Around the World with Wes and Masami - Around the World Travelogue by Wes and Masami Heiser with Journal Photographs Expenses Lodging Guide Schedule Preparation Route

US citizen:	US$50 for a single-entry visa that's easily obtained at the port of entry. The length of validity of the visa is determined at the border by the issuing officer.
Japanese citizen:	US$20 for a single-entry visa that's easily obtained at the port of entry. The length of validity of the visa is determined at the border by the issuing officer.

There are none in Moshi, and only one at Standard Chartered Bank in Arusha, but it's only on the VISA network, not the Plus and Cirrus networks. Bring all the cash you'll need with you - in US$.

US$ 1 = 808 Tanzanian Shillings (TSh) on February 23, 2001. The money changer in Moshi only accepts US$, English Pound, and Swiss Franc. The bank in Moshi additionally accepts Dutch Guilder, French Franc, Australian Dollar, and Japanese Yen, but the rates of exchange for these currencies is poor. Park entry fees are payable in US$ only! It's best to carry US$.

An International Certificate of Vaccination with proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Tanzania. It's also a good idea to be vaccinated for Diphtheria & Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Meningococcal Meningitis. Continuously take Mefloquine Malaria tablets from one week before arrival until 4 weeks after departure. Malaria tablets DO NOT prevent Malaria. They just help you survive it. Precaution against mosquito bites should be taken at all times.

At restaurants and cafés, up to 10% is standard. At small local places tips are not required but you can choose to leave some small bills if the service warrants it.

Tips for safari drivers, cooks, mountain guides, and porters are expected, and they can be expensive (a 5-day Kilimanjaro trek will cost you about US$150 in tips alone). In Tanzania, a good estimate is 15% of the total cost of the trip divided (as you see fit) between all people serving you. Hotels and tour operators can give tipping guidelines for the type of trip you're taking. If you tip too low, your support team will let you know!

Store luggage in secure places only. Theft is prevalent.

It's normally safe to store luggage at your hotel (if you decide you can trust the hotel reception) and with trekking and safari companies while you're on their tour. Some tourists we met, however, had their stored hotel luggage stolen. Always carry all valuables. Better yet, bring as few valuables as possible into Tanzania.

Though we didn't ride any trains or buses, Lonely Planet says that trains are slower but safer than buses and that road accidents on a bus are your biggest health concern. Matatus are mini-vans that run between towns packed to double capacity. We didn't try any of these either. Shuttle buses run twice per day between Nairobi-Arusha, Tanzania-Moshi Tanzania. These are comfortable and safe, thought the shuttle bus companies will always try to overcharge. There are regular taxis in the towns. Ask for the price BEFORE getting in to avoid being charged.