As far as I am aware the only tourist tax or levy you need pay is paid directly to your hotel. Last time I checked hotels are required to charge a government tax of $5 a head per day. Most hotels include this tax in their room price, others might charge you separately. If anyone else asks you to pay a tourist tax it is probably a scam.
Some hotels have them, and some do not. It will be indicated when you are booking online. Be sure taxes and fees ARE INCLUDED, and the price will be what’s advertised.
Ok this is a tricky one online booking g doesn't include the $2 city charge but reservations via email includes the charge. I was then given the option to pay it on arrival. I am assuming this fee goes to the hotel and no other service provider on the island right?
Thanks for sharing, it really helps! I have always been confused why countries or cities whose economy depends on tourism, why the governments don't do a better job of protecting the tourist from the scammers and harassers?
Do you wanna know why? Zanzibar is seen as nothing to the government whenever they want independence no one will give it to them because Zanzibar brings revenue for the mainland.
While traveling the world could be adventure, fun, and value, you certainly did experience your share of misfortunes and scary situations. This video is much appreciated as there’s always a lesson to be learned from others’ bad experiences, which will help avoid similar situations.
I appreciate you sharing ALL of your experiences. This has been the most informative channel I’ve come across and I have been planning my trip for months! I wanted to travel solo, but that idea no longer sounds like the plan for me. I do have a question in regards to the Yellow fever vaccination. Is it a requirement for all travelers visiting Zanzibar/Tanzania to be vaccinated? Thanks for all of the intrinsic/valuable tips! You’re the BEST!! Subscribed! 🥰
THANK YOU, this comment means so much to me! I appreciate you watching, Candice! I think solo travel CAN be done here.. I just.. didn't feel super comfortable. Re: yellow fever, my understanding is tanzania MAIN LAND requires it, but there was a chance that zanzibar would be requiring it as well. I got mine because I had heard horror stories of people coming in, NOT having it, and either 1. having to wait a very very long time to get it at the airport or 2. not being allowed in because the doctor at the airport had left for the day and they needed to wait overnight until the doctor returned to get it. -- all that said, for me personally, I didn't want to risk it, and made sure to get it.
@KB yes I have been going 2013 atlear once a year , they did away with it in 2016. and we went this year for Christmas and new years and no yellow fever was needed. they did want to see covid negative test on arrival. however when we left that was not even a requirement. Look it's your trip if you don't go often and you unsure get it. even when it was mandatory travel nurse never gave it to me as I have autoimmune issue and that jab would just make me sick. being sick on holidays is just not fun. do take your Nirmal traveling meds with you. as you can get sick or stung ect. over December we were at a resort with kids with chest infections so ofcourse we caught it too. cold and flue meds immune boosters ect. have a fantastic time.
Hey there! I'm considering going there next month, did you end up going back in August? I'd love to hear more about the experience going there from South Africa (flights, Covid testing, accommodation, currency conversion etc)
it all depends on the location/what you're looking for. i recommend using tripadvisor and sorting by TRAVELER ranked within the location you're looking at
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR TELLING YOUR TRUTH! I wanted to go to Zanzibar, however I’ve heard a lot of bad things about the experience there. Maybe one day I’ll go. But they have to change A LOT
Zanzibar is amazing. Also, don't really haggle too much, you are haggling with very poor people for whom your tourist money is the only source of income.
I didn’t experience what you did. But I did experience these things: One being at the resort. I would go to the beach at the resort and be harassed by the locals to buy anything from a tour to water shoes. I’m from NYC so basically when I say no, I mean it. I can smell a scam. You can’t pressure me into a thing. The next thing I am currently experiencing while planning my trip back is the local tour companies price gouging. They tried to charge an arm, leg and kidney for tours that I can pay $20 for. And I already paid for my villa. So one person tried to charge me $3,500 per person for some tours and a flight from kilamanjaro to Zanzibar. And when I go on viator the tours are a fraction of the price. My accommodations are a fraction of the price. Then he says to secure your spot for next year, send $3000. That’s a no! I planned my whole trip myself and it will cost me a fraction of what these companies based in Zanzibar will charge. It’s best to book directly with the hotels.
About the getting pulled over, it is something very common I got that in Venezuela when I went back in 2017 and my dad experienced it in Brazil and Colombia back in 2016 Dominican Republic also has this. I know Spanish so I let them know I’m not totally a tourist and they leave me alone. For the sunscreen ; some tourist destinations do that. They empty the bottles and fill the rest with water and charge an abnormal price for it. So don't even bother buying them at touristy places. This also happens with alcohol. Kids are as pickpockets as the parents. most off the time the parents are around the corner staking out. Those kids are NEVER alone! Experienced this in Dominican Republic!
