💰 Quick Context: The Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS / TSh). A coffee costs 2,000–5,000 TZS, a restaurant meal 10,000–30,000 TZS, and a hotel night 50,000–250,000 TZS. Quick math: roughly 2,500 TZS = $1 USD. Think "divide by 2,500" or "10,000 TZS is about $4." Tanzania is heavily cash-dependent. Dar es Salaam has some card acceptance at hotels and malls, and safari lodges often accept cards, but most of the country runs on cash. USD is widely used for tourism.
🎧 Order Tanzanian Shilling Before You Fly
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Order TZS → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Tanzania
Tanzania is a cash-first country. While upscale hotels, safari lodges, and some businesses in Dar es Salaam accept cards, most daily transactions require cash. USD is the de facto second currency for tourism.
Cards are accepted at upscale hotels, safari lodges (for advance bookings), international restaurants in Dar es Salaam, some Zanzibar beach resorts, and shopping malls. Cash is needed for local restaurants, dala-dala minibuses, markets, tips for safari guides and staff, Zanzibar Stone Town shops, and most day-to-day purchases.
USD is widely used for safari costs, national park fees, and hotel prices, which are often quoted and payable in US dollars. Bring clean, undamaged USD bills printed after 2006. How much to carry: bring plenty of USD cash for safari tips and park fees, and keep TZS on hand for local spending. Plan for 50,000–100,000 TZS per day for meals and transport outside hotels.
How to Get Shillings for Your Tanzania Trip
Tanzania runs a soft dual-currency economy. USD is the de facto tourism currency: every Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari lodge prices in USD, every national park entry fee is denominated in USD, every Kilimanjaro climb operator quotes in USD, and most Zanzibar beach resorts price in USD. Tanzanian shillings handle the local-economy half: dala-dala minibuses, markets, Stone Town smaller restaurants, dukani corner shops, tips for guides and porters, and most non-tourist daily spending. Cards work at upscale Dar es Salaam restaurants, the Hyatt Kilimanjaro and Slipway hotels, the Sea Cliff Court, and most safari lodges (for advance bookings). The smart play: bring plenty of USD plus a Wise card, and pull TZS from CRDB or NMB ATMs.
Bring USD or order shillings before you fly
For pre-arrival TZS, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange may stock Tanzanian shillings on request, with insured 2–5 day delivery. Most US home banks generally do not stock TZS. Backup that's essential in Tanzania: pack USD $500–1,000 in clean post-2009 bills (large denominations). Tanzania famously rejects USD bills printed before 2006 and any bills with tears, marks, or signs of wear; bring crisp post-2009 bills. National park fees and many safari operator deposits are USD-denominated, so this is non-negotiable. Tanzania does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. The cleanest setup for most Tanzania trips: pack USD $500–1,000 in clean small and large bills for park fees and safari tips, use a Wise card at upscale Dar restaurants and hotels, and pull shillings from CRDB or NMB ATMs for daily local spending.
Withdraw from a Tanzanian bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of shillings is a major Tanzanian bank ATM. CRDB Bank, NMB (National Microfinance Bank), NBC (National Bank of Commerce), Stanbic Tanzania, and Standard Chartered Tanzania all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most charge a per-transaction operator fee for foreign cards (typically TZS 6,000–10,000, posted on the screen before you confirm). Withdrawal limits run roughly TZS 400,000–1,000,000 per transaction. Bank ATMs cluster around Dar es Salaam (Slipway, Sea Cliff Court, Mbezi), Arusha (the safari-launch town), at JRO (Kilimanjaro International) and DAR (Julius Nyerere International) airports, and in Zanzibar's Stone Town. Coverage thins on safari and at remote lodges. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a CRDB withdrawal will actually cost on your card after fees? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & safari-lodge exchange windows
Three traps to walk past in Tanzania. The currency-exchange counters in arrivals at JRO (Kilimanjaro), DAR (Julius Nyerere), and ZNZ (Zanzibar) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the interbank rate. The exchange windows inside safari lodges and Zanzibar beach resorts target captive guests with rates 8–12% off the bank rate. Honest exception worth knowing: licensed forex bureaux in central Arusha (along Sokoine Road and at the Clock Tower) and central Stone Town (around the Forodhani Gardens area) often offer the country's best USD-to-TZS spreads if you've brought USD. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at CRDB, NMB, NBC, Stanbic, or Standard Chartered Tanzania; decline DCC; and licensed Arusha or Stone Town forex bureaux are the one acceptable cash-to-cash route. Tanzania does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-TZS timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Tanzania
Tanzania's major banks operate ATMs in cities and larger towns. ATM withdrawal limits are typically 400,000–600,000 TZS per transaction. Your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. Always choose TZS when prompted.
