When moving to Tanzania, you'll be relocating to a country that has become a growing tourist destination, thanks to its vast natural reserves and wildlife, beautiful beaches and the highest mountain peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Most of the country’s population lives along the northern border and eastern coastal regions, with many congregating in the main cities of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, leaving the country’s interior quite sparsely populated.

Tanzania’s population is diverse, made up of around 130 ethnic groups, resulting in a rich culture. Expats who are adventurous and open minded will find that a wealth of new experiences awaits them in Tanzania.

Living in Tanzania as an expat

The country is rich in natural resources, and expats in Tanzania commonly find employment in mining, agriculture, tourism, and ICT. Many also move to the country as part of humanitarian projects based in the region. Construction is also a growing sector that has recently presented opportunities for those with the right skills.

Despite its wealth of natural resources, Tanzania has faced several severe social issues, including poverty and inequality. The extreme poverty in which many Tanzanians live is often the most significant source of culture shock for expats arriving from more affluent countries.

While getting around in Tanzania is possible by public transport, most expats choose to travel by car. Buses, dala-dalas, taxis and ferries are all available, and expats can use ride-sharing apps such as Uber, although availability is primarily limited to Dar es Salaam.

Working in Tanzania
Transport and Driving in Tanzania

Cost of living in Tanzania

The cost of living in Tanzania is very low compared to countries such as the US and UK; it is comparable to that of Kenya and Uganda.

Despite the relatively low cost of living, eating Western food, frequenting fine dining restaurants, and luxury travel within the country can be costly. Taking local transport and shopping at local grocery shops are two ways in which expats can decrease their cost of living in Tanzania.

Expat families and children in Tanzania

Expats from Western countries will likely struggle to adapt to many of the issues this developing country faces. Tanzania’s infrastructure tends to be severely underdeveloped by Western standards.

While Tanzania’s healthcare system continues to face challenges in staff and equipment, the government has been upgrading medical facilities with modern equipment such as X-ray, CT, and MRI scanners, and constructing Emergency Medical Departments and Intensive Care Units. Expats will find that private healthcare and international schooling are often their only viable options when relocating to Tanzania.

Climate in Tanzania

The weather in Tanzania ranges from hot and humid in summer to cool and mild in winter. While temperatures can reach up to 95°F (35°C) during the hotter months in the tropical coastal regions of the country, the temperatures in the highlands average around 68°F (20°C) and drop to around 50°F (10°C) in winter.

Despite the challenges of living in this East African country, expats moving to Tanzania will likely be greeted with warmth by the local population and can look forward to a richly rewarding cultural experience.

Fast Facts

Official name: United Republic of Tanzania

Population: Approximately 70 million

Capital city: Dodoma

Other major cities: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza

Neighbouring countries: Tanzania is bordered by Uganda and Kenya to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern border runs along the Indian Ocean coast.

Geography: Tanzania is an East African country with a coastline along the Indian Ocean. The country’s landscape varies from mountainous and forested regions in the north to the vast flat plains of Central Tanzania. It is home to Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the continent’s lowest point at Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania also incorporates several offshore islands, including the Zanzibar archipelago.

Political system: Presidential republic

Major religions: Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions, with a small minority of the population practising animism.

Main languages: Swahili is the official national language, with English also serving as an official language. Arabic is an official language in Zanzibar and is spoken in some coastal areas.

Money: The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While Tanzania has traditionally been cash-based, there has been rapid growth in digital payments. About eight out of 10 Tanzanians now actively use mobile money services.

Time: GMT+3

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type D and G plugs are used. Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular pattern, and type G plugs have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Internet domain: .tz

International dialling code: +255

Emergency contacts: The emergency number for Tanzania is 112, although ambulance services are scarce, particularly in rural areas. Air evacuation to a neighbouring country may be necessary for life-threatening emergencies.

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. Due to the generally poor condition of the roads and erratic drivers, expats should drive with caution. A four-wheel drive vehicle will likely be needed if travelling outside the major centres. Basic public transport is available in most towns in the form of buses, taxis, and dala-dala (minibus taxis).

Working in Tanzania means dealing with one of the poorest countries in the world. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, and there are opportunities for those looking to live and work there.

Expats moving to Tanzania are likely to do so as part of a corporate relocation within their existing company or to take up a position within the NGO sector. Expat salaries are unlikely to reach the levels of other African destinations, such as Nigeria or Angola. Still, expats working in Tanzania are likely to enjoy a rewarding cultural experience in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Moving to Tanzania

Job market in Tanzania

Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing more than half of the population. Tourism is another major economic sector, while mining is also an important contributor to the Tanzanian economy. Manufacturing and services, although small, are also key sources of employment in the country.

IT in Tanzania is growing, as the country is going through a digital transformation; expats may also find employment in this sector. While Dar es Salaam, home to the country’s largest seaport, is the most important centre of economic activity, other major areas that attract foreigners include Arusha and the capital, Dodoma. Teaching English is another option for those seeking employment in this East African country.

Finding a job in Tanzania

It is recommended that expats move to Tanzania with a job offer already in hand. Expats will need a work permit to live and work in Tanzania legally, and employers may sponsor them. Expats may be able to find job opportunities in Tanzania online, and should also consider consulting local recruitment agencies.

Although it’s not essential to speak Swahili, learning at least a few key phrases of the local language will go a long way in the job-hunting process and will also earn expats the respect of the locals.

Work culture in Tanzania

Although the working environment in Tanzania is generally a friendly one, expats may take a while to adjust to the cultural changes.

Business structures are hierarchical, and status is revered. Decisions are therefore made from the top down, and subordinates hesitate to question their manager’s authority. This may take some getting used to for those moving from a more egalitarian society. Decision-making can also be a drawn-out process, as Tanzanians are not direct in their communication style, preferring not to give an outright yes or no to a question. Therefore, expats need to learn to exercise patience when working in Tanzania.

Although Swahili is the official language, English is the dominant language of business in Tanzania, especially in the main cities. Arabic is also spoken among the predominantly Muslim population of Zanzibar, although primarily in religious contexts.

Networking and building meaningful relationships are also crucial to successfully doing business in Tanzania. It’s also essential to remain respectful and courteous to business associates to avoid causing anyone to ‘lose face’.

There are many opportunities for doing business in Tanzania, as the country is one of Africa’s growing economies. Expats will likely find themselves working or doing business within key sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, and services and based in one of the major centres of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or the capital, Dodoma.

Working in Tanzania

Fast facts

Business hours

The work week is Monday to Friday, and office hours are usually between 8am and 5pm, with lunch between 12pm and 2pm.

Business language

Swahili is the official national language, but English is widely used in business, foreign trade, and higher education. Arabic is also an official language in Zanzibar and is common in coastal areas.

Business dress

Business attire should be smart and conservative – suits for men and professional attire for women (suits, tailored dresses, or skirts that are knee-length or longer). The tropical heat dictates that lightweight fabrics are best.

Greeting

It is essential to greet the most senior person in the room first. A handshake is the most appropriate when greeting a man, but it’s best to wait for a woman to first extend her hand before shaking, as some Muslim women will not shake hands with men. A nod is sometimes sufficient when greeting a woman.

Gifts

It’s customary to give a gift if invited to someone’s home – a small token from one’s home country is best. Flowers should be avoided as these are usually only given as a condolence.

Gender

Generally speaking, business culture in Tanzania is traditional and male-dominated, although this is gradually changing. Women’s rights are protected, and the proportion of women in leadership positions is steadily increasing – just over one-third of parliamentary seats are held by women. However, women in business are underrepresented in senior executive positions and decision-making roles.

Business culture in Tanzania

The business culture in Tanzania is largely friendly and easygoing, but there are some cultural nuances that may take time to get used to.

