Explore this guide
Our guides combine current planning research with practical knowledge from arranging safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar holidays.
How to Manage Your Money While Travelling in Tanzania
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling, written as TZS and locally shown as “Sh.” It is the legal tender used across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Tourists can exchange foreign currency at authorised banks and bureaux de change or pay by bank card and other accepted digital methods. Since March 2025, Tanzania has strengthened rules requiring local prices and payments to be made in Tanzanian shillings. Bank of Tanzania public notice
For a smooth Tanzania safari, carry a combination of shillings, a bank card and a small emergency reserve rather than depending on one payment method.
Tanzania Currency at a Glance
| Currency Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official currency | Tanzanian shilling |
| Currency code | TZS |
| Common symbol | TSh or Sh |
| Banknotes commonly used | TZS 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 |
| Coins commonly used | TZS 50, 100, 200 and 500 |
| Best uses for cash | Tips, markets, small shops and local purchases |
| Card availability | Common at larger hotels, lodges and established businesses |
| Official rate reference | Bank of Tanzania |
The Bank of Tanzania is the only institution authorised to issue Tanzania’s legal-tender banknotes and coins. Bank of Tanzania currency information
Should Tourists Bring US Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings?
Tanzanian shillings are the most practical currency for everyday expenses. They are useful for local restaurants, markets, souvenirs, tips and purchases in smaller towns.
US dollars, euros and pounds can be exchanged after arrival, but they should not replace local currency for ordinary domestic payments. If your KiliPori Safaris quotation provides specific payment instructions, follow the currency and method shown on the official invoice.
A sensible approach is to bring a major foreign currency for exchange and obtain Tanzanian shillings through a licensed bureau, bank or ATM.
The Three-Wallet Method for Tanzania
KiliPori Safaris recommends dividing your travel money into three parts:
- Daily shillings: Small notes for tips, snacks and souvenirs.
- Bank card: For hotels, larger purchases and ATM withdrawals.
- Emergency reserve: A separate card or limited cash stored securely.
This method reduces the risk of losing access to all your money if a card is blocked, an ATM is unavailable or cash is misplaced.
Where Can You Exchange Money in Tanzania?
Use only:
- Licensed bureaux de change
- Commercial banks
- Authorised exchange counters
- ATMs operated by recognised banks
Exchange services are widely available in cities and tourist centres such as Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Options become limited in remote safari areas and national parks, so exchange or withdraw money before leaving town.
Avoid informal street exchanges. They may offer misleading rates and expose you to counterfeit notes or theft.
How to Read an Exchange Rate
Exchange counters normally display buying and selling rates.
| Rate | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buying rate | What the exchange provider pays when buying your foreign currency |
| Selling rate | What you pay when buying foreign currency from the provider |
| Commission | An additional service charge that may apply |
| Final amount | The shillings you receive after the rate and fees are calculated |
Ask how many shillings you will receive before completing the transaction. Count the money at the counter and keep the receipt.
Exchange rates change regularly, so avoid placing a fixed rate in your travel budget. Check the current indicative rate through the Bank of Tanzania exchange-rate page.
Can You Use Credit and Debit Cards in Tanzania?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at many established hotels, safari lodges, restaurants and tourism businesses. American Express and other card networks may have more limited acceptance.
Before travelling:
- Inform your bank that you are visiting Tanzania
- Confirm international transaction fees
- Check your daily withdrawal limit
- Carry a second card separately
- Know your PIN
- Enable banking notifications
- Save your bank’s emergency contact number
Some businesses may apply a card-processing fee. Ask about the total amount before authorising payment.
Using ATMs in Tanzania
ATMs are available in major cities, airports and tourist towns. They usually dispense Tanzanian shillings.
ATM withdrawal limits vary by bank and machine. Your home bank and the Tanzanian ATM provider may each charge a fee.
For safer withdrawals:
- Use ATMs inside banks, airports or secure shopping areas
- Withdraw during daylight where possible
- Shield your PIN
- Do not accept help from strangers
- Take your card, cash and receipt before leaving
- Avoid waiting until you reach a national park
If an ATM offers to convert the transaction into your home currency, compare the rate carefully. Choosing to be charged in Tanzanian shillings often allows your card provider to perform the conversion, but you should confirm which option is cheaper for your account.
