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Tanzania eSIM
4 data plans · from £18.10 · instant QR code by email
Choose your plan
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
4 data plans · from £18.10 · instant QR code by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
Streaming, tethering and heavy use
£42.80
£4.11/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Airtel.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
Tanzania: 5 plans, from 3 to 20 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. 1 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.
4 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Airtel.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle includes Tanzania cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A Tanzania travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to Airtel on LTE. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. Tanzania plans start at £18.10 across 4 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A Tanzania travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
Ugali
A stiff maize porridge that serves as the national staple and an 'edible spoon' for stews and meats.
Available at almost every local restaurant (mgahawa) nationwide.
Nyama Choma
Roasted or grilled meat, usually goat or beef, often enjoyed socially with friends.
Local bars and dedicated Nyama Choma joints in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Chipsi Mayai
A popular Tanzanian street food staple consisting of a French fry omelet.
Street food stalls and casual eateries everywhere in Tanzania.
Tanzania connectivity guide
Tanzania sets two traps for a newly landed traveller. A local SIM means in-person biometric registration — passport and fingerprints — that takes twenty to thirty minutes when the queue cooperates, and the places you came for, from the Serengeti to the slopes of Kilimanjaro, are exactly where any network runs out. The search for the best eSIM for Tanzania therefore starts with what it roams onto and what a safari does to a signal. This guide covers the networks, the registration an eSIM avoids, Zanzibar, and how much data a safari trip needs.
Read the full Tanzania guide →Pilau
A fragrant, spiced rice dish heavy with whole spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Coastal regions like Zanzibar and traditional restaurants on the mainland.
Mishkaki
Marinated meat skewers grilled to perfection over an open flame.
Evening street food vendors, especially popular in Stone Town and Dar es Salaam.
Wali wa Nazi
Rice cooked in rich coconut milk, a staple of Swahili coastal cuisine.
Seafood restaurants and local spots in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
Mandazi
A lightly sweetened, fried dough snack similar to a doughnut.
Bakeries, street stalls, and cafes for breakfast or tea time.
Samaki wa Kupaka
Grilled fish marinated and simmered in a rich tamarind and coconut milk sauce.
Coastal areas and Zanzibar's Forodhani Gardens.
Kachumbari
A fresh, tangy tomato and onion relish served alongside grilled meats or pilau.
Served as a standard accompaniment in most local eateries.
Mchemsho
A traditional, slowly simmered vegetable and meat stew, often reserved for special occasions.
Traditional restaurants in Northern Tanzania, particularly around Arusha and Moshi.
Serengeti National ParkArusha (Gateway)
World-renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration and vast savannah plains teeming with wildlife.
3-4 days · book ahead
Ngorongoro CraterKaratu (Gateway)
The world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, famous for its incredibly high density of wildlife including rhinos.
1 day · book ahead
Mount KilimanjaroMoshi
The highest peak in Africa, offering various trekking routes for adventurers looking to summit the roof of Africa.
5-9 days · book ahead
Stone TownZanzibar City
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic architecture, winding alleys, and rich Swahili culture.
1-2 days
Tarangire National ParkArusha (Gateway)
Famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and excellent dry-season wildlife viewing.
1-2 days · book ahead
Lake Manyara National ParkArusha (Gateway)
Known for its diverse ecosystems, large flocks of flamingos, and unique tree-climbing lions.
1 day · book ahead
Nungwi BeachNungwi
One of Zanzibar's most popular beaches, offering white sand, clear waters, and excellent sunset views.
2-3 days
Nyerere National Park (Selous)Dar es Salaam (Gateway)
A massive, untamed wilderness offering boat safaris, walking tours, and fewer crowds than the northern parks.
3 days · book ahead
Ruaha National ParkIringa (Gateway)
Tanzania's largest national park, known for wild, rugged landscapes, large predator populations, and huge elephant herds.
3 days · book ahead
Mahale Mountains National ParkKigoma (Gateway)
A remote western park on Lake Tanganyika, famous as one of the best places in the world for chimpanzee trekking.
3-4 days · book ahead
Daladala (Minibus)
Shared minibuses running on fixed routes in cities and towns. Crowded but highly authentic.
Very cheap (under 500 TZS per ride)
Boda Boda (Motorcycle Taxi)
Motorcycle taxis available everywhere for quick trips through traffic.
Cheap (1,000 - 3,000 TZS for short trips)
Domestic Flights
Airlines like Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air connect major cities, parks, and islands.
Expensive ($50 - $300+ one way)
Ferry
High-speed ferries (like Azam Marine) connect Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Moderate ($35 - $50 one way)
Private Safari Vehicle
4x4 Land Cruisers driven by professional guides, booked as part of a tour package.
High ($150 - $300+ per day including guide)
Ride-hailing
Bolt, Paisha, Twende
Uber has exited Tanzania. Bolt is widely used in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, offering car and motorcycle options.
Paying for things
Basics
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Many businesses closed; minimal impact on safaris. |
| Zanzibar Revolution Day | January 12 | Local businesses on Zanzibar may close; tourist services generally operate. |
| Union Day | April 26 | Government offices and most businesses closed. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Banks and offices closed; tourism unaffected. |
| Saba Saba Day (Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair) | July 7 | Major fair in Dar es Salaam leading to heavy traffic; nationwide bank closures. |
| Nane Nane Day (Farmers' Day) | August 8 | Agricultural exhibitions held; public holiday with most offices closed. |
| Mwalimu Nyerere Day | October 14 | Commemoration of the founding father; public holiday. |
| Independence and Republic Day | December 9 | National holiday with parades; normal closures apply. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.