Dar Es Salaam - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
For daily living on the peninsula it isn’t needed, but people are so delighted by a foreigner using Swahili and it makes encounters much more enjoyable and advantageous. Embassy offers classes. I took six months of classes and have loved using the language. - Nov 2022
If you stay on the peninsular you don’t need any Swahili, although people definitely appreciate it. Down town it really helps and out in the country at least learn the basics or it will be a challenge. - Jul 2022
None, but it would be nice and would help to cut down on the confusion. - Jan 2022
You don't need to speak Kiswahili but it helps. There will be a lot of misunderstandings with your household help, but you can manage. - Oct 2021
I only know the Swahili greetings and I get by fine. The embassy offers one-on-one weekly Swahili classes at no charge. They also offered this Swahili immersion program for a week in the Fall.I wish I spoke more Swahili - I feel like half the time the waiters are smiling and nodding and not understanding anything I'm saying. - May 2020
None. Local language training is available. - Jun 2017
In Dar es Salaam you can use English and not have any problems. People speak Wwahili but it is easy to function in Dar without it. - Dec 2015
Not much. We spend most of our time in expat land where everyone speaks English. Swahili is very useful when dealing with gardeners, who don't usually speak much English, and when going into the city. It also makes Tanzanians very happy when you learn some Kiswahili. - Jul 2015
None. Most Tanzanians in Dar speak English. If you would like the better price on the bunch of bananas your eyeing or on a fresh tuna, Kiswahili is a must! - Mar 2014
You can get by without, but you get better service and attention if you know some Swahili. A little goes a long way with their appreciation. Also, even though English is the main business language, there are still a vast majority that don't speak it. - Feb 2013
Knowing Swahili and basic greetings is certainly helpful, but not necessary and you can get by with English. - Feb 2013
More than you think! Swahili is deeply ingrained in Tanzania and, while English is taught in schools, even relatively well-educated people are very uncomfortable speaking it. Unlike in many other African nations, most of the younger generation do not grow up speaking a tribal language, only Swahili, so they aren't comfortable switching between languages. Learning to at least bargain in the market place and hold a basic conversation will go a long way. - Aug 2011
None - Tanzanians in the city are bilingual, speaking Kiswahili and English. - Jun 2010
