Tanzania
One country, two entry systems, and very local transport tools
Tanzania is not a single app market. Bolt is the main visitor-friendly ride app after Uber ended service on 30 January 2026, but airport, safari, remote-town, and late-night transfers should still be arranged in advance.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Tanzania
Pay ordinary local expenses in Tanzanian shillings: Bank of Tanzania rules require local prices and payments to use TZS, while foreign bank cards and other digital methods remain permitted. M-Pesa is valuable for some independent or longer stays, but it is not an instant tourist wallet because it needs a biometrically registered Vodacom SIM, passport checks, and in-country activation. Zanzibar has a separate mandatory ZIC inbound-insurance requirement for every non-resident visitor, including arrivals from mainland Tanzania, and another travel policy does not replace it. Entry health screening can change quickly during regional outbreaks.
Save documents, contacts, tickets, and maps offline because coverage drops in parks and authorities have previously restricted internet access during political unrest.
Ride Hailing
BoltEssential
Tanzania's main visitor-friendly ride app, with official coverage in ten cities after Uber's January 2026 exit.
Payments
M-Pesa Tanzania
An optional local wallet for independent or longer trips once a visitor has a registered Vodacom SIM and activated M-Pesa account.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The primary coordination channel for Tanzanian accommodation, safari operators, guides, drivers, restaurants, and local contacts.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The strongest general map for saved pins, offline areas, road traffic, and monitoring rides in Tanzanian cities and tourism corridors.
Transit
Mwendokasi
DART's Android app for Dar es Salaam BRT routes, trip planning, service notices, and optional QR-ticket purchase.
Language
Google Translate
A useful Swahili aid for typed phrases, signs, menus, and basic conversations outside English-heavy tourism settings.
Intercity Transport
Safari Tiketi
LATRA's official mainland service for licensed intercity bus and train schedules and ticket booking in one place.
Also covered
Internet in Tanzania
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.
- Typical prepaid offers include around 4 GB, while starter prices begin near 1,000 TZS (~$0.40).
- Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
- Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.
- Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.
Choose the network for your route, not only by price; rural and island coverage can differ sharply.
Local carriers
Vodacom
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Yas
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Airtel
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Halotel
Good-value option when price matters most.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Tanzania?
The essential apps for Tanzania are Bolt, WhatsApp, Google Maps.
How many travel apps does Tanzania have?
We've curated 7 apps across 8 categories for traveling in Tanzania, including 3 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Tanzania?
Bolt. Tanzania's main visitor-friendly ride app, with official coverage in ten cities after Uber's January 2026 exit.
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