Stone TownMji Mkongwe

The questions people ask first about Stone Town, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).Tanzania-wide
• SIM or eSIMVodacom, Airtel, Yas (Tigo) and Halotel sell SIMs at airports; registration takes fingerprints and a passport.Tanzania-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; lodges provide filtered water.Tanzania-wide
• TippingRestaurant: 5–10% where no service charge.Tanzania-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets D/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Tanzania-wide
• SafetyStone Town is generally safe by day; the real risks are unlit lanes at night, heat and humidity, touts at the ferry and Forodhani…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or spiced teaTSh 3,000–8,000
• Sit-down mealLocal restaurant meal (pilau, stew, chapati)TSh 10,000–25,000
• Street or quick mealStreet plate at Forodhani GardensTSh 5,000–15,000
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within Stone TownAgree before boarding.TSh 10,000–20,000
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekTSh 20,000–40,000
• Museum or sight ticketSlave market and cathedral entryUS$3–5 (check)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse dorm bed, a night, per personTZS 35,000
• Mid-range bedGuesthouse or boutique double room, a night, per roomTZS 180,000
• High-end bedGuesthouse or boutique double room, a night, per roomTZS 450,000

A day, not counting the bed: Budget TZS 90,000 · Mid TZS 180,000 · High TZS 400,000

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (About 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Stone Town; taxi 15–25 min depending on traffic. check)ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (About 4.3 mi (7 km) south of Stone Town; taxi 15–25 min depending on traffic. check)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

TSh 90,000–150,000 excl. bed

Mid

TSh 150,000–300,000 excl. bed

High

TSh 300,000+ excl. bed

• Lanes are unlit at night and uneven underfoot: bring a torch or use your phone.
• Dress modestly away from the seafront; cover shoulders and knees, especially near mosques.
• Touts and 'guides' at the ferry and Forodhani: agree a price before any tour or boat.
• High-season double bookings happen at small hotels: pay in advance or confirm directly.
• Card skimming and cash-only small businesses: use ATMs by day and keep a cash backup.
• Tap water is not drinkable; use sealed bottles or a filter.