The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), which is used for most transactions, especially in local markets, public transportation, and small shops. However, US dollars (USD) are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, safari lodges, and when paying for national park entrance fees. Many tour operators and luxury accommodations list their prices in USD, and some require payments in dollars.
Cash or card?
If you plan to use cash, it’s a good idea to carry Tanzanian Shillings for everyday expenses, as many smaller businesses do not accept foreign currency. ATMs are available in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, and Zanzibar, where you can withdraw Tanzanian Shillings. Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at high-end hotels, restaurants, and large supermarkets, but cash remains the preferred payment method in many places. In rural areas – it’s the only option. It’s a wise idea to always carry some amounts of cash, as even in places where normally credit card payments are possible, the service can be temporarily unavailable at times when there are networks issues, which is a common situation in Tanzania.
If you bring USD remeber this!
For travelers bringing US dollars, it is important to note that Tanzanian banks and businesses only accept bills issued from 2009 or later. Older banknotes are often rejected. It’s also useful to have small denominations ($1, $5, $10, and $20) for tipping and minor purchases, as getting change for large notes can be difficult.
In some cases, Euros (EUR) and British Pounds (GBP) may also be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices, but USD remains the most widely accepted foreign currency.
In Tanzania, currency exchange is strictly regulated, and money can only be exchanged at banks, meaning that exchanging cash is only possible during regular banking hours on weekdays. Unlike many other countries where exchange bureaus are common, in Tanzania, currency exchange offices are rare and are found mainly in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Travelers should plan accordingly, as banks are closed on weekends and public holidays, making it difficult to exchange money outside of regular business hours. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, allowing withdrawals in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but they may not always function reliably, especially in remote areas. It’s advisable to exchange enough cash in advance if traveling outside major cities, as finding a place to exchange money in smaller towns or rural areas can be nearly impossible.
What’s mobile money in Tanzania?
Mobile money in Tanzania is a widely used digital payment system that allows users to send, receive, and store money through their mobile phones without needing a traditional bank account. It is particularly popular in rural areas where banking services are limited.
The main mobile money services in Tanzania include:
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M-Pesa (Vodacom) – the most widely used mobile money platform
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Mixx by Yas (Yas)
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Airtel Money (Airtel)
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Halopesa (Halotel)
With mobile money, users can pay bills, buy airtime, transfer money to other users, withdraw cash from agents, and even make payments at some businesses. Many people also use it as a form of savings. Transactions are carried out using USSD codes or mobile apps, and cash can be deposited or withdrawn through a network of mobile money agents found across the country.
Mobile money is a preferred method for financial transactions in Tanzania, especially because it is secure, convenient, and accessible even in remote areas where traditional banking is not available.
As a tourist you can benefit from this payment method by purchasing a Tanzanian SIM card from any provider and registering for the service of mobile money. It’s very simple, and SIM cards can be often purchased directly at the airport, on arrival. You will need your passport and finger prints to register a number. A SIM costs TZS 2,000 only but you need to deposit a small amount or buy a bundle right at the registration. You can deposit cash into your number at any WAKALA (agent) shop.
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