Money Tips for Tanzania

Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. They have coins for 50, 100 and 1000 cents and paper bills for 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10 000 Shillings.

The American Dollar is widely used, but make sure that you don’t bring any wrinkled or torn up money, since these might not be acceptable.

Also, the issue date of your Dollar bills must not be older than 2006; money issued before 2006 will be rejected due to counterfeiting problems.

Money can be exchanged in banks, currency exchange offices and in most hotels, where exchange rates may be slightly less favourable.

Please note that exchanging money on the street is not allowed and is, what is more, dangerous.

The main banks are opened from 9:00 to 15:30 Monday to Friday and from 9:00 to 11:00 on Saturdays. Hotels and lodges offer money exchange services out of office hours. Tax currently amounts to 16% for most products and services without the possibility of compensation or reimbursement for purchased goods.

ATM machines that accept both Visa and Master Card credit cards are available in most cities. Of course, you will have to provide your PIN code in order to withdraw money.

USA and CANADA bank account holders – inform your bank that you will be traveling to Africa. Some banks might block credit cards if they notice withdrawal outside US or Canada without letting them know about your travel plans.

Please note that the daily withdrawal limit is approximately 300 USD, which you will get in local currency, the Tanzanian Shilling.

International credit cards are accepted in most stores, restaurants, hotels, camping sites, lodges, car rental companies etc. Nevertheless, these cards are not widely used, which is why many smaller shops, mostly those in the countryside, do not accept them. If you intend to use a credit card, you will be charged with a 5-15% tax.

American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and Master Card are more commonly used and accepted than credit cards. Make sure that you have enough American Dollars with you to cover all the extra charges. There are no limitations in Tanzania for the amount of money you bring into the country.