Zanzibar, Tanzania

• Zanzibar is an archipelago off Tanzania's coast where about 99% of residents are Muslim. The conservative culture means you'll get less street harassment than in places like Morocco or Egypt - locals generally respect boundaries. Stone Town's alleys are busy with spice vendors and shops during the day, but empty out after sunset. After dark, stick to main streets with lighting or take a taxi.
• The island's beaches vary quite a bit. Nungwi up north has beach bars and diving operations, staying busy into the evening. Kendwa next door has the same all-day swimming but fewer crowds. On the east coast, Paje draws kitesurfers and younger travelers with a hostel scene. Jambiani nearby is quieter and less developed. Matemwe in the northeast has upscale resorts and not much else.
• Most people in tourist areas speak English well enough - hotels, restaurants, dive shops. Don't expect much cafe culture for working or reading; you'll mostly eat at hotel restaurants. Tourist Police patrol Stone Town and the main beaches. Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and be wary of unlicensed tour guides who quote inflated prices.
• Dress conservatively outside beach areas - cover shoulders and knees or you'll get stared at. On east coast beaches, the tide goes out twice daily, sometimes for kilometers. At low tide you can walk the tidal flats but can't swim. Nungwi and Kendwa have minimal tides so swimming works any time. For transport, dalla dallas (shared minibuses) run during daylight hours and cost almost nothing, but get very crowded. Taxis have no meters - negotiate the price before getting in, and expect drivers to start high if you look like a tourist.

Kiswahili (Swahili) is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by younger Zanzibaris. In Stone Town and beach resort areas, you'll have no trouble communicating in English. Learning basic Swahili phrases like 'Jambo' (hello), 'Asante' (thank you), and 'Shikamoo' (respectful greeting) is appreciated by locals and enhances your experience. Tourist Police can communicate in English at +255 712 950 318.

• Zanzibar is 99% Muslim and conservative. Cover shoulders and knees everywhere except the beach - tank tops and shorts will get you stared at in Stone Town and villages. Light cotton or linen helps with the heat while keeping you covered.
• Public affection gets frowned upon, even in tourist areas. Holding hands is usually fine, anything more isn't. Women eating alone or traveling solo is normal here, more accepted than in some other Muslim countries.
• During Ramadan, don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight - it's disrespectful. Learning basic Swahili helps: 'Jambo' (hello), 'Asante' (thank you), 'Shikamoo' (respectful greeting for elders). Locals notice when you make the effort.
• Haggling is standard at markets and with taxi drivers. Keep it friendly but firm. If someone won't leave you alone, 'hapana' (no) said firmly usually works. Tipping around 10% at restaurants is expected, and tip your tour guides.

• Dalla dallas are shared minibuses that run like local buses, costing 1,000-3,000 TZS (under $2) per trip. They're cheap but packed, and stop running around 5pm. If you have luggage or traveling after dark, this isn't practical.
• Taxis don't have meters - negotiate the price before getting in. Airport to Stone Town runs about $10-15, a full day with driver around $100. Drivers often quote high for tourists, so push back on the first price. Use official taxi ranks or have your hotel arrange one. Don't get in unlicensed cabs.
• Many beach resorts arrange their own airport pickup, which avoids the negotiation hassle. Walking works fine during the day in Stone Town and beach areas. After dark, take a taxi or stick to well-lit main streets. The heat and humidity get tiring fast, so don't plan long walking distances.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Zanzibar with local guides and curated experiences.