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10 Tips for Living in Tanzania

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BonnieTZ

4/26/2010 08:10 EST

10 - Learn how to cook from Scratch

9 - Take things slower, and don't be in a hurry all the time

8 - Dress Modest - Women wear long skirts and dresses, and no a shirt with a tank top doesn't count as modest

7 - Don't drink the Water

6 - Carry toilet paper with you, and if you are a woman, be prepared to squat. Some of the toilets are just a ceramic hole in the floor

5 - Greetings are very important, take the time to ask someone how they are doing, how their family is doing, before you ask them your question

4 - Watch our for pick pockets, and don't ever get out of the car to look at who beat on the back of it, it is a scam, another person will grab our bag and run while you are out of your car looking

3 - Don't be loud and yell, this is considered rude, if you need to get someones attention, (like the waitress) make a Pssst sound

2 - Notice the beauty of the people and the land, even when things just look dirty and trashy

1 - Learn the Language, the Tanzanian people truly appreciation you in your trying to communicate with them

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MichelleTZ

4/27/2010 16:54 EST

Ditto. Here are some more:

1. Prepare yourself before leaving. Be aware of the stages of culture shock and remember that you may have love-hate ups and downs before you settle in.

2. Be patient with yourself and with others. Life in Tanzania is different than in the West-don't expect things to happen quickly.

3. Establish a support group and/or network of friends who come from a similar upbringing or from your homeland. Having someone to share stories with is vital!

4. If you act like you belong, you are less of a target for personal property crimes. Learn Kiswahili, walk the streets as though you have been there forever and don't forget your cultural ettiquette. If people think you are from Tanzania, you won't be approached as much.

5. Don't hang a camera from your neck (do not display your wealth). That is just dumb and you are just asking for trouble.

6. Don't be offended when kids say 'give me money'. Often, its the only English they know. If you give them money, though, be prepared for them to continue to ask every single time you encounter them. They are many ways to help the children of Tanzania- get involved in an organization or other sustainable initiatives.

7. Don't be shy when it comes to bartering. It is a must have skill when living in Tanzania.

8. Bring an old wash board if you can. It is much easier than washing clothes by hand (if you cannot get a washing machine).

9. Be involved in Tanzanian life. Don't hide away in your house or compound; there are many things you can learn and discover by interacting with locals.

10. Feel the energy of where all life began!!

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f007

5/7/2010 11:44 EST

Hello,
I have a job offer to go to Tanzania (Dar) one year starting the next month of october. My salary would be 1500 USD each month and I would like to know if it´s enough to live there, pay my rent, everyday transport to work, etc.
I also would like to know if it´s a safe place to live in for a girl who goes on her own.
Thank you for your help!

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