Daressalaam Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Daressalaam.
Healthcare System
Dar es Salaam has a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals that are often overcrowded and under-resourced, and private hospitals and clinics that offer significantly better quality care for those who can pay. Most travelers use private facilities.
Hospitals
Key private hospitals for tourists in Dar es Salaam include Aga Khan Hospital (Upanga and Ocean Road), Regency Medical Centre (Mikocheni), Premier Care Clinic (Masaki), and IST Clinic (multiple locations). These facilities accept international insurance and can arrange direct billing with many providers.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Dar es Salaam, with many located in shopping centers and along major roads. Common medications are available, though brand names may differ. Reputable pharmacy chains include Medex Pharmacy and Goodlife Pharmacy. Some medications requiring prescriptions in Western countries may be available over-the-counter.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and essential for visiting Dar es Salaam, as quality medical care can be expensive and serious cases may require evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry contact information for your travel insurance provider and preferred private hospital in Dar es Salaam
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may be unavailable in Dar es Salaam
- Drink only bottled or purified water in Dar es Salaam to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Private hospitals in Dar es Salaam typically require upfront payment or insurance guarantee before treatment
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you when traveling to Dar es Salaam
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of valuables are the most common crimes affecting tourists in Dar es Salaam, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Thieves on foot or motorcycles may snatch bags, phones, or cameras from pedestrians in Dar es Salaam, sometimes resulting in minor injuries if victims resist.
Card skimming devices and fraudulent card charges have been reported at some ATMs and establishments in Dar es Salaam.
Theft from vehicles, particularly when stopped in traffic or parked, is common in Dar es Salaam. Items are sometimes stolen through open windows or from parked cars.
While less common than petty theft, muggings do occur in Dar es Salaam, particularly in isolated areas or at night. Most incidents involve threats rather than violence.
Dar es Salaam has chaotic traffic conditions with poor road safety standards. Accidents involving pedestrians, motorcycles, and vehicles are common.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists in Dar es Salaam claiming to offer discounted safari tours, Zanzibar trips, or other excursions. After payment, they disappear or provide substandard services that don't match what was promised.
Unlicensed taxi drivers in Dar es Salaam quote inflated prices or claim meters are broken, especially targeting new arrivals at airports, ferry terminals, and hotels.
Friendly locals in Dar es Salaam approach tourists offering to show them around or take them to 'authentic' shops or restaurants, then demand payment or lead victims to places where they're overcharged (receiving commissions).
Scammers posing as police officers in Dar es Salaam stop tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money, drugs, or proper documentation, then demand bribes or steal money during the 'inspection.'
Street money changers in Dar es Salaam offer better rates than official bureaus but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists or swap real bills for counterfeits during counting.
Vendors at Dar es Salaam beaches (especially Coco Beach) aggressively sell items or services at highly inflated prices, sometimes becoming confrontational when tourists decline.
Some establishments in Dar es Salaam add unauthorized charges, incorrect prices, or items not ordered to bills, counting on tourists not checking carefully.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables in Dar es Salaam
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables while staying in Dar es Salaam
- Carry only what you need for the day when exploring Dar es Salaam
- Divide money between different locations on your person when in Dar es Salaam
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original while in Dar es Salaam
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours in Dar es Salaam rather than standalone machines
- Carry small denominations of Tanzanian shillings for purchases in Dar es Salaam
Transportation Safety in Dar es Salaam
- Use Uber or Bolt ride-hailing services for reliable transportation in Dar es Salaam
- If using taxis in Dar es Salaam, choose registered white taxis and agree on fares beforehand
- Avoid daladalas (minibuses) if possible as they're crowded and targeted by thieves in Dar es Salaam
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving in Dar es Salaam traffic
- Arrange airport transfers through your hotel in Dar es Salaam rather than using airport taxis
- Avoid traveling after dark outside of Dar es Salaam's main areas
Personal Safety in Dar es Salaam
- Don't walk alone after dark in Dar es Salaam; use taxis even for short distances
- Stay in well-populated, well-lit areas when exploring Dar es Salaam at night
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts in Dar es Salaam