Cash or Card: What Works Best?
| Expense | Recommended Payment Method |
|---|---|
| Safari package | Approved bank transfer, card or method on the invoice |
| Large hotel or lodge | Card or arranged payment |
| Local restaurant | Tanzanian shillings; card where accepted |
| Market and souvenir shop | Tanzanian shillings |
| Guide and lodge tips | Tanzanian shillings or another agreed currency |
| Taxi or local transport | Tanzanian shillings |
| National park extras | Confirm with your safari operator |
| Emergency expense | Card plus reserved cash |
Never send safari payments to a personal account or changed account details without verifying them through the company’s official contact information.
Money Tips for a Tanzania Safari
ATMs and exchange facilities are rarely available inside national parks. Before travelling to Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Nyerere or Ruaha, carry enough shillings for personal expenses and gratuities.
Most prepaid Tanzania safari packages cover the services listed in the itinerary, which may include accommodation, meals, park fees, transport and game drives. Travellers may still need money for:
- Tips
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Optional activities
- Personal purchases
- Services excluded from the package
Ask KiliPori Safaris for a clear list of inclusions and exclusions before departure.
Using Money in Zanzibar
Tanzanian shillings are used throughout Zanzibar. Cards are accepted at many resorts and established restaurants, but cash remains useful for markets, local shops, taxis and small purchases.
Withdraw or exchange money in Stone Town, at the airport or in a major resort area before visiting quieter beaches. ATM availability may be limited outside the main tourist centres.
Are Old or Damaged Notes Accepted?
Businesses may reject heavily damaged banknotes. Foreign notes that are torn, marked or in poor condition can also be difficult to exchange.
The Bank of Tanzania withdrew several older shilling banknotes issued between 1985 and 2003, together with specified older TZS 500 notes. Tourists should accept only current notes from recognised banks, ATMs and authorised exchange providers. Bank of Tanzania notice
How Much Cash Should You Carry?
There is no single correct amount. Your cash needs depend on:
- Safari duration
- Meals included
- Planned tips
- Optional activities
- Shopping plans
- Time spent in remote areas
- Card acceptance at your accommodation
Carry enough for several days of small expenses, but avoid travelling with unnecessarily large amounts. Keep most funds secure and take only the day’s spending money during activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best currency to use in Tanzania?
The Tanzanian shilling is the best currency for local purchases and is the country’s official legal tender.
Can tourists pay with US dollars?
Tourists should expect local payments to be made in Tanzanian shillings or through accepted cards and digital methods. Exchange foreign cash only through an authorised bank or bureau de change.
Should I exchange money before arriving?
Tanzanian shillings can be difficult to obtain abroad. Many travellers bring a major currency and exchange it after arrival or withdraw shillings from an ATM.
Are cards accepted on safari?
Cards may be accepted at some lodges, but network interruptions and processing fees are possible. Carry some Tanzanian shillings for tips and small expenses.
Can I use mobile money in Tanzania?
Mobile money is widely used locally, but short-term visitors may find cards and cash easier unless they have a compatible Tanzanian mobile account.
Is tipping compulsory?
No. Tipping is voluntary and should reflect the service received. Ask KiliPori Safaris for current tipping guidance based on your itinerary and group size.
Final Tanzania Money Checklist
Before leaving for Tanzania:
- Carry some Tanzanian shillings for daily expenses
- Bring at least one internationally enabled card
- Keep a backup card separately
- Exchange money only through authorised providers
- Check the current Bank of Tanzania exchange rate
- Confirm card and ATM charges
- Obtain cash before entering remote parks
- Verify safari payment details before transferring money
The safest payment strategy for tourists in Tanzania is a balanced combination of Tanzanian shillings, bank cards and a separate emergency reserve.
KiliPori Safaris Travel Team
A local Tanzania team helping travellers plan wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar holidays with clear routing and direct destination support.
Published July 25, 2026. Travel conditions, fees and schedules can change; confirm time-sensitive details before departure.
