Updated October 16, 2026

Tanzania and Zanzibar eSIM guide: prices, networks and coverage

This page gathers everything eSIM Check has published about staying connected in Tanzania and Zanzibar: our price survey of the travel eSIMs and the Yas data packs, the regulator's measurements of Vodacom, Yas, Airtel and Halotel, what is really known about coverage in the Serengeti and at Ngorongoro, and how to combine Tanzania with a Kenya safari. Every figure is dated, and every article links to its sources.

Key facts

Zanzibar runs on the Tanzanian networks: the TCRA lists its regions in the same national tables, and Airalo says its Tanzania plan covers mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
In June 2026 the TCRA counted 116.95 million mobile subscriptions: Vodacom 33.0%, Yas (formerly Tigo) 28.6%, Airtel 20.5%, Halotel 16.4% and TTCL 1.5%.
On Unguja, the TCRA measured average downloads of 19.2 Mbps on Yas, 16.9 on Vodacom and 10.0 on Halotel in the quarter ending June 2026.
On 16 October 2026, a week of unlimited data cost €33.50 at Airalo (Halotel, 3 GB a day at full speed) and €34.50 at Holafly (Vodacom); Nomad sold 10 GB valid 30 days for €16.95.
No operator publishes park coverage figures. On nPerf's crowdsourced maps, which show where users tested, Vodacom had an almost continuous line of 4G and 4G+ tests on the Ngorongoro Crater rim road and Yas the most tests around Seronera in the Serengeti.

Where to start

You are going to Zanzibar or need to choose a Tanzania eSIM: the five providers compared, the network each uses, and local Yas data packs.
Your safari also includes Kenya: one regional eSIM or two country plans, and what is measured in the Serengeti and at Ngorongoro.
You start in Nairobi: the best Kenya eSIMs, then our Kenya eSIM guide.
You are not sure your phone takes an eSIM: the list of compatible phones.

All our guides

eSIM Zanzibar and Tanzania 2026: 5 providers

A Zanzibar eSIM is a Tanzania eSIM: five providers compared on 16 October 2026, the network each uses, speeds measured on Unguja, and local Yas data packs.

eSIM Kenya and Tanzania 2026: one plan or two?

Which eSIMs cover Kenya and Tanzania, what each network shows in the Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and when two plans cost less, checked 16 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Does an eSIM work in Zanzibar?expand_more

Yes. A Tanzania eSIM works in Zanzibar, because the islands use the Tanzanian networks; Airalo says its Tanzania plan covers mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Holafly uses Vodacom, Airalo Halotel and Airtel, and Nomad names Zantel and tiGO, now Yas.

Which network is best in Tanzania?expand_more

It depends on the place. On Unguja, Yas and Vodacom measured fastest in the TCRA's June 2026 report; in Arusha, Airtel measured fastest. Vodacom has the most subscriptions, 33.0%.

How much does an eSIM for Tanzania cost?expand_more

On 16 October 2026, a week of unlimited data cost €33.50 at Airalo and €34.50 at Holafly, and Nomad sold 10 GB valid 30 days for €16.95. A Yas data pack cost TSh 15,000 for 7.2 GB over 7 days.

Do I need a passport for a SIM card in Tanzania?expand_more

Yes, for a local line: Vodacom says visitors must present certified copies of a valid passport with a valid visa (a passport copy alone if visa-exempt), and fingerprints are taken. Travel eSIMs are bought online.

Destinations: Morocco · Egypt · Tunisia · Cape Verde · Jordan · Albania · Senegal · Mauritius · Kenya