Tanzania's International Phone Code
To call Tanzania from abroad, use the country code +255.
Format: +255 + [area/mobile code] + [number]
Example: +255 22 123 4567
Calling Tanzanian Landlines
For landlines, dial +255 followed by the area code and local number.
| City | Area Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | 22 | +255 22 123 4567 |
| Arusha | 27 | +255 27 123 4567 |
| Mwanza | 28 | +255 28 123 4567 |
| Zanzibar | 24 | +255 24 123 4567 |
Calling Tanzanian Mobiles
Mobile numbers also use +255, followed by a mobile prefix:
| Network | Prefix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | 754, 755, 756, 757, 758 | +255 754 123 456 |
| Airtel | 684, 685, 686, 687, 688 | +255 684 123 456 |
| Tigo | 713, 714, 715, 716, 717 | +255 713 123 456 |
| Halotel | 621, 622, 623, 624 | +255 621 123 456 |
| Zantel | 777, 778, 779 | +255 777 123 456 |
Buying a SIM Card in Tanzania
Staying connected in Tanzania is easy and affordable for travelers. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, mobile shops, or convenience stores. Major providers include Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Halotel, and Zantel.
| Provider | Where to Buy | Tourist SIM Packages | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Airport, shops | Yes | Passport |
| Airtel | Airport, shops | Yes | Passport |
| Tigo | Shops | Yes | Passport |
| Halotel | Shops | Yes | Passport |
| Zantel | Zanzibar, shops | Yes | Passport |
Tip: Bring your passport for SIM registration. Tourist SIMs often include data, local calls, and international minutes.
Mobile Network Coverage & Internet
Tanzania has good 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas, with 3G/2G in remote regions. All major providers offer fast mobile internet, and eSIMs are available for some devices.
- Best for coverage: Vodacom and Airtel
- Best for budget: Halotel and Tigo
- Internet speeds: 4G/LTE in most urban areas
- Top-up: Recharge cards are widely available at shops and kiosks
WiFi: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas offer free WiFi, but mobile data is more reliable for travel.
Emergency Numbers & Useful Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 112 |
| Ambulance | 114 |
| Fire Brigade | 111 |
| Tourist Police | 112 |
| General Info | 100 |
Tip: Save these numbers in your phone. You do not need to dial +255 for emergency services within Tanzania.
Other International Codes for Tanzania
| Code Type | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO Alpha-2 | TZ |
| ISO Alpha-3 | TZA |
| Numeric Code | 834 |
| Internet Domain | .tz |
| Currency Code | TZS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need +255 for calls within Tanzania?
No. For local calls, just dial the number with the leading "0" (e.g., 022 123 4567).
Is +255 used for both mobile and landline numbers?
Yes, +255 is the country code for all Tanzanian numbers.
Should I use +255 for emergency numbers?
No. For emergencies in Tanzania, dial numbers like 112 or 114 directly, without +255.
How do I call Tanzania from another country?
Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from the UK), then +255, then the number (e.g., 011 255 22 123 4567).
Can I use my foreign SIM card in Tanzania?
Yes, but roaming charges may apply. For affordable calls and data, buy a local SIM card or eSIM.
Are eSIMs available for tourists?
Yes, some providers offer eSIMs for compatible phones. Check with Vodacom or Airtel at the airport.
Is mobile internet reliable for travel?
Yes, 4G/LTE is widely available in cities and tourist areas. For remote regions, coverage may drop to 3G/2G.
