| WELCOME TO TANZANIA: | | | | Foreigners are not allowed to buy property. Only |
| Tanzania is blessed with natural beauty and | | | | businesses are permitted to buy on a 99-year lease |
| extraordinary wildlife. It is the largest country in East | | | | agreement. So as a general rule, accommodation is |
| Africa–-nearly a million square kilometers (386,109 | | | | rented. Landlords of property on the Peninsular |
| square miles). Agriculture dominates the economy | | | | demand an advance payment for one year. In other |
| with the vast majority of its crop exports consisting | | | | areas, some owners ask for only six months in |
| of coffee, tea, cotton, cashews, sisal, cloves and | | | | advance. |
| pyrethrum. While somewhat unreliable cash flows | | | | While looking for your home, you may consider |
| frustrate farmers, government intervention is having | | | | furnished accommodation on a short-term lease. Ask |
| a significant and positive impact on the country’s | | | | for a list of accommodations available, but book early |
| economy. | | | | because it is scarce in Dar es Salaam. There are only |
| In 1986, to help improve the country’s economy, | | | | two international residential management companies: |
| the Tanzanian government established new policies | | | | Knight Frank and Pam Goulding. However there are |
| including reducing its budget deficit, easing trade | | | | three to four good local firms. There are over 40 |
| policies and reducing food crop restrictions. In | | | | hotels and furnished apartments in Dar es Salaam and |
| addition, as a result of significant U.S. funding and | | | | the surrounding areas: Holiday Inn, Movenpick, |
| numerous international groups in the mining, | | | | Kempinski, Protea and Sun International are the more |
| agricultural, gas and oil, insurance and tourism | | | | commonly known hotel chains. |
| industries increasing their staff and presence in the | | | | Utilities are generally not included in the price of rent. |
| country, Tanzania enjoyed a 16% increase in Foreign | | | | Water is a factor to be considered when moving to |
| Direct Investment in 2007. | | | | an area. In certain areas, for example the Yacht Club |
| Tanzania has been growing at approximately 4% a | | | | and Masaki, a house for a family of four requires |
| year and is now a fully integrated democratic society | | | | water to be trucked in four times a month at US $50 |
| that is developing into one of Africa’s most | | | | a delivery. If DAWASCO, the local company |
| vibrant economies. Dodoma is the capital city and is | | | | distributing water around Dar es Salaam is connected |
| home to the country's parliament and government | | | | to your home it can cost about TSH 100,000 (US |
| offices. It is situated 440 kilometers (273 miles) due | | | | $85 per month). |
| west of Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital. Dar | | | | Electricity is another high-cost factor. A house that |
| es Salaam is a city that is over five centuries old. It is | | | | consumes electricity for air-conditioners and |
| a mix of African, Arabian, Asian and European | | | | appliances can be as much as TSH 500,000 (US $430 |
| cultures. Tanzanians are extremely friendly and will | | | | per month). TANESCO sells prepaid electricity through |
| stop to assist foreigners in any way they can. | | | | its LUKU offices from Monday to Saturday. Some |
| For someone first arriving in Dar es Salaam by air, | | | | garages offer a 24 hour service for sales of LUKU. |
| they will see a large area with high palm trees and | | | | Gas is a very useful alternative to electricity and is |
| mud dwellings as far as the eye can see. Once on | | | | readily available and most DUKAs (local shops) sell it |
| the ground, the buildings are haphazardly constructed | | | | late at night. The voltage system is 220 but because |
| and not very clean. By contrast the international | | | | of the fluctuating .voltage, most households buy |
| hotels are of good quality and well situated to take | | | | many protection plugs to prevent their appliances |
| advantage of the seascapes. | | | | from being destroyed by the sharp peaks and |
| The city is divided into 4 distinct areas: The | | | | troughs in supply. Most appliances function in |
| “town center” is a mixture of office buildings, | | | | Tanzania. |
| hotels, restaurants, bars, night clubs, parks and sports | | | | Tanzania is considered safe, but there has been an |
| facilities. The “peninsular” is where most of | | | | increase in petty theft and some gang-related |
| the diplomats and expatriates live. It boasts | | | | attacks on lone people. Burglary in the home is rare, |
