What is the best SIM card for tourists in Tanzania?

Vodacom Tanzania has the best overall coverage including safari areas and Zanzibar. Airtel Tanzania offers competitive data prices. For Zanzibar specifically, both Vodacom and Airtel work well.

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania requires SIM registration with a valid passport. Visit an official operator store at the airport or in town. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Will I have signal in the Serengeti?

Vodacom has some coverage in the Serengeti at major lodges and camps. Signal is patchy on game drives. Ngorongoro Crater rim has decent coverage. Don't rely on phone signal on safari.

How much does mobile data cost in Tanzania?

Very affordable. Vodacom offers 1GB for about TZS 1,000 ($0.38), 7GB for TZS 7,000 ($2.70), and 25GB for TZS 15,000 ($5.80). Tanzania has some of Africa's cheapest data.

Does my phone work in Zanzibar?

Yes, all Tanzanian SIM cards work in Zanzibar. Vodacom and Airtel have good 4G coverage in Stone Town and beach resort areas. Remote northern beaches may have weaker signal.

Tanzania SIM Card Guide 2026

Best mobile networks for mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar and safari areas

Mobile Network Comparison

Operator	Network	Coverage	4G Speed	Best For
Vodacom Tanzania	2G/3G/4G	Excellent	Fast	Best coverage, safari areas, M-Pesa, Zanzibar
Airtel Tanzania	2G/3G/4G	Very Good	Fast	Competitive data prices, Airtel Money
Tigo (MIC Tanzania)	2G/3G/4G	Good	Moderate	Cheapest plans, Tigo Pesa
Halotel	2G/3G/4G	Fair	Moderate	Rural coverage focus

Recommendation: Get Vodacom Tanzania for the best safari coverage and M-Pesa mobile money. If on a budget, Airtel is a strong second choice.

Tourist Data Packages

Vodacom Tanzania

Plan	Data	Validity	Price (TZS)	Price (USD)
Daily	1GB	24 hours	1,000	~$0.38
Weekly	3GB	7 days	3,000	~$1.15
Monthly	7GB	30 days	7,000	~$2.70
Monthly	15GB	30 days	10,000	~$3.85
Monthly	25GB	30 days	15,000	~$5.80

Airtel Tanzania

Plan	Data	Validity	Price (TZS)	Price (USD)
Daily	1GB	24 hours	800	~$0.31
Weekly	3GB	7 days	2,500	~$0.96
Monthly	8GB	30 days	7,000	~$2.70
Monthly	20GB	30 days	12,000	~$4.62

Tanzania has some of Africa's cheapest mobile data. Prices subject to change.

Registration & Purchase

What You Need

Valid passport - the only document required for tourists
Registration is done at point of purchase
Process takes approximately 10 minutes

Where to Buy

Location	Operators	Notes
Julius Nyerere Airport (Dar)	Vodacom, Airtel	Kiosks after customs in arrivals
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)	Vodacom, Airtel	Small kiosk in arrivals; may close for late flights
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)	Vodacom, Airtel	Available in arrivals area
Official Operator Stores	All	Arusha, Dar, Moshi, Stone Town
Street Vendors	All	Cheap but may not complete registration properly

Mobile Money

Mobile money is widely used in Tanzania, though less universal than M-Pesa in Kenya.

Vodacom M-Pesa - Most widely accepted; works for shops, restaurants, taxis
Airtel Money - Growing network of agents
Tigo Pesa - Accepted in many locations

eSIM Options

Provider	Data	Validity	Price (USD)	Notes
Airalo	1GB	7 days	$5	Data only
Airalo	5GB	30 days	$15	Good for safari + Zanzibar trip
Holafly	Unlimited	7 days	$27	Unlimited data; no calls
Nomad	3GB	30 days	$11	Data only

Safari & Zanzibar Coverage

Safari Coverage

Location	Vodacom	Airtel
Serengeti (lodges)	Patchy	Weak
Ngorongoro Crater rim	Good	Fair
Tarangire	Fair	Fair
Lake Manyara	Good	Good
Selous/Nyerere	Weak	Weak
Ruaha	Weak	Weak

Zanzibar Coverage

Area	Vodacom	Airtel
Stone Town	Excellent	Good
Nungwi / Kendwa	Good	Good
Paje / Jambiani	Good	Fair
Pemba Island	Fair	Fair

Quick Recommendation

Best overall: Vodacom

Budget data: Airtel

Mobile money: Vodacom M-Pesa

eSIM: Airalo

Plug Type

Tanzania uses Type D and Type G plugs at 230V/50Hz. Type G (UK) is more common. Safari lodges often have limited outlets - bring a power bank and multi-adapter.