Buying a SIM Card in Tanzania and Zanzibar: A Comprehensive Guide

When traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar, purchasing a local SIM card is a must for staying connected. However, with multiple network providers to choose from, it can be confusing to decide which one to go with. The main carriers in Tanzania and Zanzibar are Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Zantel, and Halotel. Vodacom has the widest overall coverage, reaching Dar es Salaam, towns along the Central Railway line, and most tourist destinations.

Tigo, now rebranded as Yas, has historically offered competitive pricing, with one comparison finding 7.5 GB of data for approximately USD 6.50. Yas also topped a 2025 mobile-speed report with a download speed of 33.5 Mbps, the fastest among major networks that quarter. Zantel operates mainly on Zanzibar and is recommended by locals on Zanzibar's Tripadvisor forum for the North Coast, with decent 4G coverage in Stone Town.

Halotel, launched in October 2015, has expanded rapidly, claiming coverage across all 26 Tanzanian regions and over 85% population coverage. It has a reputation for reaching rural areas of Zanzibar that other networks may not cover. For travelers, a simple rule of thumb is to use Vodacom as a safe default, Airtel as a backup, and consider Tigo/Yas or Zantel if staying in specific areas they serve well.

When it comes to purchasing a SIM card, travelers have the option of a physical SIM or an eSIM. If staying more than a few days and wanting the cheapest data per gigabyte, a physical SIM is the better option. A Vodacom SIM plus a week of 5 GB costs around USD 4.50, while the cheapest Airalo Tanzania eSIM pack offers 2 GB for USD 8.

The case for an eSIM is about convenience, with no queue, no need to hand over a passport, and no waiting for a fingerprint scanner. Digital nomads and remote workers increasingly use eSIMs as an option alongside global roaming plans and local SIMs. Some eSIM products, such as SimCorner's Tanzania plan, automatically switch between Airtel and Vodacom networks for redundancy.

Buying a SIM card on arrival can be done at airport counters or town shops. The Vodacom store outside Dar es Salaam's international terminal offers a quick and easy process, taking around five minutes. In Zanzibar, SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in Stone Town's Darajani Bazaar.

Tanzania requires biometric SIM registration, which involves handing over a passport and having a fingerprint scanned. This process is mandatory for all networks and SIM buyers, tourists and residents alike. The registration process typically takes a few minutes, and the network retains the data for up to 10 years while the line stays active.

Key points

• Travelers to Tanzania and Zanzibar should consider purchasing a local SIM card for convenient and affordable data access.
• The main carriers in Tanzania and Zanzibar are Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Zantel, and Halotel, each with its own coverage and pricing.
• Biometric SIM registration is mandatory in Tanzania, requiring a passport and fingerprint scan.