Currency, payments & tipping guidelines

Currency basics – Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 shillings. Coins (50, 100, 200, 500 shillings) are also used but less common. As of 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 2,700 TZS (varies). Always check the current rate.

US Dollars – when and where to use

• Tour payments (safaris, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar packages) – Quoted in USD; you can pay with cash (US dollars) or credit card (often +3‑5% fee).
• Hotel and lodge bills – Most mid‑range and luxury accommodations accept USD.
• Park fees – Part of your tour package; if paying directly, USD is required.
• Day‑to‑day spending (markets, local restaurants, taxis) – Use shillings. Many small vendors will give unfavourable exchange rates or refuse torn/old dollar notes.

Important: US dollar notes must be recent (post‑2006), clean, and unmarked. Banks and hotels often reject torn, faded, or very old notes.

ATMs – availability and tips

• Major cities and tourist towns – ATMs are widespread in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza, Zanzibar Stone Town, and Kilimanjaro Airport. They dispense TZS, sometimes USD (rare).
• Remote areas (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ruaha, mountain camps) – No ATMs. Withdraw enough cash before heading out.
• Withdrawal limits – Typically 400,000‑600,000 TZS per transaction ($150‑220). Multiple withdrawals may incur fees.
• Security – Use ATMs inside bank branches, avoid isolated machines at night, cover your PIN.

Credit cards – where accepted

• Mid‑range and luxury lodges/hotels – Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; Amex less common.
• Large supermarkets and souvenir shops – Some accept cards (e.g., Shoppers Supermarket in Arusha, Nakumatt).
• Local markets, small shops, street food – No cards; cash only (TZS).
• Card fees – A surcharge of 3‑5% is common for tour payments and some hotels. Check before booking.

Mobile money – M‑Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money

Mobile money is ubiquitous in Tanzania. You can deposit cash at any agent, then pay for goods, send money, and even withdraw. However, as a tourist, the registration process is cumbersome. It’s easier to use cash. But note that many local services (boda‑boda, small restaurants) accept M‑Pesa. If you stay long‑term, consider it; for short visits, stick to cash.

Foreign exchange – where to change money

• Banks (CRDB, NBC, Stanbic, Barclays) – Reliable but often long queues.
• Forex bureaus (Bureau de Change) – Faster, competitive rates. Look for licensed bureaus in Arusha (Clock Tower area), Moshi, Dar, Stone Town.
• Airports and hotels – Convenient but poorer exchange rates. Only change a small amount on arrival.
• Street changers (forex unofficials) – Avoid – risk of counterfeit notes or robbery.

Tipping guidelines – who, when, how much

Tipping is not mandatory but is expected in the tourism industry. It directly supplements low wages. Use cash (TZS or USD – ask the recipient which they prefer).

🏨 Hotels & lodges

• Housekeeping – $1‑2 per day (2,500‑5,000 TZS).
• Porter / bellhop – $1‑2 per bag.
• Room service – 10% of bill or $1‑2.

🍽️ Restaurants & bars

• Mid‑range / tourist restaurants – 5‑10% of bill (add to card payment or leave cash on table).
• Local eateries (hotel/street food) – Rounding up the bill (e.g., 8,500 TZS → keep 10,000) is appreciated.

🦁 Safari (per group, not per person)

• Lead safari guide/driver – $15‑25 per day.
• Camp staff / cook – $5‑10 per day (shared among the team).

⛰️ Kilimanjaro trek (per trek, not per day)

• Lead guide – $100‑150 per climber for a 6‑8 day trek.
• Assistant guide – $50‑80 per climber.
• Cook – $30‑50 per climber.
• Porter – $20‑30 per climber (tips are pooled and shared equally).

What to avoid – common pitfalls

• Changing money on the black market – Unsafe and illegal.
• Relying only on credit cards – Many places cash only.
• Carrying large amounts of cash without a money belt – Pickpocketing happens in crowded areas (Stone Town, markets).
• Using damaged US dollar notes – They will be rejected by banks and hotels.

Sample daily budget (mid‑range traveller)

• Accommodation – $40‑80 per night
• Meals – $15‑30 per day
• Local transport – $5‑15 per day
• Park fees & tours – varies, but often paid upfront
• Souvenirs – $5‑50
• Tips – as above

Travelers’ Most Asked Questions