Currency in Tanzania (TZS) The Complete Money Guide for Safari Travelers & Zanzibar Visitors

How Expensive Is Tanzania? (Travel Costs Guide)

Tanzania can fit different budgets, depending on travel style.

Typical daily prices:

Drinks & snacks

Understanding Money in Tanzania Before You Travel

Whether you are coming for a Serengeti safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, understanding the currency in Tanzania is essential for a smooth journey.

Tanzania is a mostly cash-based travel destination, but modern payment systems are growing quickly in tourist areas. Knowing what currency to carry, how to exchange money, and how much things cost can help you avoid confusion, extra fees, or payment issues during your trip.

This guide from Kiliclimb Africa Safaris breaks down everything you need to know about Tanzania money, Tanzanian shilling (TZS), USD usage, ATMs, and travel budgeting.

What Is the Currency of Tanzania?

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, abbreviated as TZS.

• Currency name: Tanzanian Shilling
• Code: TZS
• Subunits: 1 shilling = 100 cents (rarely used in practice)

The same currency is used in:

• Mainland Tanzania
• Zanzibar (Unguja & Pemba islands)

So whether you are on safari in Serengeti or enjoying Stone Town in Zanzibar, the currency remains the same: Tanzanian shillings.

Can You Use US Dollars in Tanzania?

This is one of the most important travel questions.

Short answer:

You can bring US dollars, but you cannot freely use them everywhere anymore.

The current situation:

• Everyday purchases (shops, restaurants, taxis) require TZS only
• USD is mainly accepted for:
  • Safari packages
  • Tour companies
  • Some hotels and park fees

Important tip:

If bringing USD, use new series notes (post-2009). Old or damaged bills are often rejected.

Best Currency to Bring to Tanzania

For most travelers, the best combination is:

✔ US dollars (for safaris & major bookings)
✔ Tanzanian shillings (for daily spending)
✔ Bank cards (for hotels & ATMs)

A smart travel strategy is:

• 70% digital/card payments (where accepted)
• 30% cash in TZS for daily use

Cash vs Card Payments in Tanzania

Cash Payments

Cash is still king in Tanzania, especially:

• Local markets
• Street food vendors
• Small shops
• Taxis and daladalas (local transport)

You will mostly use:

• 1,000 TZS
• 2,000 TZS
• 5,000 TZS
• 10,000 TZS notes

Card Payments

Visa and Mastercard work in:

• Hotels
• Luxury lodges
• Tour operators (like Kiliclimb Africa Safaris)
• Selected restaurants

However:

• Expect 3%–5% transaction fees
• Some places may add extra service charges

Always carry backup cash in case card machines are offline.

ATMs in Tanzania: What You Should Know

ATMs are available in:

• Arusha
• Dar es Salaam
• Moshi
• Zanzibar Town
• Major tourist hubs

Key facts:

• ATMs dispense only Tanzanian shillings
• Withdrawal limits apply per transaction
• International cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted

Safety tip:

Use ATMs inside banks or malls for better security and reliability.

Currency Exchange in Tanzania

You can exchange money at:
✔ Banks (best rates, safest option)
✔ Licensed exchange bureaus
✔ Airports (convenient but slightly higher rates)

Avoid:

• Street money changers
• Unlicensed dealers

Best practice:

Compare rates before exchanging and always ask for a receipt.

Exchange Rate in Tanzania (TZS Overview)

Exchange rates fluctuate daily, but travelers commonly reference:

• USD to TZS
• EUR to TZS
• GBP to TZS

• Water: 1,000 – 3,000 TZS
• Soft drinks: 2,000 – 5,000 TZS

Meals

• Local café: 8,000 – 20,000 TZS
• Mid-range restaurant: 25,000 – 60,000 TZS
• Upscale dining: 70,000+ TZS

Coffee & snacks

• Coffee: around 5,000 – 8,000 TZS
• Street snacks: from 1,000 TZS

Safari costs (important for planners):

Safari prices vary widely depending on parks, season, and comfort level. Serengeti and Ngorongoro tours are premium experiences due to park fees and logistics.

Tipping Culture in Tanzania

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory.

General guide:

• Restaurants: 5%–10%
• Safari guides: $10–$20 per day (recommended)
• Hotel porters: $1–$2 per bag

Tips can be given in:

• USD
• TZS

Tanzanian Banknotes & Coins

Tanzania has colorful and easy-to-recognize currency notes:

Common banknotes:

• 1,000 TZS (blue)
• 2,000 TZS (orange)
• 5,000 TZS (purple)
• 10,000 TZS (red – highest note)

Coins:

• 50 TZS
• 100 TZS
• 200 TZS
• 500 TZS

Coins are less commonly used in daily tourist spending.

Currency Rules & Restrictions

A few important regulations to know:

• You cannot export Tanzanian shillings in large amounts
• Foreign currency above $10,000 must be declared on arrival
• ATMs have withdrawal limits per transaction

Always spend or exchange leftover TZS before leaving the country.

Money Safety Tips for Travelers

To avoid issues during your Tanzania trip:

• Carry a mix of cash and cards
• Use hotel safes for extra cash
• Avoid exchanging money in unofficial locations
• Notify your bank before traveling
• Keep small notes for daily purchases

Why Book Your Safari with Kiliclimb Africa Safaris?

When planning a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar holiday, having a reliable local operator makes everything easier—especially when it comes to payments, budgeting, and logistics.

With Kiliclimb Africa Safaris, you get:

• Transparent pricing in USD or TZS
• Safe, trusted payment methods
• Expert local guidance
• Custom safari itineraries
• Support across Tanzania & Zanzibar

From Serengeti wildlife safaris to Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar beach escapes, we help you travel with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the currency in Tanzania (TZS) is key to enjoying a smooth and stress-free adventure. While cash is still widely used, card payments and digital banking are becoming more common in tourist areas.

With the right preparation, you can focus less on money and more on what truly matters—wildlife, landscapes, culture, and unforgettable safari experiences.