Thank you for your video. It just changed my mind to go there with my family. Probably we can find much safer places with nice weather in the winter time.
Hi Christine! Thanks for your videos, very helpful. Question,, looks like you uploaded one video while you were physically IN Zanzibar. How was the internet? We have a wireless router etc, but wondering if you have any recos for digital nomads and WiFi, Sims etc. Thanks!
Thanks, Christine, I appreciate you sharing some of your experiences. I am a female travelling solo in Zanzibar so tips are welcome. It would have been helpful if you shared what the driver had said about the conversation with the masked policeman who was on the boat. I am left wondering whether it was a potential safety or financial shakedown. It sounds like you were with others, this lets me know I need to take extra care on my own.
Thanks a lot for the video, this is very helpful. I am planning to go in March, and you gave very valuable info I did not come across online. Regarding the scary situation on the boat, I’d go with a group rather than being alone. Also, will take some snacks and sunscreen form home and multiple cards!
Tanzania has a lot of protected areas, such as Mnemba and others that you may have been charged small fees to enter. These fees are normally charged to help maintain the area, not sure about how efficiently they’re used but they are government fees charged to tourists and visitors.
Yes, thanks for the great tips! It seems kind of scary hearing about the negative things that happen to you. I guess I would feel more comfortable traveling with someone than alone. But, that is how I feel. Great video.
Yup, that's typical of Tanzania, if they smell tourists, the Police want their cut! I'm Tanzanian and even as a local the police would stop us randomly.
I have a post on instagram about it and a full instagram guide with more helpful info there. However… july will be a totally different scenario than when i was there earlier this year. I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Great info...I got shaken down by the police in Cancun 3 times and was scammed on the beach in Cartagena. Rio used to have those pick pocket kids also. Events like these can ruin a trip. Thanks for the info. I'll probably just spend the extra money and stay at an all inclusive resort to avoid those experiences in Zanzibar. I hate constant negotiating, I find it exhausting.
some restaurants make you to pay service charge of 10% which is up to you if you want to pay it or not. you can deny it and can pay maybe 2-3% of the total bill as a tip. And one thing more if you order drinks in large numbers for example 12-15 bottles of beers for your group, make sure to check quantity before paying, in my case they made four extra.
Girl, you're nailing it! I love your energy! Where are you currently? I'm thinking of where to travel next as these new coronavirus sorts started popping up (delta, gamma I dunno anymore). Thanks a lot for the honesty, it seems there is a lot of scammy things going on there, that's so shortsighted from their perspective since they'd be earning so much money from the tourists (although arguably it's questionable how much would the locals benefit they are usually poor in all of those exotic locations including Bali).
Whoaooaoa thank you for taking the time to write me a comment here! I appreciate it! I'm... everywhere. Miami at the moment, Mexico next, Caribbean after, California after. Choosing 'where to go next' is the bessssst problem to have!!
thank you I appreciate this comment! I LOVED my driver, Abdul. I put his contact info in the description of this video. If others have a reliable source for finding more drivers, please add them to this comment to help Yvonne out!
After watching your videos and my experience in Zanzibar I feel like you get what you pay for. If you want quality experience you have to be willing to spend wherever you are in the world. In terms of being stopped by police (in the water) authorities in waters are often there for safety and security and just doing routine check ups. Zanzibar is a great place and everyone should check it out. My advice is to ask the hotel you are staying at for recommendations.
@Thulsa Doom what's wrong with that. not everyone is rich and we do what we can to enjoy ourselves. some of things mentioned won't matter regardless because she moved a lot and didn't just stay at a hotel or resort.
My guy and I are debating on coming but every resort we agree on, it’s pretty expensive. I’m not sure if this is worth the hassle for us. I’m saving up every pay check for this trip. I appreciate this video a lot. I have so much to think about.
@@giekmahesau1412To be fair, you aren’t white so they wouldn’t try it with you or me who’s black! They target white woman because they are thought to have more money! When I travel with my white friends, they are charged more than I am!
I can help with the last part.. the boat that came to collect money is part of conservation of mnemba Island and there is a small fee that tourists have to pay. They patrol the island.