| spectacular views of the sea, hosts local restaurants, | | | | but one should employ 24-hour security services. |
| shops, hotels and has a sailing club. Then, there are | | | | Expats in Dar es Salaam usually enroll children in the |
| the coastal homes and resorts which span 20 to 30 | | | | main private schools. There are more than a dozen |
| kilometers (12 to 19 miles) north and south of Dar es | | | | schools to choose from in Dar es Salaam including |
| Salaam. The remainder of the city, unfortunately, is | | | | IST (International School of Tanganyika) in |
| characterized by low-cost housing, with a large | | | | Oysterbay for upper class children and IST |
| population of three to four million people living close | | | | Elementary school in Upanga. IST is by far the most |
| to the poverty line. | | | | popular school of choice for expatriates and for that |
| Dar es Salaam has changed dramatically from | | | | reason alone, it is difficult to get students placed |
| socialism to a more capitalist-aligned government over | | | | immediately. Sometimes your luck is determined by |
| the last 15 years. The influx of diplomats, big business | | | | those leaving a particular grade. The school is |
| and foreign aid donations have resulted in a gradual | | | | extremely expensive but has the best record in the |
| improvement in the living standards of the local | | | | city. There are also seven selected schools in the |
| population. The infrastructure and public facilities are | | | | Peninsular, Ada Estate and Upanga areas which cater |
| also improving each year--frequent power failures of | | | | to preschool children. School buses are available, but |
| the past are becoming much less frequent. Water | | | | heavy traffic means that children spend a long time |
| and sewage problems remain high on the | | | | on the bus from very early in the morning. Hence a |
| government's list of priorities. | | | | lot of families drive their children to and from school. |
| Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, but for | | | | All schools except IST start in January and finish in |
| business communications, English is almost always | | | | December. IST starts in September and finishes at |
| used. A person can function quite easily in the city | | | | the end of June. The schools as a rule, insist that |
| without knowing Swahili, but learning it does make it | | | | their pupils wear uniforms. Sports are not a high |
| easier to assimilate, shop and barter in the local | | | | priority, but IST does have some activities other |
| communities. | | | | than academic. |
| Being polite and greeting Tanzanians is the most | | | | It is recommended that you get Yellow Fever and |
| important thing you can remember and preferably if | | | | Cholera vaccinations as a precaution, and speak to |
| it’s done in Swahili. Visitors should try not to raise | | | | your doctor about medicine to prevent malaria. You |
| their voices, even if patience is tested. Dar es Salaam | | | | would not be refused medical care, but in Aga Khan |
| is a Muslim environment and one should be very | | | | and government hospitals, admittance is relatively |
| understanding of the Muslim customs. | | | | cheap. Most expatriates go to IST Clinic--International |
| Dar es Salaam is extremely hot most of the year | | | | School of Tanganyika Clinic, which is run by |
| around and unless you have an office or house | | | | professional doctors who charge in U.S. dollars for all |
| equipped with fans or a good air-conditioning system, | | | | services. The local institutions will refer patients to |
| you will feel drained by the high temperatures which | | | | Kenya, South Africa if the situation warrants it. |
| are generally 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), and in | | | | You can dial 112 for help due to a medical |
| summer, closer to 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) | | | | emergency, a fire or if you need to contact the |
| with humidity very close to 100%. Torrential showers | | | | police, however, these numbers are rarely answered. |
| come and go without much notice. One can escape | | | | It is best to get the emergency numbers of the |
| from the heat on weekends by going to one of the | | | | security company you belong to. There are three or |
| many beaches. | | | | four security firms that offer reliable ambulance and |
| Foreigners seeking to enter Tanzania should have a | | | | medical assistance services. Daktari” is the word |
| valid passport. The passport is to be presented to an | | | | for “doctor” in Swahili. “Duka la |
| Immigration Officer at any entry point, border | | | | Dawa” is the shop for medicine. The water is not |
| station, airport or harbor. It must be presented with | | | | safe to drink from the tap. Bottled water is highly |
| a Visa, a Residence Permit or a Pass, which is for | | | | recommended. |
| those in transit en route to another destination. | | | | Dar es Salaam traffic can be very congested |
| There are five types of visas: The “Ordinary | | | | especially in the morning and evening hours. It is a |
| Visa” is issued at any Tanzanian mission abroad. | | | | definite advantage to have your own vehicle. If a |
| However, if you arrive at the check point without a | | | | company vehicle is not available to ferry your family |
| visa, you can obtain one at the entry point at a cost | | | | around, you may require a second vehicle. Many |
| of US $50. The “Business Visa,” which is | | | | expatriates use drivers to avoid the stresses of |
| called a CTA, is issued to potential investors or | | | | traffic and the perils of possible accidents. You may |
| business people trying to establish professional | | | | want to employ a driver to carry out both functions |
| contacts. It is valid for two months. It costs US $100, | | | | and, in general, these people are very reliable and |
| in addition to the entry visa cost. If the business | | | | prepared to work odd hours. Vehicles are generally a |
| person leaves the country, they need to get the | | | | four-wheel drive type, because the roads are not in |
| entry visa and CTA visa again when entering. The | | | | good condition. A new vehicle of that type sells for |
| “Multiple-Entry Visas” are issued to foreigners | | | | US $30,000 to $50,000 but good second hand |
| who, due to business commitments, are required to | | | | vehicles are available for between US $8,000 and |
| make multiple entries. The validity can be from one | | | | $15,000. |
| month to one year. The “Referred Visa” | | | | A Tanzanian driver’s license is required within six |
| requires special clearance from the Director of | | | | months upon arrival. The licensing authority requires |
| Immigration or Principal Immigration officer in Zanzibar. | | | | both a current driver’s license for verification; |
| This is usually for people from Lebanon, Pakistan, | | | | three passport size photographs and an eye test by |
| Bangladesh, Nigeria, Somalia, refugees, stateless | | | | a reputable specialist (at a cost of TSH 30,000 or US |
| people and any other country as specified by the | | | | $26). Insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly |
| authorities. Applications are made to any Tanzanian | | | | recommend that you take out full comprehensive |
| missions abroad and cannot be obtained at entry | | | | insurance as very few local citizens have insurance |
| points. Finally, the “Transit Visa” is issued for | | | | and you need to protect your assets. |
| those who wish to cross Tanzania and the validity is | | | | In Tanzania you drive on the left-hand side. Despite |
| two weeks. It is for those people holding onward | | | | periodic complaints in the press about dangerous |
| tickets. | | | | driving, dirty uniforms and unsociably loud music, Dar |
| Visas can be obtained at the airport and if arriving by | | | | es Salaam's public transport is surprisingly efficient and |
| land or sea, at the port of entry. Although the | | | | you can get almost anywhere within a twenty |
| government has officially stopped asking for yellow | | | | kilometer (12 mile) radius of the city for less than a |
| fever certificates, it is still advisable to obtain and | | | | thousand Shillings (less than a US $1). |
| carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. | | | | “Daladals” are shared minibuses which are all |
| Weapons, pornographic material, fresh food and cars | | | | around the town and operate from 5am to 10pm. For |
| more than 10 years old should not be brought into | | | | short, frequently-used distances, the route is serviced |
| Tanzania. | | | | by an inexpensive, three-wheeler motorbike, which |
| There are two types of work permits, each requiring | | | | accommodates two- to three passengers. Taxis can |
| different documents including resumes, cover letters, | | | | be found everywhere. Trips to the airport are |
| academic qualifications and personal photographs. A | | | | between TSH 20,000 to 30,000 (US $17 to $26). In |
| special type of Work Permit is given specifically to | | | | the city, the transport is safe but is generally very |
| those who successfully apply and possess rare | | | | crowded and can be very hot and congested. |
| qualifications or skills. These are usually granted to | | | | Long haul buses are available to take Expats out of |
| those in highly technical occupations that are not | | | | the city. They are of good quality and are fairly |
| readily available in the local labor market including | | | | inexpensive, but the drivers are known to speed. If |
| doctors, pilots, lawyers and accountants. | | | | the distance is within 40-50 kilometers (24-30 miles), |
| With a residence permit, spouses and dependents | | | | then taxis would be a good option. Because of the |
| are permitted to stay in Tanzania for the duration of | | | | huge distances from Dar es Salaam to other major |
| the working relative's stay. They generally do not | | | | tourist spots, many travelers use local airlines and |
| work, but there are some exceptions based on | | | | charter companies to go to these places. |
| specific criteria. A passport is the main document | | | | There are many grocery stores to buy food and |
| used to verify identity in Tanzania. Apart from | | | | toiletries including Shoppers Plaza, Shop rite (three |
| getting a Tanzanian driver's license, no other | | | | outlets), Game, Village Supermarket and Shrijee's |
| documentation is required. | | | | (three outlets). For fresh produce, there are other |
| The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (Shilingi). | | | | “Dukas,” but one must be ready to barter |
| The notes are TSH 10,000 (red, elephant), TSH 5,000 | | | | for the best price, so most expatriates tend to shop |
| (purple, rhino), TSH 1,000 (blue, late President | | | | at the main-stream shops and occasionally buy at the |
| Nyerere), TSH 500 (green, buffalo) and TSH 2,00 | | | | odd roadside Duka. Other than fresh food, all other |
| (brown, Zanzibar Fort). The coins are TSH 200, 100, | | | | commodities are imported and come with an inflated |
| 50 and 25. TSH 20, 10 and 5 are out of circulation | | | | cost. You can get most things, including appliances |
| and while they still may be used in banks, are no | | | | locally and quite a variety too. |
| longer issued or used. Bureau of Exchanges are | | | | There are also several brilliant furniture outlets. |
| located throughout the city. The rates vary so it | | | | Tanzanians are very good furniture manufacturers |
| wise to shop around. Hotels will also exchange foreign | | | | and are renowned for Zanzibar beds, chests, |
| currency, but at higher rates. | | | | bookshelves, side tables and coffee tables and much |
| Cash is the most commonly-used payment for | | | | more. Zanzibar Doors are grand entrances for a great |
| everyday purchases e.g., groceries, etc. It is essential | | | | deal of houses. |
| for such things as cooking gas, fuel for the car, | | | | The expat community is very friendly and there are |
| restaurants, drinks at bars, taxis and most other daily | | | | many activities available for entertainment. Clubs and |
| purchases. Recently, larger shops have started | | | | groups are available to meet and mix with other |
| accepting Visa and MasterCard and some places will | | | | expatriates and locals alike including Bridge Clubs, |
| accept American Express, but it is still advisable to | | | | British Council, Dar es Salaam Yacht Club, Diplomatic |
| have cash available in case of problems with the | | | | Spouses Group, Irish Society, Little Theatre, |
| unreliable machines. | | | | Mah-jong, the Wildlife Conservation Society of |
| Credit cards are accepted in hotels and some very | | | | Tanzania and many others. There are not many radio |
| select restaurants, which will charge a 5% fee. In | | | | stations and apart from television, the social life is |
| most instances, you will need Tanzanian shillings. | | | | restricted to going to the movies and dining out. |
| Foreign cash is accepted, but at shocking exchange | | | | There are several groups who welcome |
| rates. Some institutions insist on being paid in U.S. | | | | (“Karibu”) newcomers. There are night clubs |
| dollars, but you have the right to pay in Shillings. | | | | and many bars, but it is suggested that a newcomer |
| However, you will more than likely get a poor | | | | only goes to these places once they get to know |
| exchange rate. | | | | the city. There are a lot of single, professional expats |
| As a foreigner you are able to open a private bank | | | | who are on assignment for a contracted period. |
| account with a minimum of 50,000 Tanzanian Shillings, | | | | The list of things for spouses to do is almost endless. |
| 1,000 U.S.-dollars and sometimes with 1,000 Euros, but | | | | It is common for spouses to visit the islands near Dar |
| you will need a work/residence permit, two | | | | es Salaam, enjoy the sunshine and eat freshly |
| passport-size photographs, a letter of appointment | | | | cooked fish and chips. The sporting activities are |
| from your employer and a cash deposit in order to | | | | limited, but golf, tennis and cricket are all very popular |
| do so. All banks use English and Swahili as the | | | | social events. There is a bowling alley at the Sea Cliff |
| language of correspondence. Provided you have | | | | Hotel on the Peninsular and scuba diving and sailing |
| sufficient funds, you can transfer and remit any | | | | are popular activities on the weekends. |
| amount of currency out of the country. Conversely, | | | | Nannies are available and are generally have |
| you can transfer in as much as you want, but it will | | | | experience working with other expats families. They |
| be converted into the currency of your accounts. | | | | are very reliable and can double up as housekeepers. |
| Banking hours on weekdays are normally 08:30 am to | | | | Domestic employment contracts are essential, the |
| 15:30 pm and Saturdays, from 09:00 am to noon. | | | | wages are very affordable. |
| There are over 30 banks with Barclay's, Standard | | | | While Kunduchi Hotel and Beach Resorts are the |
| Chartered, Stanbic, Bank of Baroda, FBME, and | | | | most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area, other |
| Citibank being the more well known internationally. | | | | childhood activities are quite limited and families are |
| Most banks have ATMs and offer Visa, and | | | | expected to entertain their children most of the time. |
| MasterCard facilities. Cash is dispensed in Tanzanian | | | | Other than school-organized activities, it is suggested |
| Shillings. TSH 400,000 is usually the maximum allowed | | | | that families remain involved with selecting the |
| to be withdrawn at one time. Traveler’s cheques | | | | possible venues for their teenagers before allowing |
| are generally only accepted and exchanged at banks, | | | | them to explore on their own. Discuss any safety |
| hotels and bureaus of exchange. Credit cards are | | | | issues for children in this city. There are no real fears |
| slowly being introduced but, when dealing with locals, | | | | for children, but it is recommended that teenagers do |
| cash is the only acceptable tender. | | | | not go into the city on their own. |
| When searching for a place to live in your city, the | | | | Written by: |
| most important factor to consider is your budget. | | | | Chris Draeger, Group Vice President, Crown |
| Accommodation costs are extremely high while the | | | | Relocations |
| standards are comparatively low. The other factor to | | | | Crown Relocations has been providing international |
| consider is the traveling distance to work and school | | | | moving and relocation services since 1965. With 200 |
| as traffic congestion is problematic, especially in the | | | | offices in 50 countries, Crown has "people on the |
| morning. | | | | ground" in all the major Expat communities around |
| Oysterbay and the Peninsula are the two most | | | | the world. Crown provides a range of services to |
| popular neighborhoods for expats. Rentals in the | | | | help Expats and their families move and settle into |
| Oysterbay and Peninsular vary from US $2,500 to | | | | their new home ranging from Orientation Tours, |
| $15,000 per month. The most prominent and sought | | | | Home finding, School Search and more. Crown also |
| after areas are Masaki (near the Yacht Club), Msasani | | | | organizes Expat Clubs with regular events to help |
| Peninsular and Oysterbay. All are located near the | | | | people meet and socialize with other Expats. |
| most popular school, shopping centers, hospitals, | | | | We also serve corporate clients as they develop and |
| hotels and restaurants. These areas have been | | | | manage the relocation policies and employee benefit |
| developing at an amazing rate in the last five to | | | | programs for the staff moving overseas. Services |
| seven years and you now have a choice of all types | | | | include expense management, program development, |
| of accommodation. Many of them have swimming | | | | policy counseling, customized online reporting and full |
| pools, gyms, tennis courts and security systems. | | | | departure and destination services for the employees. |
| Because these areas are in high demand, the rents | | | | Crown is a private organization headquartered in |
| are much higher and payment terms are seldom less | | | | Hong Kong, with European HQ in London and |
| than a year. | | | | Americas HQ in Los Angeles California. |