Business structures

Tanzanian business structures are hierarchical, with the most senior person being the primary decision-maker. Employees are accustomed to taking orders and accepting instructions from those in senior positions, so decisions are not often questioned, and ideas are not regularly shared between management and subordinates.

Relationships

Networking is essential to business success in Tanzania. Establishing a relationship and getting to know associates on a personal level is important to doing business successfully in Tanzania. It’s not common to get straight down to business when first meeting with colleagues – it’s customary to begin a business meeting with small talk, with topics such as family and sport being good starting points.

Communication

Tanzanians are not always direct in their communication, and decision-making can be a slow process. Expats will need to exercise patience when doing business in Tanzania. Being direct can be misinterpreted as being rude, so it’s unusual to receive an outright yes or no to any request, which can cause frustrating delays in making decisions.

The Tanzanian understanding of personal space may be different from what expats are used to, and it’s quite normal to stand extremely close to someone when talking to them. Hand gestures and direct eye contact are also common, and expats should not be surprised if their associate puts a hand on their arm while talking to them.

Tanzanians don’t often show anger in public, and the concept of saving face is important in Tanzanian society. It’s best to always speak calmly and never show irritation or impatience to avoid offending associates. Never criticise a Tanzanian associate in public. If there is a disagreement, it should always be discussed in private.

Dos and don’ts of business in Tanzania

• Do be punctual for meetings, even if it means having to wait for Tanzanian associates.
• Do try to learn Swahili, even if it’s just a few key phrases. Although English is widely used in business, tourism, and international contexts, Swahili remains the dominant language across Tanzania, and efforts to learn the local language will be highly respected.
• Don’t say or do anything that will cause an associate to lose face in public. Any disagreements should be discussed privately.

Transport and driving in Tanzania can be relatively cheap, but roads are generally in poor condition, and local drivers tend not to follow the rules of the road particularly well. Although buses travel between most major towns and cities, air travel is considered the safer and faster option.

Most expats living in Tanzania will need a vehicle, especially if they’re planning to travel outside the main city centres. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, and many city-dwelling expats opt to have a driver for daily commutes.

Public transport in Tanzania

Most Tanzanian towns have basic public transport in the form of buses, taxis and dala-dala (minibus taxis). Dar es Salaam is the country’s central transport hub, with intercity buses and trains travelling to local and regional destinations daily. The city is also developing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system called DART, with plans for multiple phases that aim to deploy hundreds of modern buses to improve urban transport.

Buses

Buses are the most popular and cheapest means of getting around in Tanzania and operate between all major towns.

Long-distance buses also run between Tanzania’s major cities and the main centres of neighbouring countries, including Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya and Lilongwe in Malawi.

Dala-dala

Minibus taxis, known locally as dala-dala, are an affordable means of public transport in Tanzanian towns. These taxis generally operate set routes and will stop when hailed along the road. They are normally overcrowded and have a reputation for speeding and aggressive driving, so expats should use them with caution.

Taxis

Taxis are available in all major towns and cities, but they usually aren’t metered, so it’s best to negotiate the fare before setting off on a journey. Compared to buses and dala-dala, taxis can be rather expensive in Tanzania. They are identifiable by their white number plates, are normally independently operated, and can be hailed off the street – although a safer option is to find one at a designated taxi stand.

Ride-hailing applications, including Uber and Bolt, are available in Tanzania’s capital city of Dar es Salaam. This may be a fantastic option for newly arrived expats, as using these services will mitigate any language barriers they may experience.

Driving in Tanzania

Tanzanian roads are largely in poor condition, especially in rural areas where roads are not tarred, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary. Traffic can be chaotic in the cities, especially in Dar es Salaam, and Tanzanian drivers are notorious for disobeying the rules of the road.

Expats moving to Tanzania will likely need to purchase a vehicle. Many living in the main centres hire a driver for their daily commutes to avoid having to negotiate the poorly maintained roads and traffic congestion. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Tanzania.

