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Tanzania

Serengeti sunsets and M-Pesa everything

Curated by travelers, verified by locals

Heads up

Tanzania runs on mobile money. M-Pesa is used for nearly every transaction, from paying for a meal to tipping your safari guide. Cash (Tanzanian Shilling) is still important for small purchases and markets, but having M-Pesa on your phone puts you on the same playing field as locals. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, lodges, and upscale restaurants but rarely elsewhere. Uber and Bolt operate in Dar es Salaam and limited parts of Arusha. For safari and Zanzibar logistics, you will likely coordinate directly with your tour operator via WhatsApp. Cell coverage is surprisingly good along major roads but drops off in national parks and remote areas.

7 apps5 essentialAfrica

Last updated: March 2026

Uber

Essential

Available in Dar es Salaam with reasonable coverage. A safe and convenient option for getting around the city, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local daladala minibuses.

Pro tip: Uber in Dar es Salaam can be slow during rush hour since traffic is intense. Allow extra time for pickups between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM.

Bolt

Nice to have

Competes directly with Uber in Dar es Salaam and often has lower fares. Good driver availability and a straightforward app experience.

Pro tip: Bolt tends to have more drivers available in residential neighborhoods outside the city center. Try it first if you are staying away from the main tourist areas.
View Ride Hailing guide →

M-Pesa

Essential

The backbone of Tanzania's economy. This mobile money platform by Vodacom lets you pay for goods, transfer money, and settle bills using your phone number. You will encounter M-Pesa everywhere, from roadside fruit stands to city restaurants.

Pro tip: Register for M-Pesa at any Vodacom shop with your passport and a local SIM card. Load cash at an M-Pesa agent (they are on every block), and you are set. Many places offer small discounts for M-Pesa payments.

Tigo Pesa

Nice to have

A competing mobile money service from Tigo (now MIC Tanzania). Less dominant than M-Pesa but still widely accepted, especially in certain regions.

View Payments guide →

WhatsApp

Essential

The universal communication tool in Tanzania. Safari operators, hotel staff, Zanzibar boat captains, and local guides all coordinate via WhatsApp.

Pro tip: Ask your safari company for a WhatsApp group before your trip starts. Most operators create a group with your guide, driver, and a coordinator so you can communicate in real time.
View Messaging guide →
View Navigation guide →
View Travel & Booking guide →

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