Well I was in many places of the world but yes i have to confirm, many of your points. You have here kinda all bad in one place, corrupt police like in Mexico, scamming tours like Thailand, pickpocking like Indonesia, and these annoying people trying to sell you stuff like in egypt. Also people getting angry if you dont give them tips or if you give them not enough. They just followed to a restaurant and wanna have tips, one i gave 5000 Schilling(2,20$) and instead saying thank you he said its not enough he need 10k(4,4$)... And that situation happend multiple times to me. That was just my expirience
There are two prices in Tanzania. Local price and Mzungu (white person) price. I am Black American and i live in Tanzania. They will charge me Mzungu price for speaking English. The foreigner price is 3 or 4 times more than the local price. I get quite upset about this because I know what most of the local prices are. You do need to negotiate or be willing to walk away and find someone else.
thanks for the tips... so useful for my travel next month.. the last bit of the story... I am not sure your concern was translated... did u think they were trying to get u arrested or loot u? did u travel with a friend or alone? I am a solo traveller and wondering now if the sandbank is a worthwhile trip by myself
VERY exciting that you're going next month! Tbh I'm not sure what was happening in that moment. I was traveling with friends on this trip (a rare one for me, I'm usually traveling alone). I’m hoping someone else in the comments might have an experience to share on this and can help out!
I am going in january to zanzibar thnx for the tips! I only consider to rent a car because its sooo much cheaper then a driver/taxi.. but i still doubt it
Hey, im travelling alone to Zanzibar!!! Would u recommend nungwi or kendwa? I’m also going to dive. Should I stay in hostels there? Thanks a lot for this video!
@@ChristineLozada yes! I’ve seen it. Thanks a lot! I’ll stay directly on the beach . Thanks a lots for all the info. I’ve seen also the rest of your Zanzibar videos 🥰
that's a great question and honestly... I'm having a hard time remembering. his info is in the description of this video, I recommend sending him a whats app for his latest rates!
Hi Christine thank you for your input and I love your positive energy quick question I am looking at a 5 bedroom house in FUMBA project for about 389K USD would you do it? Is it worth it? Looking forward to your input thank you 👍🏾
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! oooh i dunno if i’m a good person to ask that one! i have a friend that just invested in a place out there. i’m hoping someone else in the comments might be able to help
I want to plan a trip to Zanzibar. I went to a travel agent in my city. They have no clue on how to book. I watched tons of videos. I’m still a little lost and dnt kno how many days to schedule. If I could get a little bit of your time to talk on the phone. It would be greatly appreciated.
@@ChristineLozada hi, Chirs...Thank you for your info. Unfortunately, the things you mentioned are not getting better now. I am doing my field work here, so I have to stay for two month. It has been just 3weeks and I feel so exhausted inside and out...I was followed by some strangers, especially men every day (almost). I am not the only person who experiences this kind of situation, also for some single/solo ladies like me. Don't mind some haters, they prefer to be blind to the problems of this country.
I don’t understand y you’re qualifying your last experience . It’s dishonest when people just show highlights and not warn unsuspecting travellers some of whom are alone. Thankyou for sharing your story,
1- tourist fees - technically that's only at the hotel, they have to take care of so many stuff, water treatment, garbage and so on. Is unclear where you did paid for tourist fees. If was at hotel then is fine. I will travel to Paje on June 2024, I will pay tourist fee at the hotel 160€, it's fine and normal. 2 - credit cards? On a third word country? Have you heard of "Cash is king"? I always travel with cash only, I have my own methods to keep my money safe, without a safe box. I always pay in cash, I need no extra fees, or surprises, when the system is down, or even worse, your card can be cloned. Cash is cash, I have never got problems using that.
What you went through is not supposed to happen to tourists because they've been trying to scam you, and it's against the law especially with the police here in Zanzibar!
@@ChristineLozada for me as a Zanzibari a strong English accent I never speak swahili when they stop me so I speak English with them and say I don't understand what they're saying so they let me go and never ask for money
The corruption of the Zanzibari police is legedary, just ignore them or ask them to identify themselves with IDs and badges, they do not expect that. Never pay them anything. Children are not pickpocketing, just trying to beg. In my experience, food is fine, especiallyin small local restaurants. I have never had bad experience. Do not help Maasais.
I honestly wouldn’t mind paying the fees it’s their island and I’m sure they NEED the money and I wouldn’t mind paying 200 plus for snorkeling for 3 hrs either
Majority of what you said are false. No children pickpocketers, food is fresh unless for imported items such as pork, sausage, and the likes. Hygiene is a norm here due to religious reasons. Alcohol is imported and most touristic spots are own and supervised by Europeans.
The last topic, what was that? You being nervous, has nothing to do with the island. I did not get any value out of this, other than your audio quality was poor. You mentioned that people commented on your tulum video, thinking you hated it there. I understand why, you literally reminded me of those cliche bored women gossiping at a fence in a suburban area..I don’t want to say something negative, BUT. And that throughout the whole video.
I am AMAZED you have the time to watch all the way to the end of the video, STILL not understand, and THEN have the time to write this comment. Wowza. Find something better to do with your time.. and likely your life.
