I moved to Tanzania back in 2020 and honestly, finding the right internet plan was a bit overwhelming at first. After lots of trial and error (and some frustrating moments!), I think I've finally figured out what works best. Let me share what I've learned the hard way.
1. Vodacom Tanzania
I started with Vodacom because my neighbor recommended it. It's pricier than others, but I've stuck with them because the connection rarely lets me down.
Their bundles:
- Daily: 500 TSH = 1GB (I use this when I'm running low on my monthly package)
- Weekly: 3,000 TSH = 7GB (includes WhatsApp data)
- Monthly: 10,000 TSH = 30GB (this keeps me going for my work calls)
Funny story - I only discovered the auto-renewal bonus after complaining to a friend about running out of data mid-month. Now I get that sweet 5% extra!
2. Airtel Tanzania - Best for Saving Money
If you're watching your budget, Airtel is your friend. Their prices are really competitive:
- Daily package: 400 shillings for 750MB - good for basic browsing
- Weekly social bundle: 2,500 shillings for 5GB, plus free TikTok and Instagram
- Monthly bundle: 9,000 shillings for 25GB - honestly, great value
Here's a secret: Buy your bundles between midnight and 4 AM, and you'll get some nice bonus data.
3. Yas (Used to be Tigo) - Mix and Match Plans
These guys are great if you like to customize your data packages:
- Daily option: 300 shillings for 500MB - cheapest you'll find
- Weekly deal: 2,000 shillings for 4GB plus free night browsing
- Monthly bundle: 8,000 shillings for 20GB - lots of students use this one
If you're a student, bring your ID card - you'll get some extra discounts.
4. TTCL - Best for Home Internet
This is the government provider, and they're really good for home connections:
- Fiber package: Starts at 50,000 shillings monthly for unlimited data - perfect for Netflix
- Mobile option: 5,000 shillings for 3GB weekly - good as a backup
If you work from home, ask about their business packages - you get priority support.
5. Zantel - Your Zanzibar Buddy
If you're heading to Zanzibar, this is your best bet:
- Tourist package: 500 shillings for 1GB daily
- Local package: 10,000 shillings for 30GB monthly
Pro tip: Get your bundle before heading to the smaller islands - it's cheaper that way.
Some Real Talk About Saving Money
- Check *149*01# for deals (found this gem on a local Facebook group)
- Late-night downloads are your friend
- Stock up during promotions (learned this the hard way after missing a great sale)
Questions I Get From Friends:
"Which one works in my village?"
From my trips upcountry, Vodacom's been most reliable.
"Netflix addict here - best option?"
TTCL Fiber, hands down. Trust me, I binged all of Wednesday on it!
"For gaming?"
My gaming buddies use Vodacom in town, TTCL at home.
"Best for work calls?"
I use Airtel in the city, but my colleague swears by TTCL.
What's Working For Me:
- Students: Check out Yas (my students love it)
- Working: I use Vodacom monthly
- Home setup: TTCL Fiber's been solid
- Travel: Zantel in Zanzibar (learned that one the hard way!)
What's your experience been like? I'm always looking to learn new tricks - drop a comment if you've found better deals or have any questions!
Last checked: Just updated this in January 2025 after my latest bill
Comprehensive guide to Tanzania's internet providers in 2025.
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