Zanzibar

In Stone Town, I recommend Tembo House Hotel.  It is a three-star hotel and it offers a very good standard. It’s advantage is central location and it is directly by the sea, so you can enjoy your breakfast with your feet sinking in the sand. There’s also nice staff, really in this hotel you will feel like at home.

In Pwani Mchangani I can recommend Ocean Paradise Beach Resort and Spa. I had a half board, it was really good choice and the quality of food was very nice. The hotel garden is beautifully maintained. They have private part of the beach with sunbeds where the Beach Boys do not have access. The beautiful white sand beach further enhance your experience. It´s truly a paradise.

Ocean Paradise Hotel, Pwani Mchangani, Zanzibar

Exchange and payment in Zanzibar

The first option where you can exchange money for the Tanzanian shilling is at the airport. As in other countries, even in Zanzibar, it is not convenient to change money at the airport. The exchange rates at the exchange offices can be negotiable but you will never get close to the rates that are in Stone Town.

Like each country, Zanzibar has some of its customs, rules or principles that a tourist should know during their stay. After my 14th day trip to Zanzibar, I decided to put together a few things that you should read before you arrive in Zanzibar. This will avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

1. Money

Local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US dollars are generally acceptable in Zanzibar. It is best to exchange your dollars for shillings in Stone Town right at the very beginning of your stay, where you get the best rate. Also, in most hotels it is possible to pay with a credit card such as Visa or Mastercard. Money is also possible to withdraw from the ATMs, which can be found in Stone Town, I also found one in Nungwi. You can find more information about paying and prices in Zanzibar here.

2. Time

The local time in Zanzibar is GMT + 3.

Beaches around Zanzibar are public, any of the hotels have their own private beach. Hotel managers therefore do not have much control about what is going on at the beach. But don´t worry about your safety. Local people are here trying to earn some money on tourism, nothing more. Though overall, it is recommended that you should not go far at night along the beach and carry valuables.