The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Tanzania (persons aged 17 and over): 250 g tobacco products; 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages; 500 ml of perfume and eau de toilette for personal use (of which no more than 250 ml of perfume). Personal items being taken out of the country upon departure from Tanzania. Consumables and non-alcoholic beverages, the quantities of which are assessed by the customs officer for personal use.
Prohibited Imports
Plastic bags, drugs, pornographic products and weapons. Hunting weapons must be declared. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Export of animal material only in compliance with the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. There is an export ban on plastic bags, animal trophies or jewelry containing animal parts and other items made of animal material that are CITES-listed.
Export Regulations
For wood carvings, a test certificate and an export license must be purchased for a fee when exported. Further information on customs regulations can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance of Tanzania.
Mon-Fri 09.00-16.30. Consular Dept.: 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Visa application also possible online at: www.immigration.go.tz.
Business
Business etiquette
Local business people expect the usual politeness. Great importance is attached to outward appearance; Jacket and tie or safari suit or dress, suit or pants suit are appropriate. The exchange of business cards is customary. Business hours: Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.30, Sat 08.00-13.00. Authorities: Mon-Fri 07.30-15.30.
Business contacts
Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture PO Box 9713, Dar es Salaam Tel: (022) 211 94 36/37. Internet: www.tccia.com
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, telephone booths are available in post offices and larger cities. In some rural areas, international calls must be registered with the operator.
Mobile phone
GSM 900 and GSM 1800. Network operators are Vodacom Tanzania (Internet: www.vodacom.co.tz) Zanzibar Telecom and Celtel Tanzania (Internet: http://www.tz.celtel.com/en/index.html). The transmission/reception range for mobile communications is limited to the area surrounding larger cities.
Internet
Internet providers are Africa Online (Internet: www.africaonline.co.tz) and Raha (Internet: www.raha.com). There are many Internet cafés in the big cities, and Internet access is also increasingly being offered in rural areas.
Post office
Airmail to Europe takes about five days.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
