What is the Currency in Tanzania?
Money mistakes often seem small when you’re planning from home. But once you land in a new country, those small details like paying for a local transfer, tipping your guide, buying a SIM card, or picking up a simple item during your trip can quickly become important. That’s when you may realize your home currency doesn’t work the way you expected, or that payment options differ from what you’re used to. Handling money confusion abroad can create unnecessary stress during your travels.
If you’re preparing for an African Safari In Tanzania, understanding how money works here is part of smart planning. This guide explains Tanzania Currency in clear, simple language. We’ll cover what to use, how payments are usually made, where to exchange money safely, what to avoid, and how to keep your travel budget smooth and manageable from the start.
Key Takeaways:
- What the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is and why it is key for daily buys.
- Where cards work well, and where they mostly fail.
- Great ways to exchange money without losing much value.
- A simple Cash-In-Tanzania plan for town days and safari days.
- What to do with any shillings left at the very end.
The Currency in Tanzania
Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, or TZS. This is the money used all over the mainland. People also use it commonly in Zanzibar. You must know the TZS Currency, as it’s what locals expect for smaller things.
You will see both notes and coins when you arrive. Travelers primarily use notes for payment. Coins have very low value right now, so you won’t need many of them. Look out for the common notes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 shillings.
You may know the name ‘shilling’ from elsewhere. That’s true, many East African nations use it! Please ensure that any cash you receive in Tanzania is in TZS. Official exchanges make this easy. For official details on notes, check the Bank of Tanzania website before you go.
Lastly, when will you travel? The best time to visit Tanzania greatly changes your budget and spending. Look at our guide on the Best Time to Visit Tanzania. This knowledge helps you know a realistic Tanzania Safari Cost.
Can You Use USD or Euros in Tanzania?
Travelers often ask this about Tanzanian money. Here is the direct answer: for most small daily spends in Tanzania, the Tanzanian Shilling is needed. Some say you can use USD widely, but current rules significantly limit this use.
Under the 2025 Regulations, the government has specific regulations governing the use of foreign currency. These notices help the local economy use the TZS currency correctly. Large tourist destinations may sometimes accept USD. Still, do not plan on using it everywhere. Offering foreign cash in the wrong place can cause problems.
To stay safe and smooth, always have cash in Tanzanian Shillings ready. You will need TZS for these common needs:
- Buying water or simple snacks at small local shops.
- Eating at local spots without card readers.
- Giving tips to guides, staff, or porters.
- Paying for quick local taxis.
- Buying small gifts in local markets.
Tip: Change enough money upon arrival, near a reliable spot. Also, ask for notes in smaller amounts; they are much easier for tips.
Cash vs Card in Tanzania
Planning your Tanzania Travel Budget involves knowing where to use cards. Cards are not the solution for every purchase. You should use them for major tasks, not for day-to-day items.
Cards are usually accepted at major Tourist Attractions in Tanzania. You can often swipe at:
- Main safari lodges and bigger hotels.
- Tour offices booking your Tanzania Safari Tours.
- Some established shops near big parks that use card systems regularly.
Nevertheless, your card will cause trouble in many other places. Expect issues at:
- Small towns away from the main tourist routes.
- Quick stops for things like roadside fuel.
- Basic, local restaurants or small market stalls.
- Remote fueling stations during a Safari Tanzania.
The BoT reminds travelers that real problems happen often. Sometimes, the phone signal drops, causing the machine to stop. Also, paying by card in Tanzania incurs additional bank fees and unexpected currency conversion charges.
Here is a simple rule to help everyone: use cards for big bookings you planned. Use Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) cash for all your daily life expenses. This balanced approach keeps you flexible. Good planning affects your Tanzania Safari Cost.
How to Exchange Money Safely?
Going to the right places gets you a better Tanzania Exchange Rate. Stay away from street exchange offers, even if they seem great. They are usually not honest.
The safest and most reliable places to get your Tanzanian Shilling are:
- Banks: They are secure and offer official rates. Their hours might be shorter, though.
- Licensed Forex Bureaus: These shops specialize in currency. You find them in cities and tourist hubs. They usually have fair rates.