CRDB Bank
Tanzania's largest bank with the widest ATM network. You will find CRDB ATMs in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar, and most regional towns. Available at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Recommended
NMB Bank
National Microfinance Bank, one of Tanzania's largest banks with good ATM coverage across the country. NMB ATMs are found in cities, towns, and at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Recommended
Stanbic Bank
Part of the Standard Bank group, with ATMs in major cities. Stanbic machines are reliable for foreign cards and offer English-language interfaces. A solid option in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
DCC is rare in Tanzania but can occur at some ATMs and card terminals at hotels and lodges. If an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD instead of TZS, always decline. Choosing USD means accepting a 3–8% markup hidden in their exchange rate. Always select "TZS" or "local currency" at every prompt.
ATMs to Avoid in Tanzania
Standalone, unbranded ATMs near hotels and popular destinations can be found throughout Tanzania. These machines may charge extra fees and offer poor exchange rates. Stick to the bank ATMs listed above.
Standalone Unbranded ATMs
Unbranded machines found in shops, hotels, or near popular destinations. These may charge extra fees per withdrawal and offer unfavorable exchange rates. Walk to a CRDB, NMB, or Stanbic ATM instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Tanzania
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at upscale hotels, safari lodges, and some restaurants in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar beach resorts. American Express has very limited acceptance, with only a handful of international hotels accepting it. Do not rely on Amex in Tanzania. Discover is not accepted in Tanzania and is not recommended as a travel card here.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless payments are very rare in Tanzania. Even in Dar es Salaam, tap-to-pay is uncommon, so expect to insert your card and enter a PIN. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported at Tanzanian terminals. M-Pesa mobile money is ubiquitous for locals but requires a Tanzanian SIM card and phone number, so tourists typically cannot use it.
Where Cards May Not Work
Local restaurants outside of international hotels and upscale establishments are cash-only. Markets and shops throughout Tanzania, including virtually all local markets, street vendors, and small shops, only accept cash. Transport including dala-dala minibuses, bajaji (tuk-tuks), and most taxis requires cash. National park gates sometimes accept card payments, but cash in USD is more reliable for park fees.
Tipping in Tanzania
Tipping Guide
Tipping is expected in the tourism industry. Safari guides and lodge staff rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Safari guides typically receive $15–20 per day. Camp and lodge staff receive $10–15 per day, usually left in a communal tip box. At restaurants, 10% is appreciated for good service at sit-down establishments. Hotel porters receive 2,000–5,000 TZS per bag. For Kilimanjaro trekking, tip guidelines are well-established: guides, porters, and cooks each receive tips in USD cash at the end of the trek.
Dar es Salaam, Safari & Zanzibar: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
For Zanzibar-specific tips (Stone Town card acceptance, beach area payments, and ATM locations), see our Zanzibar Money Guide.
USD is the de facto second currency for tourism. Safari costs, national park fees, and hotel prices are often quoted and payable in US dollars. Bring clean, undamaged USD bills printed after 2006. Older or damaged bills are routinely refused, and $50 and $100 bills get better exchange rates than smaller denominations.
