The official languages of Tanzania are Swahili (Kiswahili) and English. Swahili is the national language and is spoken by almost everyone in daily life, including in markets, transport, and local services. English is also widely used, especially in tourism, hotels, airports, business settings, and government offices.
The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). The exchange rate can fluctuate daily, but is generally around 1 USD ≈ 2,400–2,700 TZS. You can easily exchange money at banks, official forex bureaus, or withdraw directly from ATMs in the city. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and for tourism-related services, but everyday transactions such as transport, restaurants, and shops are usually paid in TZS. It is recommended to carry a mix of cash in TZS and a bank card for convenience.
For emergencies during your stay in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, dial 112 for any urgent situation, as it connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. Public emergency services are government-operated, while private providers are commonly used by hotels, tourists, and insurance-covered travelers. Always save key contacts in advance and provide your exact location or hotel details when requesting assistance.
Public emergency services
-Police Emergency:112
-Dar es Salaam Police Headquarters: +255 22 211 7362
-Fire Emergency:112
-Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH): +255 22 215 0302
Private medical services
-Ambulance / Medical Emergency (Aga Khan Hospital): +255 22 211 5151
-IST Clinic (Private Emergency Care): +255 22 260 1307
-AAR Ambulance Service (Private Ambulance Provider): +255 754 760 790
Tanzania is in the East Africa Time (EAT) zone, which is UTC +3 hours. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year. This means that Tanzania is consistently three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
In Tanzania, electricity operates at 230V with a 50Hz frequency and mainly uses Type G (UK-style) sockets. If you are coming from the USA, you will need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter for devices that are not dual voltage, since the US uses 110–120V systems. If you are from the EU, you will generally only need a Type G adapter, as most EU devices are compatible with 230V. If you are from the UK, you typically do not need an adapter because the plug type is the same, but you should still check your devices. Bring a power bank due to possible occasional outages. If you are traveling from other African countries, requirements vary: many countries using 230V (such as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa) usually only need a plug adapter. In higher-end hotels and tourist areas, electricity is generally reliable and sometimes supported by generators during outages.
During the period of 15–16 of October, 2026 in Dar es Salaam, you can expect hot and humid coastal weather, with daytime temperatures typically around 28–32°C and warm nights around 22–25°C. This period falls at the beginning of the short rainy season, so while the weather is still largely warm and sunny, you may experience occasional short tropical showers or thunderstorms, usually brief but sometimes heavy. Humidity levels are relatively high due to the coastal location, so the air can feel quite warm, especially during midday. Overall, conditions are still suitable for travel and outdoor activities, but light rain protection is advisable.