Simple, practical habits for protecting your passport, money, cards and phone in Tanzania, from Arusha's streets to safari lodges and Zanzibar beaches.
Tanzania is a welcoming country, and serious crime against visitors is uncommon. Petty theft, though, happens here as it does everywhere travelers gather, and losing a passport or phone can derail a carefully planned trip.
Most problems are avoided with a few routines and good backups. These are the habits our team in Arusha recommends to every guest.
Quick tips
- Lock your passport in a safe and carry copies when you can.
- Bring clean, recent-series US dollar notes in good condition.
- Spread your cash and cards across at least two places.
- Keep your phone out of sight when walking beside roads.
- Back up photos and travel documents to the cloud every few days.
Protect your passport first
Your passport is the hardest item to replace, especially if you are mid-safari far from an embassy. Keep it in the room safe or with your hotel's reception safe in towns, and carry it only on travel days and when you will need it, such as at airports or when checking into lodges.
Make backups before you leave home: a photocopy of the photo page and your Tanzania visa or e-visa approval, plus clear images stored on your phone and in a secure cloud account or email. If the worst happens, these speed up an emergency travel document considerably.
Handling cash wisely
US dollars are widely used for lodges, park-related payments and tips, while Tanzanian shillings (TZS) are best for markets, small shops and taxis. Bring clean, recent-series US dollar bills in good condition, as older or torn notes are often refused. Ask us or check current guidance on which series are accepted.
Split your money across two or three places, such as a money belt, a day bag and the safe. Keep a small amount of everyday cash in an easy pocket so you never need to open your main stash in public.
- Use ATMs inside banks, malls or hotels during daytime
- Shield your PIN and count cash discreetly
- Tell your bank your travel dates before you leave
- Carry a backup card stored separately from your main one
Phones and cameras
Phones are the item most often snatched. In towns, avoid walking with a phone in your hand along busy roads, and do not leave it on a café table. On safari, the risk is lower, but keep cameras inside the vehicle when stopping in villages or towns, and never leave bags on an open seat beside the window when driving through busy areas.
Turn on remote tracking and erase, back up photos regularly to the cloud or a second card, and note your phone's serial number in case you need a police report.
On safari and in lodges
Lodges and camps are generally very secure, but use the safe where one is provided and do not leave valuables scattered around an open tent. In some camps, curious monkeys and baboons pose more of a threat than people; zip tents closed and never leave food, sunglasses or small items on a veranda.
Your guide stays with the vehicle much of the time, but do not leave cameras or bags on view if it is parked unattended in a town.
On Zanzibar beaches
Take only what you need to the beach and never leave bags unattended while swimming. Stone Town's alleys are atmospheric and mostly safe by day, but carry little at night and use your hotel's recommended taxi.
Frequently asked questions
Should I carry my passport at all times in Tanzania?
It is wise to carry some form of identification, and many travelers carry a copy of their passport day to day. Bring the original on travel days and whenever a lodge, airline or official is likely to need it.
Are cards accepted on safari?
Many lodges and larger hotels accept cards, often with a surcharge, but connections in remote areas can fail. Always carry some cash as a backup, and ask us in advance about payment options at your accommodation.
What should I do if my passport is stolen?
Report it to the police and get a written report, then contact your embassy or high commission, many of which are in Dar es Salaam. Let your operator know straight away so they can help reorganize plans.
