Planning a trip to Zanzibar in 2025? Whether you’re heading to the island for beaches, culture, food, or adventure, a little preparation will help you enjoy a smooth and unforgettable holiday. This guide covers the most important Zanzibar travel tips—from currency and connectivity to packing lists, etiquette, and safety—so you can arrive confident and ready to explore.

1. Currency in Zanzibar

Zanzibar uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), although US dollars are also widely accepted in hotels, tours, and some restaurants.

Helpful currency tips:

• Carry small TZS notes for shops, taxis, and local food stalls.

• ATMs are available in Stone Town and some major villages like Paje and Nungwi.

• Credit cards are accepted in hotels/tourist areas but often include a 3–5% surcharge.

• When paying in USD, ensure your notes are clean, crisp, and printed after 2006.

For updated exchange rates, check:
👉 https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

2. SIM Cards & Internet in Zanzibar

Staying connected in Zanzibar is easy and affordable.

Best SIM card options:

• Zantel (Zoona) – Best overall island coverage

• Vodacom – Strong speeds in major towns

• Tigo – Reliable in Stone Town

How to get a SIM:

• Buy at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or any official shop.

• SIM registration requires passport identification.

• Expect to pay around $5–$10 for data packages.

WiFi is available in many hotels and cafés, but mobile data is typically faster and more reliable.
For travel connectivity comparisons, see:
👉 https://www.airalo.com

3. What to Pack Our 2025 Zanzibar Travel Tips

Zanzibar is tropical, sunny, and humid year-round. Pack light—but pack smart:

Essentials:

✅ Light, breathable clothing
✅ Flip-flops + comfortable walking shoes
✅ Swimwear
✅ Reef-friendly sunscreen
✅ Aloe vera or after-sun
✅ Insect repellent
✅ A power bank (load shedding and outages can occur)
✅ A reusable water bottle
✅ Dry bag for boat excursions
✅ Snorkeling mask (optional but useful)

For rainy season (Mar–May, Nov):

✅ Light rain jacket
✅ Quick-dry shoes
✅ Waterproof phone pouch

4. Health & Safety Zanzibar Travel Tips

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but careful planning helps.

Health:

• Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis.

• No mandatory vaccinations for 2025, but Yellow Fever may be required if arriving from certain countries.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water.

• Use sunscreen generously—Zanzibar is close to the equator.

Safety:

• Petty theft can occur. Keep valuables secure.

• Avoid walking alone on the beach late at night.

• Use registered taxis or pre-book transfers.

• Respect ocean tides—especially in Paje, where tides change quickly.

5. Cultural Etiquette in Zanzibar

One of the important Zanzibar Travel Tips is based on the islands rich culture, with strong Swahili and Islamic heritage. Respecting local norms goes a long way.

✅ Greet people with “Jambo” or “Mambo”
✅ Use your right hand when giving or receiving items
✅ Ask before taking photos of any locals  (they may ask for a tip in return)
✅ Avoid public displays of affection
✅ Remove shoes before entering someone’s home

6. Dress Expectations in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is relaxed in beach areas but conservative in towns and villages.

Acceptable at beaches & resorts:

✅ Swimwear
✅ Shorts
✅ Sleeveless tops

For Stone Town & villages:

✅ Shoulders and knees covered
✅ Loose, airy clothing
✅ Sarongs for women (easy and respectful)

Being respectful helps support local tourism and keeps interactions positive.

Conclusion

With the right preparation, Zanzibar is one of the most magical destinations to explore in 2025. Warm people, turquoise waters, vibrant culture, and unforgettable activities make it a bucket-list destination. Use these Zanzibar travel tips to stay prepared, informed, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime.