Verified Facts
In Tanzania, the internet is relatively well-developed, with mobile networks covering most urban areas, but the quality and speed of the connection can vary greatly depending on the location and service provider.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The overall internet quality in Tanzania is decent, with an average speed of 10 Mbps download, but it can be affected by the urban vs rural divide. In major cities like Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, the internet connection is relatively fast and reliable, while in rural areas, it can be slow and patchy. The reliability of the internet connection also varies, with occasional outages and disruptions due to maintenance, weather conditions, or technical issues. However, the situation is improving, with ongoing investments in infrastructure development and network expansion by the main carriers.
The internet in Tanzania is mostly accessed through mobile networks, with the majority of the population using their mobile phones to go online. This has led to a proliferation of mobile-based services, including mobile banking and e-commerce platforms. However, the digital divide remains a significant challenge, with many rural areas lacking access to reliable and affordable internet services. The government has implemented initiatives to bridge the gap, including the development of community networks and public access points.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Tanzania, you can visit any of the main carrier's stores or authorized dealers, which are widely available in urban areas. You will need to provide a valid passport and proof of address, and the process typically takes a few minutes. The cost of a tourist SIM card is approximately 5 USD, and it usually comes with a starter package that includes some data, voice minutes, and texts. The recommended carriers for tourists are Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo, which offer a range of data plans and packages to suit different needs and budgets.
The main carriers offer various data plans, including daily, weekly, and monthly packages, with prices starting from around 1 USD per day for 100 MB of data. It is recommended to check with the carriers for the latest promotions and offers, as they often provide discounts and bonuses for new customers. You can also purchase top-up cards or use mobile banking services to recharge your account.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Daily Plan | 100 MB | 1 | Valid for 24 hours |
| Airtel | Weekly Plan | 1 GB | 5 | Valid for 7 days |
| Tigo | Monthly Plan | 5 GB | 20 | Valid for 30 days |
| Halotel | Daily Plan | 50 MB | 0.5 | Valid for 24 hours |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most mid-range and luxury hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
- Cafe WiFi culture is growing, with many coffee shops and restaurants in urban areas offering free WiFi to customers.
- Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular, with many shared offices and hubs offering high-speed internet and other amenities.
- Public WiFi is limited, but some government institutions and public libraries offer free WiFi to citizens and visitors.
- Many tourist attractions and national parks also offer WiFi hotspots, although the connection can be slow and unreliable.
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces like Dar es Salaam Coworking Space and Kilimanjaro Coworking Space offer reliable internet and other amenities.
- Reliable cafe chains like Java House and Aroma Cafe offer good WiFi and a comfortable working environment.
- Backup internet options like mobile hotspots and portable Wi-Fi routers are available for purchase or rent.
- VPNs are recommended to secure your connection and access blocked sites.
- Many hotels and lodges also offer dedicated workspaces and meeting rooms for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is a concern in Tanzania, with some sites and services blocked by the government.
- Blocked sites include social media platforms and news websites, although VPNs can help access them.
- VPN recommendations include ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which offer reliable and secure connections.
- Roaming alternatives like local SIM cards and mobile hotspots are available for visitors.
- eSIM options are limited, but some carriers offer eSIM plans for compatible devices.
- Be cautious when using public WiFi and public computers, as they may be vulnerable to hacking and data theft.