Tanzania Country Currency: Money Tips To Travellers

The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), abbreviated as TSh. It serves as the official medium of exchange within the country, facilitating transactions and economic activities. Introduced in 1966, the shilling replaced the East African shilling, which was used in several East African countries at that time. The Bank of Tanzania is responsible for issuing and regulating the currency.

Currency exchange is limited to banks (remember to carry your passport) and a few reputable exchange establishments in Arusha.

The Tanzanian Shilling is subdivided into 100 cents, although due to inflationary pressures, cents are no longer commonly used. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 shillings. Coins are also circulated in various denominations including 500 shillings,200 shillings, 100 shillings, 50 shillings, and smaller values 1, 5, 10, and 20 which are no longer in circulation

1 US Dollar is approximately equivalent to 2490 Tanzanian Shillings. The current exchange rate can be confirmed through a currency calculator.

It’s really important to make sure you bring enough cash when you visit Zanzibar. ATMs are a bit limited, mainly found at the airport and in Stone Town, with Barclays being the most reliable option. Just so you know, there aren’t any ATMs at the beaches or on the islands of Pemba and Mafia. From what we’ve seen, travelers often end up spending more in Zanzibar compared to the mainland, probably because there’s so much to do, like excursions, enjoying drinks, and having dinners at restaurants. Of course, if you’re more into just chilling at the beach, that’s cool too, and you might spend less. But to be on the safe side, we recommend bringing enough cash so you won’t find yourself short on funds during your time in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar, which is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) as its official currency. The Tanzanian Shilling is the legal tender for all transactions in Zanzibar, just as it is on the mainland of Tanzania.

Determining the ideal amount of money to bring on safari is subjective and varies based on individual preferences. Factors such as engagement in extra activities, souvenir shopping, and personal spending habits play a role. While the safari itself, including accommodation and meals, is typically prepaid, it’s advisable to anticipate additional expenses. On average, visitors often spend more than anticipated, especially given that prices in tourist areas are comparable to those in Western countries.

For a more comprehensive budget, factor in an extra $25 – $50 USD per day ,This ensures you have ample funds for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience.

We strongly recommend that our travelers come prepared with sufficient spending cash for their trip to Tanzania. While the country’s ATM network does provide access to bank accounts, it’s important to note that ATMs accepting Visa and MasterCard are predominantly available in major cities. Unfortunately, smaller towns and safari locations may not have ATM facilities. On any given day, you can withdraw approximately $300 USD in Tanzanian shillings. However, keep in mind that transactions made outside your home country might be flagged as suspicious by your bank, so it’s advisable to inform them of your travel plans beforehand.

For transactions on safari, as ATMs only dispense Tanzanian shillings, you’ll still need to convert currency at a bank or currency exchange office to cover expenses. Additionally, while international credit cards, especially Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are widely accepted in most stores, restaurants, and hotels, it’s essential to be aware of processing fees. Credit card payments typically incur a 5-15% processing fee, and when booking with Shadows of Africa, a flat 5% surcharge is levied by our credit card processor, Direct Payments Online. Having some cash on hand is advisable, especially for smaller establishments without EFTPOS facilities.