@@ChristineLozada Thank you for your contributions, very useful for us travelers. I travel a lot and at the end of October I am going to Zanzibar for the first time. Please continue, you are very nice !!!
some restaurants make you to pay service charge of 10% which is up to you if you want to pay it or not. you can deny it and can pay maybe 2-3% of the total bill as a tip. And one thing more if you order drinks in large numbers for example 12-15 bottles of beers for your group, make sure to check quantity before paying, in my case they made four extra.
See ALL my Zanzibar videos! bit.ly/AfricaRUclips
You're one of the few channels that actually talks about information we need to know when traveling! Please more! :-)
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
As far as I am aware the only tourist tax or levy you need pay is paid directly to your hotel. Last time I checked hotels are required to charge a government tax of $5 a head per day. Most hotels include this tax in their room price, others might charge you separately. If anyone else asks you to pay a tourist tax it is probably a scam.
THANK YOU so much for sharing this helpful info / experience. I'm pinning it to the top of the comments so others can read it!
Some hotels have them, and some do not. It will be indicated when you are booking online. Be sure taxes and fees ARE INCLUDED, and the price will be what’s advertised.
Ok this is a tricky one online booking g doesn't include the $2 city charge but reservations via email includes the charge. I was then given the option to pay it on arrival. I am assuming this fee goes to the hotel and no other service provider on the island right?
Tourism in Africa is an extractive industry.Those resorts are foreign owned.
Thanks for sharing, it really helps! I have always been confused why countries or cities whose economy depends on tourism, why the governments don't do a better job of protecting the tourist from the scammers and harassers?
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! It's a great question to raise Greek Sun!
Gentrification
Government sanctioned?
Do you wanna know why? Zanzibar is seen as nothing to the government whenever they want independence no one will give it to them because Zanzibar brings revenue for the mainland.
While traveling the world could be adventure, fun, and value, you certainly did experience your share of misfortunes and scary situations. This video is much appreciated as there’s always a lesson to be learned from others’ bad experiences, which will help avoid similar situations.
thank you for watching waaawaaaa! 💕
Don’t let the haters get you down.
Thanks for your honest opinions, that’s what we need.
aww thank you! i collect trolls on my channel like my literal Trolls collection when i was a kid. LOL!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. All your efforts are appreciated
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!
I appreciate you sharing ALL of your experiences. This has been the most informative channel I’ve come across and I have been planning my trip for months! I wanted to travel solo, but that idea no longer sounds like the plan for me. I do have a question in regards to the Yellow fever vaccination. Is it a requirement for all travelers visiting Zanzibar/Tanzania to be vaccinated? Thanks for all of the intrinsic/valuable tips! You’re the BEST!! Subscribed! 🥰
THANK YOU, this comment means so much to me! I appreciate you watching, Candice! I think solo travel CAN be done here.. I just.. didn't feel super comfortable. Re: yellow fever, my understanding is tanzania MAIN LAND requires it, but there was a chance that zanzibar would be requiring it as well. I got mine because I had heard horror stories of people coming in, NOT having it, and either 1. having to wait a very very long time to get it at the airport or 2. not being allowed in because the doctor at the airport had left for the day and they needed to wait overnight until the doctor returned to get it. -- all that said, for me personally, I didn't want to risk it, and made sure to get it.
no yellow fever anymore. no jab just negative psr test.
@@michelecrouse5284Are you sure of that? I don’t want to get caught at the airport and they want me to take a yellow fever vaccine
@KB yes I have been going 2013 atlear once a year , they did away with it in 2016.
and we went this year for Christmas and new years and no yellow fever was needed.
they did want to see covid negative test on arrival.
however when we left that was not even a requirement.
Look it's your trip if you don't go often and you unsure get it.
even when it was mandatory travel nurse never gave it to me as I have autoimmune issue and that jab would just make me sick.
being sick on holidays is just not fun.
do take your Nirmal traveling meds with you.
as you can get sick or stung ect.
over December we were at a resort with kids with chest infections so ofcourse we caught it too.
cold and flue meds immune boosters ect.
have a fantastic time.
Thank you for your feedback!! ❤
Thanks for the tips, will be traveling to Zanzibar in August. Sending much love from South Africa 👍🏽☺️
YESSSSS!! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Hey there! I'm considering going there next month, did you end up going back in August? I'd love to hear more about the experience going there from South Africa (flights, Covid testing, accommodation, currency conversion etc)
planning on going this coming January. how was your experience and did you use travel agent from South Africa or booked online
How did it go?
So glad you decided to share this video. Thank you
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the great info. But of all the hotels you listed… which one would you recommend as the best in your experience?
it all depends on the location/what you're looking for. i recommend using tripadvisor and sorting by TRAVELER ranked within the location you're looking at
Thank you so much for your video series. I'm travelling with friends to Zanzibar in December, this helps a lot!
