Charter flights operate throughout the country. The distances between the nearest airport and the major
towns and oities of Tanzania are as follows:

• DAR ES SALAAM: Airport 15 km from city centre.
• BAGAMOVO: Approximately 63 km from Dar es Salaam, 73 km
  from the airport.
• ARUSHA: Approximately 50 km from Kilimanjaro International
  Airport.
• MOSHi: Approximately 34 km from Kilimanjaro International
  Airport.
• ZANZIBAR: Airport is 7 km from Stone Town.
  Train travel is possible throughout Tanzania. The ir Tazara train line runs between Dar es Salaam and e Kapiri Mposhi, in Zambia. This line goes via Mbeya c and the Selous Nature Reserve. The Central Line links r- Dar es Salaam with Kigoma and Mwanza, via Dodoma and
  is one way to travel to the Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika regions.

CUISINE
The multicultural nature of the population is reflected in the to international cuisine and any dietary needs are easily accorn--e modated. In hotels and restaurants it is customary to reward
good service with a tip of 10%.