Tanzania runs on both shillings and US dollars, and knowing which to use, where to change money and which notes to bring will save you hassle.
Money in Tanzania works on two tracks. The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the everyday currency for markets, local restaurants, taxis and small purchases, while US dollars are widely used for safaris, park-related costs, lodges and many tourist services.
Getting the balance right is easy once you know a few local quirks, the biggest being how picky businesses are about the condition and age of US banknotes.
Quick tips
- Order recent-series, crisp US dollar notes from your bank well before departure.
- Carry a mix of large bills for exchange and small bills for tips.
- Exchange money only at licensed bureaus or banks, never on the street.
- Withdraw shillings in town before your safari starts.
- Keep cash split between a money belt, your day bag and your luggage.
Bring newer, clean US dollar notes
This is the single most important tip. Banks, bureaus and many businesses in Tanzania routinely refuse older series US notes, and they are equally strict about bills that are torn, heavily creased, marked or faded. Notes printed many years ago are especially likely to be turned away.
Before you travel, ask your bank for recent-series bills in good condition. It is worth checking them yourself at the counter, because a rejected note can become dead weight in your wallet.
Bureaus de change versus banks
Licensed bureaus de change are found in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, and they are usually the quickest option. Banks can also exchange money but may involve longer queues and more paperwork. Always bring your passport, as it is often requested.
Rates can differ between denominations, with larger notes sometimes getting a better rate than small ones. Compare a couple of places and count your shillings before leaving the counter.
Using ATMs
ATMs are common in towns and cities and dispense shillings. They are the simplest way to get local cash, though withdrawal limits per transaction can be low and your home bank may charge fees. Once you head into the parks, ATMs disappear, so withdraw what you need in Arusha or Moshi.
- Use machines attached to bank branches during daylight
- Tell your bank about your travel dates to avoid blocked cards
- Carry a backup card kept separately from your main one
Avoid street changers
Unofficial money changers sometimes approach visitors with tempting rates. Our advice is simple: decline politely. Sleight-of-hand tricks and counterfeit notes are common risks, and you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
What currency to use where
Small dollar bills are handy for tips and some tourist purchases, while shillings are better for local markets, street food and taxis, where paying in dollars often means a poor conversion. Cards are increasingly accepted at larger hotels and shops, though a surcharge may apply.
Budgeting cash for your trip
How much cash you need depends on what is already prepaid. If your safari, lodges and transfers are covered, cash is mainly for tips, drinks, souvenirs and meals outside your package. Our team can give you a rough idea based on your itinerary, so you neither carry too much nor run short in a place without banks.
Write down the serial numbers or take a photo of your larger notes, and keep receipts from bureaus. It makes any dispute or insurance claim easier if something goes missing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Tanzanian shillings on safari?
Many safari costs are prepaid or priced in dollars, so you need fewer shillings than you might expect. A modest amount is still useful for snacks, local markets and small purchases in town.
Why was my US dollar bill refused?
Tanzanian businesses and bureaus are very cautious about counterfeits and about notes that banks may not accept, so older series and worn bills are commonly rejected. Bringing newer, clean notes avoids the problem.
Can I use euros or pounds?
Euros and pounds can be exchanged at bureaus and banks in major towns. However, US dollars are far more widely accepted directly for tourist services, so most visitors bring dollars.