Zanzibar has growing card acceptance at Stone Town hotels and restaurants. Beach resorts generally accept cards. Village areas and local markets remain cash-only. Safari lodges accept cards for advance bookings, but bring USD cash for tips, drinks, and extras not included in your package.
National park fees at Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro can sometimes be paid by card, but cash in USD is more reliable. Confirm with your tour operator in advance. Airport ATMs at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) include CRDB and NMB machines in the arrivals area. Use these instead of exchange counters.
Money Safety in Tanzania
Staying Safe
Use hotel or lodge safes for storing extra cash and backup cards. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person. Be cautious in crowded areas in Dar es Salaam, particularly around markets and bus stations. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Carry a second card stored separately from your primary one. If a card is lost on safari in the Serengeti, replacement is impossible until you return to Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Tell your bank you are traveling to Tanzania before departure. East African transactions commonly trigger fraud alerts. CRDB and NMB ATMs have limits of TZS 400,000–600,000 per withdrawal ($150–230), so plan multiple withdrawals in Arusha or Dar before heading to national parks where there are no ATMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need USD cash for safari in Tanzania?
Yes. Safari costs, national park fees, and tips for guides and staff are typically quoted and payable in US dollars. Bring clean, undamaged bills printed after 2006. $50 and $100 bills get better exchange rates than smaller denominations. Older or damaged bills are routinely refused.
Can I use credit cards in Tanzania?
Only in limited settings. Upscale hotels, safari lodges, and some restaurants in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar beach resorts accept Visa and Mastercard. Most of the country runs on cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay are not widely supported at Tanzanian terminals.
What are the ATM withdrawal limits in Tanzania?
Most Tanzanian ATMs limit withdrawals to 400,000–600,000 TZS per transaction (roughly $160–240 USD). You may need multiple withdrawals to get enough cash, and your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee each time. CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, and Stanbic Bank are the most reliable options.
Can tourists use M-Pesa in Tanzania?
M-Pesa mobile money is ubiquitous in Tanzania for locals, but it requires a Tanzanian SIM card and phone number to register. Most tourists cannot use it. Stick to cash and cards for your transactions.
How much should I tip on safari in Tanzania?
Safari guide tips are typically $15–20 per day. Camp and lodge staff receive $10–15 per day, usually left in a communal tip box. For Kilimanjaro treks, guides, porters, and cooks each receive tips in USD cash at the end of the trek. Your tour operator will provide specific guidelines.
Is Zanzibar cash-only?
Not entirely. Stone Town hotels and restaurants increasingly accept cards, and beach resorts generally accept Visa and Mastercard. However, village areas, local markets, and smaller shops throughout Zanzibar are cash-only. Always carry TZS for local purchases.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend Tanzanian shillings like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD cash (clean bills, post-2006) | Best (direct payment, no fees) | ★★★★★ | Safari tips, park fees, hotel payments |
| Bank ATMs (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic) | Low (bank rate, possible home bank fee) | ★★★★☆ | TZS cash for local spending |
| No-FX-fee card | Low (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★★☆☆ | Upscale hotels and lodges that accept cards |
| Airport exchange counters | High (5–12% markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Tanzania Quick Facts
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS / TSh). Roughly 2,500 TZS = $1 USD |
| Cash vs. Card | Heavily cash-dependent. Cards accepted at upscale hotels and safari lodges only |
| Best ATMs | CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, Stanbic Bank |
| ATM Limits | 400,000–600,000 TZS per transaction |
| Contactless | Very rare, even in Dar es Salaam |
| Tipping | Expected in tourism. Safari guides $15–20/day, restaurants 10% |
| DCC Risk | Rare but possible. Always choose TZS |
| Best Strategy | Bring USD cash for safari and tourism. Use bank ATMs for TZS local spending |
Tanzania City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Tanzania's top destinations. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.