After almost two weeks exploring Zanzibar, from the narrow streets of Stone Town to the beaches of Nungwi and Paje, I picked up a few lessons that would have saved me both money and time.
If you’re planning a trip, here are my biggest tips.
1. Don’t buy the expensive airport SIM package
As soon as I landed at the airport, there was basically only one option available. I ended up paying around $40 for a SIM card with 9.6 GB of data.
Those 9.6 GB lasted me about one week only !
A week later, I topped up my SIM in town and paid 35,000 TZS (about €11 / US$13) for 16 GB.
The difference is huge.
My advice: buy the cheapest package available at the airport just enough to get connected and reach your accommodation. Once you’re in town, simply top it up. It’s easy, much cheaper, and mobile phone shops are everywhere.
2. Bring cash…but don’t panic if you don’t
Before coming to Zanzibar, I expected to pay almost everything in cash.
In reality, I was pleasantly surprised.
I was able to pay by card in more than 70% of the places I visited, including many hotels, restaurants, and activity providers.
That said, cash is still essential for local restaurants, markets, taxis, tips, and smaller businesses.
A few things to know:
- ATM withdrawal fee: 10,000 TZS (about €3 / US$4) per withdrawal. This is only the local ATM fee and doesn’t include any fees your own bank may charge.
- Maximum withdrawal: 400,000 TZS (about €125 / US$150) per transaction.
Personally, I paid very little in additional fees using Revolut, and none with my Crédit Agricole Globe-Trotter card.
If you can, bringing some cash (euros or US dollars) to exchange locally can save you several ATM fees over the course of your trip.
3. Travel during the low season if you can
I actually visited Zanzibar during the high season, and I still had an amazing experience.
However, talking to locals and comparing prices, it’s clear that travelling during the low season can help you save quite a bit.
Accommodation is generally cheaper, there are often more opportunities to negotiate activities, and you’ll usually find fewer crowds at the main attractions.
If your schedule is flexible, it’s definitely worth considering.
4. Don’t plan too much in advance
This is probably the biggest lesson I learned.
Yes, booking activities online before arriving can give you peace of mind. But unless it’s something that sells out quickly, you’ll often find better prices once you’re on the island.
You can negotiate many things locally:
- taxis,
- tours,
- boat trips,
- excursions,
- and sometimes even accommodation.
But there’s another reason not to overplan.
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling for several weeks or months and have a flexible itinerary, don’t book all your accommodation too far in advance.
You may completely fall in love with a place.
That happened to me in Zanzibar. I wished I could stay longer, but I already had accommodation booked elsewhere that I couldn’t cancel.
Leaving room for spontaneity is one of the best parts of slow travel.
5. Respect the local culture
Zanzibar is a beautiful island, but it’s also a place with strong cultural and religious traditions.
Especially in Stone Town and local villages, it’s appreciated if visitors dress modestly by covering their shoulders and knees.
Around beach resorts, people are naturally more relaxed, but outside those areas, making a small effort shows respect for the local community.
Travel isn’t only about seeing new places, it’s also about respecting the people who call them home.
Final thoughts
Zanzibar isn’t a destination where you need to plan every minute.
Come with an open mind, keep a little flexibility in your itinerary, negotiate respectfully, and don’t be afraid to slow down.
Sometimes the best experiences aren’t the ones you booked months in advance but they’re the ones you discover once you’re already there.
Talla
Leave a comment