- Avoid displaying phones, cameras, or jewelry on Dar es Salaam streets
- Walk confidently and purposefully in Dar es Salaam to avoid appearing vulnerable
- If confronted by criminals in Dar es Salaam, don't resist; hand over valuables
Health Precautions in Dar es Salaam
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to Dar es Salaam
- Get vaccinated for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A before visiting Dar es Salaam
- Begin malaria prophylaxis before arriving in Dar es Salaam as recommended by your doctor
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications for your Dar es Salaam trip
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage for Dar es Salaam
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer while in Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Safety in Dar es Salaam
- Choose accommodations in safer neighborhoods of Dar es Salaam like Masaki, Oyster Bay, or Msasani Peninsula
- Ensure your hotel or guesthouse in Dar es Salaam has adequate security measures
- Use room safes for valuables in your Dar es Salaam accommodation
- Keep hotel room doors and windows locked while in Dar es Salaam
- Know emergency exits and procedures at your Dar es Salaam accommodation
- Book accommodations with good reviews from recent travelers to Dar es Salaam
Communication in Dar es Salaam
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication while in Dar es Salaam
- Keep important phone numbers saved offline for use in Dar es Salaam
- Learn basic Swahili phrases for use in Dar es Salaam ('Jambo' - hello, 'Asante' - thank you, 'Hapana' - no)
- Share your itinerary with someone back home when traveling in Dar es Salaam
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible while in Dar es Salaam
- Register with your embassy's traveler program before arriving in Dar es Salaam
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Dar es Salaam safely, though they may face additional challenges including unwanted attention, catcalling, and occasional harassment. Solo female travelers should take extra precautions, particularly after dark. Tanzanian culture is generally conservative, and women are expected to dress modestly. Most harassment is verbal rather than physical, and local women in Dar es Salaam can be helpful allies. Many solo female travelers visit Dar es Salaam without serious incidents by following sensible precautions.
- Dress modestly in Dar es Salaam; cover shoulders and knees, especially outside beach resort areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark in Dar es Salaam; always use taxis in the evening
- Consider staying in accommodations in safer neighborhoods of Dar es Salaam like Masaki or Oyster Bay
- Wear a wedding ring or mention a husband to deflect unwanted attention in Dar es Salaam
- Be firm and confident when declining unwanted advances in Dar es Salaam; don't engage in extended conversation
- Avoid isolated beaches and quiet areas when alone in Dar es Salaam
- Use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis when traveling alone in Dar es Salaam
- Connect with other travelers or join group tours when exploring Dar es Salaam
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations in Dar es Salaam immediately
- Keep your hotel room number private and meet people in public areas of Dar es Salaam
- Be aware that some Dar es Salaam establishments like certain bars cater primarily to men
- Consider hiring female guides for tours in and around Dar es Salaam if you prefer
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania with penalties including imprisonment. Same-sex relations can result in 30 years to life imprisonment under Tanzanian law, though prosecutions of tourists are rare. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Tanzania, and discrimination is not prohibited.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion while in Dar es Salaam and throughout Tanzania
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners in Dar es Salaam
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity openly in Dar es Salaam
- Be aware that even LGBTQ+-friendly establishments are virtually non-existent in Dar es Salaam
- Consider the significant legal and social risks before traveling to Dar es Salaam as an openly LGBTQ+ person
- Book accommodations carefully; request separate beds if traveling with a same-sex partner to Dar es Salaam
- Be cautious about dating apps and online interactions while in Dar es Salaam as these can be used for entrapment
- Understand that local authorities in Dar es Salaam may not be sympathetic if issues arise
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel organizations for current advice before visiting Dar es Salaam
- Have a plan for emergency departure from Dar es Salaam if needed
- Note that even discussing LGBTQ+ topics can be seen as 'promoting homosexuality' in Tanzania
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Dar es Salaam. The medical facilities capable of treating serious conditions are limited and expensive, and medical evacuation to Nairobi, South Africa, or Europe may be necessary for serious injuries or illnesses, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, the risk of theft, trip disruptions, and other incidents in Dar es Salaam makes comprehensive insurance a crucial safety net. Most quality private hospitals in Dar es Salaam require proof of insurance or significant upfront payment.
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