Digital Nomad Life in Tanzania
Summary: Tanzania is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Tanzania are Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha. Digital nomads like living in Tanzania because of its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. A digital nomad can live comfortably in Tanzania on a monthly budget of around $1,000 USD. The culture of Tanzania is diverse and vibrant. Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs and traditions. The country is known for its warm hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors. Tanzania is also known for its stunning landscapes, including the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
How do I meet people in Tanzania?
When we asked people living in Tanzania about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Tanzania often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in the area," said one person in Tanzania.
What is life like in Tanzania?
When we asked people living in Tanzania what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Tanzania can be both exciting and challenging. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with a diverse population and a variety of landscapes. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to explore, from safaris to beach holidays. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. However, the infrastructure can be unreliable and the language barrier can be a challenge. Expats and digital nomads should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and take steps to ensure their safety," said one person in Tanzania.
Where should I live in Tanzania?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"After moving here you can post what you are looking for in a house on the Arusha Mail Out email service, that sends an email to most expats and companies in Arusha, you pay 10,000 tzs at Meat King, downtown Arusha. Or you can find a real estate agent that You drive around to show you houses," said one person in Arusha.
"Finding a place to live in Tanzania can be a daunting task. It is important to research the area you are interested in living in and to consider your budget and lifestyle. You can start by looking online for rental listings, or by asking friends and family who may have connections in Tanzania. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. It is also a good idea to visit the area in person to get a better feel for the neighborhood and to make sure it is a good fit for you," said one expat who made the move to Tanzania.
What do I need to know before moving to Tanzania?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Tanzania, they said:
"Before retiring in Tanzania, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms and expectations. It is important to have a good understanding of the healthcare system and to make sure that any necessary medical treatments are available. Additionally, expats should consider the availability of banking services and the security of their investments. Finally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to Tanzania," explained one expat living in Tanzania.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Tanzania?
"Expats in Tanzania appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the diverse range of activities available, from safaris to exploring the country's many national parks. The country's rich history and culture is also a draw for many expats, with its unique blend of African, Arab and Indian influences. Additionally, expats appreciate the low cost of living in Tanzania, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tanzania.
"Some levels of respect for the elderly. The greetings rituals. The mostly, warm, friendly and demonstrative nature of the locals," explained one person living in Moshi, Tanzania.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Tanzania?
"You are charged higher prices than the locals and if you don't speak language that makes it more difficult. The people are very friendly but you must be aware that you can't trust anyone out here, while they are smiling they are robbing you too. They see all foreigners as people to make money from. If you are a single women out here it is looked down on, they think there is something wrong with you not having a man. Doing business is virtually impossible as a single women, you need if you have a man in tow it's a lot easier," said one expat in Tanzania.
"Learning to be more patient; having things not happen as quickly as I am used to," remarked one member in Dar es Salaam.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Tanzania for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Tanzania for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa before entering Tanzania," remarked one member in Tanzania.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Tanzania?
We asked people in Tanzania if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"I had diarrhea on a bus ride to a rural village. My husband had to get the bus to stop in the middle of the bush and went on top of the bus to grab my toilet paper, passed it to me in full view of everyone then I went into the bush to go to the bathroom while everyone had to wait. (Tanzanians view the use of toilet paper to be unclean). I confused the word AIDS with AUNTY in kiswahili, in front of all my Tanzanian in-laws..," said one expat in Dar es Salaam.
"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Tanzania. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people, as this can be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local religious beliefs and to be respectful of religious sites. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking in a loud or disrespectful manner," remarked one member in Tanzania.
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What are healthcare services like in Tanzania?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tanzania, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Tanzania are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are not eligible for the same benefits as citizens. Expats in Tanzania typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of higher quality. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private services," remarked one member in Tanzania.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Tanzania?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Tanzania often appreciate the country's diverse culture, friendly people, and stunning landscapes. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their money further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and infrastructure to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult for those who don't speak Swahili," explained one person living in Tanzania.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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Digital Nomads in Tanzania offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Tanzania.
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