- Airport Exchange Desks: These are fine for your first bit of cash upon landing. Rates might not be the very best, though.
Do not trust large street deals offering fantastic rates. That’s a big red flag! Use this simple checklist when you exchange funds:
- Count all the TZS currency you get before you walk away from the counter.
- Ask the teller to provide smaller notes (like 1,000s) for easy use later on.
- Keep your exchange receipts for a short while, just in case.
These formal channels back official notices for Currency in Tanzania. Check our Tanzania Travel Advice for more help.
ATMs in Tanzania (What Travelers Should Know)
Are ATMs in Tanzania reliable? Yes, but mostly in the cities. You’ll usually find working machines in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, and Stone Town. These are the bigger banking centers.
Yet, you still need Cash in Tanzania for your safari. Away from these cities, ATMs vanish quickly. You’ll have long stretches on your African Safari in Tanzania without seeing one. Even in town, network problems can shut a machine down fast when you need money.
Follow these smart habits for using ATMs in Tanzania:
- Try to withdraw money when it’s light outside for safety.
- Use machines attached directly to a known bank building if you can.
- Never wait until you have just a few notes left before you try to find an ATM.
Here is a key safari thought: Always take out plenty of cash before you go deep into park areas. This helps you avoid financial concerns when planning Things to Do in Tanzania.
Budgeting Daily Costs in Shillings (Simple Examples)
Knowing typical costs helps you budget your daily TZS currency. Prices change based on where you are. So, treat these numbers as helpful guides, not promises, when deciding your Tanzania Safari Price.
For daily spending using Cash in Tanzania, think in these general ranges:
- Snacks and Water: Expect to spend about 2,000 to 5,000 TZS locally.
- Casual Town Meals: A simple meal at a basic spot might cost 8,000 to 15,000 TZS.
- Short Taxi Rides: Short local rides might cost between 5,000 and 10,000 TZS, based on your talk.
- Small Items: Quick souvenir buys can start from 1,000 TZS and go up.
For management, keep a small stash of low-value notes (1,000s) separate for quick tips and small buys. Keep your bigger backup notes secure in your main luggage or hotel safe. Even on all-inclusive Tanzania Safari Packages, you’ll spend cash while exploring towns.
Tips, Tipping Money, and “Helpful Strangers”
Tipping is a normal part of your experience on Tanzania Safaris. Knowing the right way to reward staff fairly. You’ll usually tip lodge workers, your main guide, luggage handlers, and drivers.
It’s easiest to tip using TZS currency. This lets staff use the money right away. Keep a small bundle of 1,000 and 2,000 TZS notes ready for this. You should ask your tour operator how they prefer tipping for your Tour Safari Tanzania.
Be careful how you handle unsolicited help in busy areas. Sometimes people offer directions or help carrying bags, hoping for a tip. Only accept help if you truly need it. If you do accept, keep the small tip you offer modest and steady.
What to Do with Leftover Shillings
Don’t leave Safari in Tanzania with your wallet too full of Tanzanian Shillings! Planning your currency exchange needs careful thought. Changing TZS back to foreign cash can be a hassle later. Also, the rates for buying back foreign currency are sometimes unfavorable.
Here are simple ways to use up your extra cash:
- Pay off any small remaining balances at your last hotel stop.
- Buy any last-minute snacks or small gifts near your departure area.
- If you have a decent amount left, exchange only a small part at an official bank or bureau.
Crucially, do not try unofficial exchanges. Follow the currency handling rules in Tanzania. Always stick to formal places for safety and legality.
African Scenic Safaris helps travelers plan routes, timing, and day-to-day logistics—so payment and currency don’t become a surprise mid-trip.
Your Money Plan for Tanzania
Generally, the Tanzania Currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). A smooth trip starts with the right mix of cash in Tanzania and your trusted bank cards.
If you plan a smart exchange, exchange money responsibly, withdraw local funds before entering remote safari areas, and keep small notes ready for tips, money worries won’t bother you. This informed approach lets you focus completely on your African Safari in Tanzania.