I’m so glad to hear this! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR TELLING YOUR TRUTH! I wanted to go to Zanzibar, however I’ve heard a lot of bad things about the experience there. Maybe one day I’ll go. But they have to change A LOT
glad it helped!!
Zanzibar is amazing. Also, don't really haggle too much, you are haggling with very poor people for whom your tourist money is the only source of income.
I didn’t experience what you did. But I did experience these things: One being at the resort. I would go to the beach at the resort and be harassed by the locals to buy anything from a tour to water shoes. I’m from NYC so basically when I say no, I mean it. I can smell a scam. You can’t pressure me into a thing. The next thing I am currently experiencing while planning my trip back is the local tour companies price gouging. They tried to charge an arm, leg and kidney for tours that I can pay $20 for. And I already paid for my villa. So one person tried to charge me $3,500 per person for some tours and a flight from kilamanjaro to Zanzibar. And when I go on viator the tours are a fraction of the price. My accommodations are a fraction of the price. Then he says to secure your spot for next year, send $3000. That’s a no! I planned my whole trip myself and it will cost me a fraction of what these companies based in Zanzibar will charge. It’s best to book directly with the hotels.
This is incredibly helpful, thanks for taking the time to share it!!!
Viator is the best 👌 👍 😍 I use App everywhere I go in the word.. .Expedia owns Viator 😮😮😮and you can always cancel the day before.....
About the getting pulled over, it is something very common
I got that in Venezuela when I went back in 2017 and my dad experienced it in Brazil and Colombia back in 2016
Dominican Republic also has this. I know Spanish so I let them know I’m not totally a tourist and they leave me alone.
For the sunscreen ; some tourist destinations do that. They empty the bottles and fill the rest with water and charge an abnormal price for it.
So don't even bother buying them at touristy places. This also happens with alcohol.
Kids are as pickpockets as the parents. most off the time the parents are around the corner staking out. Those kids are NEVER alone! Experienced this in Dominican Republic!
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences Sujenne! Great thoughts!
Thank you for your video. It just changed my mind to go there with my family. Probably we can find much safer places with nice weather in the winter time.
glad it helped!
Hi Christine! Thanks for your videos, very helpful. Question,, looks like you uploaded one video while you were physically IN Zanzibar. How was the internet? We have a wireless router etc, but wondering if you have any recos for digital nomads and WiFi, Sims etc. Thanks!
that wifi is the LAST thing i miss about zanzi. can i just say that? 👀😑
Thank u for sharing this 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽 i am traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar this month with my sisters 🤲🏽❤️
🤘🏽
Thanks, Christine, I appreciate you sharing some of your experiences. I am a female travelling solo in Zanzibar so tips are welcome. It would have been helpful if you shared what the driver had said about the conversation with the masked policeman who was on the boat. I am left wondering whether it was a potential safety or financial shakedown. It sounds like you were with others, this lets me know I need to take extra care on my own.
i wouldn’t know which one it is tbh!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing
thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!x
Love this video. Thank you so much!
stoked to hear it!
Thanks a lot for the video, this is very helpful. I am planning to go in March, and you gave very valuable info I did not come across online. Regarding the scary situation on the boat, I’d go with a group rather than being alone. Also, will take some snacks and sunscreen form home and multiple cards!
glad it helped!
Tanzania has a lot of protected areas, such as Mnemba and others that you may have been charged small fees to enter. These fees are normally charged to help maintain the area, not sure about how efficiently they’re used but they are government fees charged to tourists and visitors.
helpful thanks for adding this!
Yes, thanks for the great tips! It seems kind of scary hearing about the negative things that happen to you. I guess I would feel more comfortable traveling with someone than alone. But, that is how I feel. Great video.
Thanks for watching as always Jaribu!
Sharing is caring and I do appreciate honest and personal info. Everyone need an angel when visiting paradise
i appreciate this comment!
Yup, that's typical of Tanzania, if they smell tourists, the Police want their cut! I'm Tanzanian and even as a local the police would stop us randomly.
no way!! 😯
Thanks a lot for the tips :) I'm going to Zanzibar in 2 days, so this is very helpful
stoked to hear it!
Thank you. That was very helpful
glad to hear it!
Thanks for the video, will be traveling to zanzibar in July, I would like to ask about PCR Test where can do it and h m if u have ideas about it 😊🙏
I have a post on instagram about it and a full instagram guide with more helpful info there. However… july will be a totally different scenario than when i was there earlier this year. I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out!