Expats who will be living in Tanzania for more than six months will need a Tanzanian driver’s licence. During their first six months in Tanzania, expats will need an International Driver’s Permit along with their home country licence to drive legally in the country. Thereafter, they must enrol in a Tanzanian driving school, apply for a learner’s licence, and receive a competence certificate from the school. Expats can then take a driving test as well as an eye test to secure their local driver’s licence.

Moving to Tanzania

Ferries in Tanzania

As a country with lakeside towns and coastal islands, Tanzania boasts ferries and water taxis to transport passengers between the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Ferry tickets can be purchased in both US dollars and Tanzanian Shillings, and it’s recommended to travel by ferry only during the day.

Domestic flights in Tanzania

Due to its large size, limited public transport, and poor road conditions, flying is the most convenient option for travelling long distances in Tanzania. Several airlines, including the national carrier, Air Tanzania, offer services between the major cities, and there are many charter companies that fly to smaller destinations as well as the country’s numerous game parks. If booking in advance, expats will find air travel to be fairly inexpensive in Tanzania.

Although the country has seen some improvement in its healthcare system in recent years, as one of the world’s poorest countries, the standard of healthcare in Tanzania is below international standards. The country faces chronic medical staff shortages, and facilities are underfunded and lack adequate medical technology.

Medical facilities are insufficient outside major urban areas, and any serious medical emergency will likely require air evacuation to a nearby country such as Kenya or South Africa.

That said, English is widely spoken in Tanzania, and doctors will generally be able to speak the language. Most doctors in the country will expect an upfront payment in cash.

Public healthcare in Tanzania

Both private and public facilities are available in the major cities, with the best hospitals found in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. While public healthcare in Tanzania is available free of charge, it generally falls well below the standards expected by most expats. As such, most expats in Tanzania choose to use private healthcare, while the local population is limited to the public sector, which is a result of the country’s poverty levels.

Private healthcare in Tanzania

Private healthcare is usually the preferred option for expats living in Tanzania. While these hospitals are in much better condition than public hospitals, they are still below the standards of Western countries.

The doctors in private hospitals mostly speak English and can treat most ailments. However, in cases of emergency or for serious procedures, expats tend to look to healthcare options outside the country. Expats should ensure that they have comprehensive international healthcare coverage to cover the significant costs of private healthcare in Tanzania.

Health insurance in Tanzania

Expats typically use private medical facilities in Tanzania and will require private health insurance. Although private health insurance coverage remains limited among the local population, with more than three-quarters of Tanzanians lacking any insurance coverage, it is essential for expats to have comprehensive coverage. Expats should ensure that they choose a plan that covers them for different kinds of treatments in Tanzania and abroad, as well as emergency air evacuation.

Medicines and pharmacies in Tanzania

Pharmacies are readily available in the main urban centres, but medicines may be in short supply. Expats should consider bringing all prescription and chronic medications with them. These should be carried in their original labelled containers and accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note.

Health hazards in Tanzania

Malaria is endemic throughout most of Tanzania, and expats should discuss possible prophylaxis options with their doctor before travelling. Preventative measures include wearing long, light-coloured clothing, regular application of insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid remain significant health risks in Tanzania, with cholera outbreaks reported as recently as 2024. Tap water is generally not safe to drink. It is advisable that expats stick to drinking bottled water wherever possible. Other potential health hazards in Tanzania include the Marburg virus, measles, Ebola, and sleeping sickness.

Vaccinations for Tanzania

Expats should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Before leaving for Tanzania, they should ensure that they are covered for the following:

• Diphtherialack
• Tetanus
• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

The above list is merely a guide, and expats should consult a medical practitioner about the health risks in Tanzania before they depart. Additionally, CDC now emphasises that all international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine due to the rise in global measles cases.

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk, but it is generally not recommended for direct travel from most countries to Tanzania.

Emergency services in Tanzania

In the case of an emergency, expats can dial 112 (police/general emergency) or 114 (fire department). For ambulance services, dial 115 or 199, but emergency services are extremely limited, and some medical emergencies may require air evacuation.