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Having internet in Tanzania, general misconception, several mobile network providers, where to find SIM cards, costs, packages and bundles, topping up your SIM card, details of different providers, it all depends on where you go and what you do
First things first: Yes, they do have internet! I'm not sure where this misconception comes from that (most) African countries don't have access to internet. It probably still comes from colonialism, many people assume Africa is backwards or separated from civilisation.
Tanzania has quite a few mobile network providers, each with their own advantages. There is a Vodacom store right outside the arrivals area at the international terminal at Dar es Salaam airport. Otherwise you can find vendors all around the country, usually sitting underneath an umbrella with the provider's branding on it. Although it's common that most of them just sell credits and not SIM cards so you might need to look around a bit. ⛱
Generally, a new SIM card costs about TSH 1,000 and TSH 4,000 to cut it down to nanoSIM but make sure to have your passport with you as you will need it to register for the first time. You'll also be required to give your fingerprints for the registration. This process has been set into place to fight against cyber crimes a few years ago.
Tanzania's mobile network is surprisingly good but with that being said, it can happen that in some places you won't be able to get a connection at all. 🙅🏼♀️
All providers have different packages including different amounts of data, calling minutes and text messages. Usually, one package is valid for one week and then you have to top-up your SIM card. There are other bundles available so make sure you ask what options you have. Credit can be purchased all over the country, have a look out for the vendors or advertising outside the stores.
To top-up your SIM card you will receive a scratch card with a code that you'll need to enter into your phone. If you need help with that, ask your vendor or local friends. There are several dial codes you can use, each having a different function.
Let's dive deeper into the different providers (this list is non-exhaustive). 📱
Vodacom is the market leader and has the best coverage throughout the country. You'll usually get faster data when you're in the most-visited parts of the country like Kilimanjaro area for example. Gina, my friend who I travelled with, has used Vodacom all the time and has had a great experience with them.
tiGo is the provider I initially wanted to use but for some reason I wasn't able to get a SIM card for that one. tiGo is used by a lot of locals, especially in more rural parts, their coverage in the bush or outside of cities is very good. It is said that they have the fastest 4G network in Tanzania and are a bit cheaper than Vodacom.
Airtel is what I used on my trip to Tanzania in 2020. Their coverage is supposed to be good throughout the country, also on Safaris. However, I did not get very good signals whenever we were travelling or staying in more rural places. Yet Airtel has coverage in other areas where i.e. Vodacom is not received.
Zantel is a fast provider for Zanzibar specifically. The coverage on the island is very good but on Tanzania mainland it runs on the tiGo network and therefore much slower.
So all in all, it really depends what you do and where you go in Tanzania. If you're only going to Zanzibar, go with Zantel. Otherwise I personally like to go with local's recommendations which in this case would be tiGo. 🙂 Or you just do it like a local and get two SIM cards from different providers with different packages. 😉
Sabbu ❤️
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