Thank you for sharing. Very unique and very informative before our trip there. Very valuable!
really glad to hear this! 🤘🏽
Will be traveling to Zanzibar in October. Cant wait. Thank you for the information. I love your transparency
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! Safe travels to you in October Lauren!
See you there☺️
Did you have fun?
How was your trip?
Did you go in early October or late October?
Great info...I got shaken down by the police in Cancun 3 times and was scammed on the beach in Cartagena. Rio used to have those pick pocket kids also. Events like these can ruin a trip. Thanks for the info. I'll probably just spend the extra money and stay at an all inclusive resort to avoid those experiences in Zanzibar. I hate constant negotiating, I find it exhausting.
some people loooooove it. i get exhausted by it too. thank you for sharing your other experiences!!! 😯
some restaurants make you to pay service charge of 10% which is up to you if you want to pay it or not. you can deny it and can pay maybe 2-3% of the total bill as a tip. And one thing more if you order drinks in large numbers for example 12-15 bottles of beers for your group, make sure to check quantity before paying, in my case they made four extra.
helpful thanks for adding this experience!
Thank you for this video. I'm traveling to Zanzibar next year and I appreciate the tips and advice!
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! SAFE TRAVELS TO ZANZI! I love that place
Girl, you're nailing it! I love your energy! Where are you currently? I'm thinking of where to travel next as these new coronavirus sorts started popping up (delta, gamma I dunno anymore). Thanks a lot for the honesty, it seems there is a lot of scammy things going on there, that's so shortsighted from their perspective since they'd be earning so much money from the tourists (although arguably it's questionable how much would the locals benefit they are usually poor in all of those exotic locations including Bali).
Whoaooaoa thank you for taking the time to write me a comment here! I appreciate it! I'm... everywhere. Miami at the moment, Mexico next, Caribbean after, California after. Choosing 'where to go next' is the bessssst problem to have!!
I love your videos. You offer really informative info that one actually needs. How did you get a reliable driver to drive you around?
thank you I appreciate this comment! I LOVED my driver, Abdul. I put his contact info in the description of this video. If others have a reliable source for finding more drivers, please add them to this comment to help Yvonne out!
After watching your videos and my experience in Zanzibar I feel like you get what you pay for. If you want quality experience you have to be willing to spend wherever you are in the world. In terms of being stopped by police (in the water) authorities in waters are often there for safety and security and just doing routine check ups. Zanzibar is a great place and everyone should check it out. My advice is to ask the hotel you are staying at for recommendations.
you missed the point of the video but thanks for the comment!
@@ChristineLozada he has a point though..i think you were travelling cheap
@Thulsa Doom what's wrong with that. not everyone is rich and we do what we can to enjoy ourselves. some of things mentioned won't matter regardless because she moved a lot and didn't just stay at a hotel or resort.
Not sure if anyone's said it before but the sound quality is really low in this video. I've got my volume on full and can still barely hear you
thanks for the feedback! i was trying a new mic tbh.. and well.. its now in the trash!
I had no problem at all
My guy and I are debating on coming but every resort we agree on, it’s pretty expensive. I’m not sure if this is worth the hassle for us. I’m saving up every pay check for this trip. I appreciate this video a lot. I have so much to think about.
I hope you find the right accommodation for your trip and I'm glad this video helped!
try zenobia beach and resorts, it's at Nungwi,excellent manager and breakfast,clean rooms and price is 250000tsh or roughly 105 $ /night
Try zanzibar bay resort, you will like it
After seeing this, I don’t know if I want to take a solo trip to Zanzibar anymore. Yikes! 😳😬
A LOT of people do it. Tbh, I wouldn't do it. But every single person's experience (EVERYWHERE) in the world is different!
Just came back and it's really a beautiful place. Didn't experience any of these negatives especially if you do proper research.
@@giekmahesau1412To be fair, you aren’t white so they wouldn’t try it with you or me who’s black! They target white woman because they are thought to have more money! When I travel with my white friends, they are charged more than I am!
@@giekmahesau1412 did you travel solo (alone)??
Going here in August 2024 to Riu Palace. Should I take local small denomination notes in local currency or euros / dollars to tip ?
love these that! in my opinion it’s great to have that on you! otherwise you might go home with a ton of unwanted small bill pesos
I can help with the last part.. the boat that came to collect money is part of conservation of mnemba Island and there is a small fee that tourists have to pay. They patrol the island.
helpful thanks for adding this info!
On behalf of all Zanzibari's I appologize for this stuff...
🤘🏽
Well I was in many places of the world but yes i have to confirm, many of your points.
You have here kinda all bad in one place, corrupt police like in Mexico, scamming tours like Thailand, pickpocking like Indonesia, and these annoying people trying to sell you stuff like in egypt.
Also people getting angry if you dont give them tips or if you give them not enough. They just followed to a restaurant and wanna have tips, one i gave 5000 Schilling(2,20$) and instead saying thank you he said its not enough he need 10k(4,4$)... And that situation happend multiple times to me. That was just my expirience
thanks for sharing your experience!
Always take a native friend along who understands the language, This helps alot!
A great tip!
I think you mean a paid translator.
Thanks for the tips. Will be traveling to Zanzibar in a few weeks with my family
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There are two prices in Tanzania. Local price and Mzungu (white person) price. I am Black American and i live in Tanzania. They will charge me Mzungu price for speaking English. The foreigner price is 3 or 4 times more than the local price. I get quite upset about this because I know what most of the local prices are. You do need to negotiate or be willing to walk away and find someone else.
this is the case in most places in the world. negotiating is key!
This was awesome. Thank YOU!!
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thanks for the tips... so useful for my travel next month.. the last bit of the story... I am not sure your concern was translated... did u think they were trying to get u arrested or loot u? did u travel with a friend or alone? I am a solo traveller and wondering now if the sandbank is a worthwhile trip by myself
VERY exciting that you're going next month! Tbh I'm not sure what was happening in that moment. I was traveling with friends on this trip (a rare one for me, I'm usually traveling alone). I’m hoping someone else in the comments might have an experience to share on this and can help out!
@WriteWord1 so, did you end up travelling alone?
I'm not going anymore. Thanks! 😂😅😅🤣😅😅😅😅 I guess I'll go to Greece
seems like a really amazing alternative 😯
I just luuuurrrvvvv your energy 😍😍
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I am going in january to zanzibar thnx for the tips! I only consider to rent a car because its sooo much cheaper then a driver/taxi.. but i still doubt it
stoked to hear that! yesss!
Did you experience any of what she mentioned in video? I'm curious and a little worried honestly, as we're planning to go for our honeymoon.
Hey, im travelling alone to Zanzibar!!! Would u recommend nungwi or kendwa? I’m also going to dive. Should I stay in hostels there? Thanks a lot for this video!
I definitely recommend both! Nungwi has more people / tourists there. I have a separate video with everywhere I stayed!
@@ChristineLozada yes! I’ve seen it. Thanks a lot! I’ll stay directly on the beach . Thanks a lots for all the info. I’ve seen also the rest of your Zanzibar videos 🥰
How much did you pay for the driver? Thanks so much for all the helpful tips.
that's a great question and honestly... I'm having a hard time remembering. his info is in the description of this video, I recommend sending him a whats app for his latest rates!
@@ChristineLozada Thank you so much for responding. I’ll reach out to Abdul.
Hi Christine thank you for your input and I love your positive energy quick question I am looking at a 5 bedroom house in FUMBA project for about 389K USD would you do it? Is it worth it? Looking forward to your input thank you 👍🏾
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!! oooh i dunno if i’m a good person to ask that one! i have a friend that just invested in a place out there. i’m hoping someone else in the comments might be able to help
thank you very informative
stoked to hear it!
Thanks for sharing.
i love it when people add helpful comments!! 🤘🏽
the 70$ price you paid for the drinks corresponds to 1 or 2 months salary in Zanzibar.
wild. this is why i tipped out my driver a ton. he worked super hard.
Is it illegal to drink outside? And are there night clubs?
no.. and yes!
I want to plan a trip to Zanzibar. I went to a travel agent in my city. They have no clue on how to book. I watched tons of videos. I’m still a little lost and dnt kno how many days to schedule. If I could get a little bit of your time to talk on the phone. It would be greatly appreciated.
I’m hoping someone else in the comments might know the answer to this and can help out! i just.. booked myself!
Did you transact in USD or use local currency most of the time?
Local currency. It won't be the same for everyone, but for me - given where I was traveling while there, I didn't have an option to pay in USD.
@@ChristineLozada Where do you recommend changing usd to Tshs?
Thanks for that.
thanks for watching!!
Geezus...I'm reconsidering now.
EVERY place has its good and bad. I think its important to know about it so that you can be aware and then focus on the goooood!
Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Its look amazing, peaceful place to stay with myself.
it’s a good question. i wouldn’t do it solo, but that’s just me. i’m wondering if anyone else in the comments has an opinion!
@@ChristineLozada hi, Chirs...Thank you for your info. Unfortunately, the things you mentioned are not getting better now. I am doing my field work here, so I have to stay for two month. It has been just 3weeks and I feel so exhausted inside and out...I was followed by some strangers, especially men every day (almost). I am not the only person who experiences this kind of situation, also for some single/solo ladies like me. Don't mind some haters, they prefer to be blind to the problems of this country.
