Phone carriers in Tanzania

Photo: Daniel Hayduk

Hello, hello? Can you hear me now? Here’s what you need to know about mobile phone carriers in Tanzania. Photo: Daniel Hayduk

Here’s what you need to know about cellphones and all major phone carriers in Tanzania.

If you’re bringing in a phone from abroad and want to use a Tanzanian SIM card, make sure the phone is unlocked. If you’re already here and the phone is locked, there are plenty of phone shops who can help you out (but may void your warranty!)

If all you need is to make a few calls, there are countless cheap mobile phones for you to buy including the indestructible entry level Nokia which should cost you no more than $25 USD (50,000 TSH.)

Top-up  airtime scratchcard vouchers can be purchased at shops which display advertising from the phone companies.

Grocery stores, pharmacies and even some restaurants often carry vouchers — all you need to do is ask.

Another way of topping up your account is done by using an electronic payment system or phone of a vendor.

In all cases, you will receive a text message (SMS) or alert that your balance has been topped up.

SIM cards cost less than $1 USD (2000 TSH) and must be registered, so ensure the vendor registers yours upon purchasing.

SIM registration is immediate, so check to see if your SIM card is working before leaving the shop.

A passport or form of government ID is required to register the SIM.  (You can check SIM registration details by dialing *106#.)

 

Airtel

  • For assistance dial 100
  • To change lanuage dial 140
  • To check your balance dial *102#
  • To top up dial *104*scratchcode#
  • To top up an Airtel Tanzania number in Kenya dial 138*scratchcode
  • To select Airtel smartphone airtime bundle dial *148*22#
  • To select Airtel internet bundle dial *148*88#
  • To use mobile money service dial  *150*60#
  • To check all of Airtel’s available services dial *148*60#

Tigo

  • For assistance dial 100
  • To check your balance dial *102#
  • To top up dial *104*scratchcode#
  • To select Tigo airtime bundle dial
  • To select Tigo internet bundle dial *148*00#
  • To use mobile money services dial *150*01#

Vodacom

  • For assistance dial 100
  • To check your balance dial *102#
  • To top up dial *104*scratchcode#
  • To select Vodacom airtime bundle dial *149*01#
  • To select Vodacom internet bundle dial *149*01#
  • To use mobile money services dial *150*00#

Zantel

  • To check your balance dial *102#
  • To top up dial *104*scratchcode#
  • To select Zantel airtime bundle dial *149*15#
  • To select Zantel internet bundle dial *149*07#
  • To use mobile money services dial *150*02#

 

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