What kind of food is served?
Breakfast and dinner are served daily. It is good quality western-style food. Vegetarians and those with other dietary restrictions are welcome.
What are the living costs apart from the hostel fees?
You will need at least 5 USD a day. Most volunteers spend average 100 USD per week including trips.
How safe is Moshi?
Tanzania is relatively safe and most people here are honest. However, it is necessary to take standard precautions and keep your eyes open. You should not walk outside the hostel at night and you should not carry lots of cash.
What medical supplies and services are available?
In Moshi there is a hospital, several clinics and many pharmacies. However, it would be best to bring all the medical supplies you need. Malaria medication is highly recommended and can also be obtained here.
What is transport like in Moshi?
Apart from the volunteers who go to Newlands, all volunteers are in walking distance of their projects. Newlands is reached by mini-bus (at least 1 hr), taxi (30 min) or bike (50 min). The mini-bus (locally known as dala-dalas are are hectic and packed but cheap.
What do volunteers do in their free time?
Weeknights usually involve relaxing, watching movies, reading, etc. Every weekend has the potential to be an adventure - safari, hiking trip, Zanzibar, night spots, waterfalls, and more.
What would be an example of a daily schedule?
Volunteers work an average of five hours at their project a day. Other free time is spent in town using internet, shopping, or meeting people. Everyone is back to the hostel by sundown.
Do I need to know Swahili?
Although it is not essential, it is highly advisable to know the basics (greetings, numbers) before arriving.
What sort of money is used?
The majority of transactions in Moshi take place in Tanzanian shillings. However, you will need US dollars to pay tour companies for safaris, national park fees, or mountian climbing. You can get Tanzanian shillings from local ATMS, which offer the best exchange rates. It is best to bring a VISA card (other cards are not widely accepted). Traveller's cheques can be converted but the exchange rates are very poor. Credit cards are not accepted even for expensive things such as plane tickets.
Is there internet access?
There are many internet cafes. Expect to pay about 1000 Tsh per hour. However, the speed of service varies and the network is sometimes down. Bring your own USB. Wireless is available as well.
What type of power is used?
You will need an adaptor for a British plug.
What is the phone system like in Tanzania?
It is best to bring a cell-phone open to local SIM cards. You can buy on here for 40 USD. Once you have a phone it is easy and cheap to buy credit. There are no public phones and skype is rare.