Wow..nice to know
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i came for zanzibar but stayed for your beautiful eyes
I don’t understand y you’re qualifying your last experience . It’s dishonest when people just show highlights and not warn unsuspecting travellers some of whom are alone. Thankyou for sharing your story,
🙏
Helpful
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
Should you change out the money
if you mean exchange your money into tanzanian shillings… yes! you’ll get the best prices if you pay in their currency
1- tourist fees - technically that's only at the hotel, they have to take care of so many stuff, water treatment, garbage and so on.
Is unclear where you did paid for tourist fees. If was at hotel then is fine.
I will travel to Paje on June 2024, I will pay tourist fee at the hotel 160€, it's fine and normal.
2 - credit cards? On a third word country?
Have you heard of "Cash is king"?
I always travel with cash only, I have my own methods to keep my money safe, without a safe box.
I always pay in cash, I need no extra fees, or surprises, when the system is down, or even worse, your card can be cloned.
Cash is cash, I have never got problems using that.
helpful. thanks for adding these tips!
What you went through is not supposed to happen to tourists because they've been trying to scam you, and it's against the law especially with the police here in Zanzibar!
ooooo I believe you! and thank you for watching. I was genuinely curious about how common it is.. or if it was just me 👀
@@ChristineLozada for me as a Zanzibari a strong English accent I never speak swahili when they stop me so I speak English with them and say I don't understand what they're saying so they let me go and never ask for money
@@ChristineLozada don't take it to heart either with them they aren't evil it's just annoying
Perhaps just a very negative person.
شكرا على هذا الفيديو استفدت كثيرا اظن انني ساغير وجهتي
🤘
Sound quality is too soft
thx for letting me know!
The volume is so low. Can hardly hear your voice
thx for the feedback!
The corruption of the Zanzibari police is legedary, just ignore them or ask them to identify themselves with IDs and badges, they do not expect that. Never pay them anything. Children are not pickpocketing, just trying to beg. In my experience, food is fine, especiallyin small local restaurants. I have never had bad experience. Do not help Maasais.
appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
sounds like Morocco
Does it? I'll be honest.. I have hesitations about traveling there.. I was invited to travel there later this year but I haven't decided...
thanks for being real. All the others just dont tell you the truth
thank you! and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Seems like there might be one or two trust issues with visiting this place!
Or thee! 🤘🏽
maybe just because , you went to a cheap restaurants, that's why you get that kind of food
maybe! but i was at the most expensive restaurants in stonestown and nungwi. drop the names of the best ones! that’ll help others.
I honestly wouldn’t mind paying the fees it’s their island and I’m sure they NEED the money and I wouldn’t mind paying 200 plus for snorkeling for 3 hrs either
thanks for sharing your opinion!
Can’t trust them ninjas!
What about Ninja Turtles 👀
Majority of what you said are false. No children pickpocketers, food is fresh unless for imported items such as pork, sausage, and the likes. Hygiene is a norm here due to religious reasons. Alcohol is imported and most touristic spots are own and supervised by Europeans.
thanks for sharing your opinion! it doesn’t change the experience i had. 🤘🏽
On hygiene i think they can do better
Pork? In a Muslim country? Interesting 🤨
Sorry for that u got😔
🤘🏽
The last topic, what was that? You being nervous, has nothing to do with the island. I did not get any value out of this, other than your audio quality was poor. You mentioned that people commented on your tulum video, thinking you hated it there. I understand why, you literally reminded me of those cliche bored women gossiping at a fence in a suburban area..I don’t want to say something negative, BUT. And that throughout the whole video.
I am AMAZED you have the time to watch all the way to the end of the video, STILL not understand, and THEN have the time to write this comment. Wowza. Find something better to do with your time.. and likely your life.
@@ChristineLozada I do believe that you are easily amazed.
@@ChristineLozada Thank you for your contributions, very useful for us travelers. I travel a lot and at the end of October I am going to Zanzibar for the first time. Please continue, you are very nice !!!
I will be visiting Zanzibar and find your comments helpful. I do get it.
No offence but that’s what I got. Entitled Karen vibes 🫣
Zanzibar sounds terrible. but the beach looks nice
the beach IS nice!!! 🌊
They are charging two people 1200 for 4 days of tour guard and activities and transportation it is ridiculous
🤓
some restaurants make you to pay service charge of 10% which is up to you if you want to pay it or not. you can deny it and can pay maybe 2-3% of the total bill as a tip. And one thing more if you order drinks in large numbers for example 12-15 bottles of beers for your group, make sure to check quantity before paying, in my case they made four extra.
helpful thanks for adding this experience!
Thank you for this it is very helpful
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Thank you so much, This is so helpful
Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!