I need to charge my mobile!

Is there anything more frustrating than realizing your wall plug doesn't fit the socket… when your phone is at 3%? Cue the internal scream. To avoid this pre-vacation panic, let's talk Zanzibar's electrical situation.

Officially, Tanzania and Zanzibar use standard UK outlets (Type D and G – the three-pin kind). So, if you have a UK travel adapter, you're golden.

However, many newer or renovated hotels and establishments have installed sockets that accommodate both the standard EU two-pin and the UK three-pin plugs. Which is great news if you're coming from a region that uses either of those. No adapter needed!

But… (you knew there was a "but," right?)… you'll still find plenty of places, especially older hotels in and around Stone Town, that only have the UK sockets. So, if you're not coming from a three-pin UK plug country, packing a travel adapter is a wise move. Trust me, you don't want to be caught powerless in paradise.

And speaking of power… your phone battery might drain faster in Zanzibar than it does back home. It's not just because you're busy snapping Instagram pics of everything (although, let's be real, that's definitely a factor). Zanzibar has a lower density of cell towers than many other places. So, your phone works harder to find and maintain a signal, which uses more juice. It's like your phone is constantly shouting, "Hello? Can you hear me now?" to distant towers.

So, long story short: if your home country doesn't use the three-pin UK plug, pack a travel adapter. Just to be safe. Unless you want to rely on the kindness of hotel receptionists and their collection of abandoned adapters. (You know, the ones left behind by tourists who didn't read this blog post.)

Karibu Zanzibar!