Tanzania
Money in Tanzania: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Tanzanian shillings (TZS) for most purchases; bring enough cash for small tips and markets, but cards work at larger hotels and for park fees (often with a 3‑5% surcharge). Switch to mobile money if you need daily transfers.
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GuideTanzania
Key facts
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
- ATM availabilitycheck
- Major cities and airports; limited in remote parks
- Card acceptance
- Hotels, lodges, park fees; 3‑5% surcharge common
- Typical tipcheck
- US$1–2 per guide/driver per day; small notes for porters
Quick answer
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Bring cash for everyday purchases and tips; cards are accepted at most hotels, lodges and for park fees, usually with a 3‑5% surcharge. ATMs are in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and major tourist hubs.
Currency and payment summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Tanzanian shilling (TZS) |
| Cash needed | US$10‑20 per day for markets, transport and tips |
| ATMs | Available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar; limited in parks |
| Card use | Hotels, lodges, park fees; 3‑5% surcharge typical |
| Mobile money | M‑Pesa, Airtel Money – register with passport and local SIM |
How to handle money in Tanzania
The central bank requires all local transactions to be priced and paid in shillings. US‑dollar notes older than 2013 or damaged are often refused, so exchange a portion of your cash on arrival.
ATMs dispense shillings in 1,000‑5,000 TZS notes. In remote parks you may need to rely on cash carried from the city or on mobile‑money transfers.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at larger hotels, lodges and for park entry fees paid through tour operators. Expect a 3‑5% surcharge and possible offline approval delays.
Mobile‑money platforms are widely used for everyday payments. Visitors can sign up with a local SIM, passport and a small initial deposit.
Tipping guide
Guides and drivers: US$1‑2 per person per day (≈ TZS 2,300‑4,600).
Porters and camp staff: US$0.5‑1 per bag or service.
Restaurants: 5‑10% of the bill if service is not included; small cash tips are appreciated.
- Carry small denominations (TZS 1,000‑5,000) for tips.
- Ask your operator for local tipping norms at each lodge or park.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Tanzania?
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the legal tender; most purchases, including market stalls and taxis, are paid in shillings.
Should I use cash or a card in Tanzania?
Use cash for everyday items and tips; cards are convenient for hotels, lodges and park fees but may carry a 3‑5% surcharge.
How much should I tip in Tanzania?
Typical tips are US$1‑2 per guide/driver per day and small cash amounts for porters; restaurants often expect 5‑10% if service isn’t included.
Are ATMs widely available?
ATMs are found in major cities, airports and tourist hubs, but are scarce in remote safari parks.
Can I use mobile money as a visitor?
Yes, platforms like M‑Pesa and Airtel Money accept passport registration; they are handy for daily purchases in towns.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialTanzania Tourism Board
Ask about Tanzania
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