Tanzania Currency Guide: Cash, ATMs, Cards and Exchange Tips

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Travelers should plan to use a mix of shillings, a payment card and a small reserve of foreign currency. Cards are useful at many established tourism businesses, while cash remains important for markets, tips, local transport and purchases away from major towns.

Quick answer: Get a small amount of TZS for arrival expenses, then compare the full cost at a licensed bank, forex bureau or ATM. Check the day's reference rate on the Bank of Tanzania exchange-rate page, but remember that the amount you actually receive can differ after provider margins and card fees.

Table of Contents

1. Tanzanian shilling basics
2. How to check the exchange rate
3. Where to exchange money
4. Using ATMs in Tanzania
5. Cards and mobile payments
6. How much cash to carry
7. Common money mistakes
8. Frequently asked questions
9. Before you travel

Tanzanian shilling basics

Prices written as TSh, TZS or Sh generally refer to Tanzanian shillings. Notes and coins are used for everyday purchases, and smaller notes are especially useful for transport, markets and tips.

Count cash before leaving an exchange counter or ATM. Keep the receipt, separate your daily spending money from your backup funds, and avoid displaying a large amount of cash in public.

How to check the exchange rate

Exchange rates move throughout the year, so a fixed rate in an old travel article can be misleading. Use this three-step check instead:

1. Look up the current reference rate on the Bank of Tanzania.
2. Ask the bank, bureau or ATM how many shillings you will receive after all fees.
3. Compare the final amount, not only the large rate shown on the board.

The Bank of Tanzania rate is a reference point. A provider may apply a buying or selling rate, a service margin, a fixed transaction fee, or a card-network conversion fee. Your home bank may add a foreign-transaction or ATM fee as well.

A simple comparison

Where to exchange money

Licensed banks and forex bureaus

Use an established bank or a licensed bureau, check that the rate is clearly displayed, and request a receipt. Compare at least two providers when exchanging a meaningful amount. Do not hand money to an unlicensed street exchanger, even if the offered rate appears better.

Airports

An airport counter can be convenient for transport, food or a SIM card immediately after arrival. If the rate is less favorable, exchange only what you expect to need until you can compare other options.

Hotels and lodges

Some accommodation providers can exchange currency or accept payment in another currency. Ask for the rate and the final charge before agreeing. In remote safari areas, confirm payment arrangements with your lodge or tour operator before leaving a town.

Using ATMs in Tanzania

ATMs are easiest to find in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Stone Town and other major towns. Availability is less predictable in rural areas and on long road or safari routes.

Before using an ATM:

• Prefer a machine attached to, or located inside, a bank during opening hours.
• Check the screen for the local withdrawal fee before confirming.
• Know your card's daily cash limit and foreign-transaction charges.
• Decline help from strangers and shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Keep a second payment method separate in case a card is blocked or retained.
• Withdraw during daylight where possible and put the cash away before leaving.

If an ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency, compare that conversion with your card issuer's rate before choosing. The convenient-looking home-currency option is not automatically cheaper.

Cards and mobile payments

Visa and Mastercard are commonly useful at larger hotels, lodges, tour companies and restaurants, but acceptance is not universal. A business may have a temporary network problem or may apply a card surcharge, so ask before paying.

Mobile-money services are widely used locally, but short-term visitors may need a local SIM and account setup. Treat mobile money as an optional convenience rather than your only payment plan.

Tell your bank your travel dates if it recommends doing so. Save the card issuer's international support number somewhere other than your wallet.

How much cash to carry

There is no single correct amount because safari packages, accommodation and transport may already be prepaid. Build a cash plan from expenses that are not included:

• Airport or local transport
• Meals and drinks outside your package
• Tips
• Markets and small shops
• Park, activity or guide payments not prepaid
• A modest emergency reserve

Ask each hotel, lodge and tour operator which currencies and payment methods they accept. For a multi-day safari or remote trip, arrange enough cash before leaving a major town, but avoid carrying your full travel budget in one place.

Common money mistakes

• Relying on an exchange rate copied from an old article
• Comparing advertised rates without comparing the final amount received
• Exchanging all travel money at the first airport counter
• Depending on one card or one ATM network
• Assuming every rural business accepts cards
• Accepting torn or badly damaged notes that may be difficult to spend
• Carrying large amounts of cash together with your passport
• Using an unlicensed exchanger because the rate looks unusually attractive

Frequently asked questions

Can I use US dollars in Tanzania?

Some tourism businesses quote or accept US dollars, but Tanzanian shillings are the practical choice for many everyday purchases. Ask the business which currency it accepts and which rate it will use.

Should I exchange money before arriving?

It can be useful to have a small arrival amount if your bank or travel-money provider offers TZS. It is not essential when you have a reliable card and a confirmed airport transfer, but always keep a backup payment plan.

Are cards accepted in Zanzibar?

Cards are useful at many established hotels, restaurants and tour operators, particularly around Stone Town and resort areas. Cash is still helpful for markets, small shops, taxis and locations with unreliable connectivity.

Can I withdraw Tanzanian shillings from an ATM?

Yes, where your card network is supported and the machine is operating. The permitted amount and fees depend on the ATM operator and your own bank.

What should I do with unused shillings?

Spend a small remainder on final expenses or ask a licensed bank or bureau about reconversion. Keep your exchange receipts because a provider may request them.

Before you travel

Money planning is only one part of preparing for Tanzania. Check the visa requirements for your nationality, review the Tanzania eVisa requirements checklist, compare eVisa and visa on arrival, and read the site's existing fee information before you apply.

This guide was reviewed on August 10, 2026. Exchange rates, provider fees and payment acceptance can change, so verify them again close to departure.