The best fashion and gift stores Zanzibar Archipelago

Timetable

Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day in towns and villages alike, with some opening a little later in the more central shopping streets, to attract tourists returning from excursions and looking to buy souvenirs.

Sales

There are no sales in Tanzania in souvenir stores or for tourists, except perhaps just before the rainy season, in which case don't hesitate to negotiate, but nothing official.

What's very local

The markets are a treasure trove of things to find, starting with fabrics, wax, kanga and kitenge, which are inevitably cheaper than in souvenir stores. You'll often be asked for the right price, as the market is not in a tourist area and haggling is less the rule. On the other hand, you'll be quoted prices if you buy several pieces. Highly recommended if you want to buy kikois, the colorful cotton pareos made here.

Haggling. Souvenir store vendors expect you to haggle. Everything is negotiable. Don't buy at the first price offered. When Tanzanians see a tourist coming, they often double or triple the price. After negotiation, it is possible to reduce the price by 30-50%, depending on the situation. In mid-range hotels, room rates can be discussed, especially if you're staying for a while. As soon as you're not in a store where prices are written down, everything can be haggled over. But if you try too hard, the salesperson won't let you go. A strategy that always works: pretend to leave. You'll usually get a good price afterwards. Stores selling clothes made from wax, kangas and kitengés are all made-to-measure. In other words, if you see a fabric you like, but prefer the cut of another dress in another size, anything is possible - just ask! Tailors are happy to make dresses and outfits to measure. You can even bring your own fabric from the market.