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What to Do before traveling to Tanzania

What to do before traveling to Tanzania

  1. Book your flights to Kilimanjaro international airport: Tanzania has several airports but the most common and convenient one for volunteers is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

  2. Get malaria prevention medication: Tanzania is a high-risk malaria zone. It's important to consult your doctor and get malaria prevention medication before travelling. You should also take other measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants.

  3. Get all the vaccinations required or advised by your doctor: Tanzania has some endemic diseases, such as yellow fever and typhoid. It's important to consult your doctor or travel clinic and get all the vaccinations required or advised for your trip.

  4. Go through a medical check-up: Before travelling, it's important to undergo a medical check-up to ensure that you are fit to travel. This will also help to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your trip. Tanzania has good medical health care facilities, so if you need medical attention during your trip, you will be in good hands.

  5. Inform us about all your medications, chronic illnesses, sicknesses, allergies or other limitations or precautions: It's important to inform your volunteer organization about any medical conditions, medications, allergies or dietary restrictions that you may have. This will help them to provide appropriate support and make necessary arrangements.

  6. Get appropriate travel insurance: It's important to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other unforeseen events.

  7. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your trip: Tanzania requires that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry date into the country.

  8. Go through the organization's website for more information and contact them if you have any questions: Before travelling, it's important to go through the volunteer organization's website for more information about the program and what to expect during your stay. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact them.

  9. Inform the organization about any special diets: If you have any special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, it's important to inform the volunteer organization in advance.

Do you want to Volunteer in Tanzania?

Things to take with you:

  • All your personal medication and medical prescription: It's important to carry all your personal medication and medical prescription in your hand luggage.

  • Insect repellent (can also be bought from Arusha): Tanzania has a lot of mosquitoes, so it's important to carry insect repellent.

  • Suncream: Tanzania is close to the equator, and the sun can be harsh. It's important to carry suncream to protect your skin.

  • Hat to protect you from the sun: A hat is also important to protect your head and face from the sun.

  • Comfortable shoes and during the rainy season, shoes that can be used in mud: Tanzania has varied terrain, so it's important to carry comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on rough terrain. If you are traveling during the rainy season, it's also important to carry shoes that can be used in the mud.

  • Flashlight or headlight: Tanzania experiences power cuts, so it's important to carry a flashlight or headlight.

  • Check the requirements of dressing in your placement from your placement's presentation: Different volunteer placements have different dress codes, so it's important to check the requirements of dressing in your placement.

  • AC power plugs and sockets used in Tanzania are British type G, BS 1363 and the voltage is 220 - ­240 volts. If your electric devices don't fit to this kind of plugs you will need to take an adapter with you.

THINGS YOU DON’T NEED TO BRING

  • All the most common medicines e.g painkillers, plasters etc. are available for purchase in Arusha

  • Products such as shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, and laundry powder can also be bought in Arusha Bed sheets, mosquito nets, and towels are included in all the rooms

CURRENCY AND PAYING

  • Tanzanian currency is Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

  • It is not possible to buy Tanzania shillings outside the country

  • Shillings are accepted everywhere in Tanzania, US dollars in some tourist destinations

  • You can draw cash (Tanzanian shillings) from ATM machines with Visa, Visa Electron or Mastercard

  • US dollars or euro can be exchanged in bureau de change here in Tazania.

  • US dollars printed earlier than 2006 are not accepted in Tanzania or can be accepted with lower rates

  • You can't pay with credit card

CURRENCY AND PAYING

Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) It is not possible to buy Tanzania shillings outside the country Shillings are accepted everywhere in Tanzania, US dollars in some tourist destinations You can draw cash (Tanzanian shillings) from ATM machines with Visa, Visa Electron or Mastercard US dollars or euro can be exchanged in bureau de change here in Tazania. US dollars printed earlier than 2006 are not accepted in Tanzania or can be accepted with lower rates You can pay with a credit card

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