BEFORE YOU GO

MONEY

Tanzanian currency

The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling – TZS or /=

It comes in denominations of: 10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500 and 200 notes

Change is always a problem, so when buying items like drinks and curios make sure that you get the right change.

Exchange rate

Rates fluctuate considerably and also fluctuate within the country, becoming higher in more remote areas. In the past several years the rate has gone from 600 TZS to over 1200 TZS per one US dollar.

For the current rate, click here or here.

You can exchange currency at most hotels and lodges as well as banks and bureaux de change in Arusha. Always count your money when cashing foreign currency, even at banks. If possible, wait to change money in Arusha rather than on arrival, jet-lagged, from a long flight.

Which currency to bring

US dollars are preferred and almost anything in Tanzania can be purchased with US currency. Bring plenty of small notes for tips and incidentals but fifties and hundreds get a better rate of exchange

Cash is the easiest, but less secure, so it is advisable to bring a mixture of traveller’s cheques and cash.

Bring your proof of purchase papers when bringing travellers cheques, as banks often want to see these.

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Tanzania and there are often additional charges and high rates of exchange associated with their use. Getting a cash advance on a credit card is nearly impossible and there are few, if any, ATM machines. Do not rely on credit cards for anything other than an extreme emergency back up. Bring enough $US cash or traveller’s cheques with you.

What to spend it on

Depending on your type of safari, most things are included in your trip. Below are some of the things that you may need money for: