What is the best money to take to Tanzania?

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling. There are 50, 100, and 1,000 shilling coins and 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 shilling notes. Local currency is mainly used by local businesses such as supermarkets and local restaurants.

Dollars and, to a lesser extent, sterling and euros are the best money to take Tanzania. Cash is very useful for those occasions when the Tanzanian shilling is not accepted, such as when paying for upmarket hotel rooms and air tickets, both of which, officially at least, must be paid for in hard currency. The disadvantage of cash is that it is the riskiest way to carry money.

Although the Tanzanian shilling is the best currency to use, and the US dollar can be useful at times, exchanging currencies in cash almost always results in poor exchange rates for tourists (we've seen up to 20% commissions, although the average is between 5% and 15% of the amount exchanged).

If you're traveling from a country that does not use the US dollar standard, it is easy to convert your local currency into USD upon arrival in Tanzania.

Currency can be exchanged at airport currency exchange desks, banks, and in some larger hotels.

Banks in Tanzania are open from 9 am until 3.30 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9 am until 11 am on Saturdays. Wait times and processing times at banks can be up to an hour, so we do recommend either exchanging money at the airport or bringing extra cash to avoid long wait times.

If you require assistance to get to a bank, let your safari expert know before you arrive. This way, they'll be able to ensure there is time for you to visit a bank before leaving for your safari.

If you need assistance getting to a bank, notify your safari specialist before you arrive. This way, they can guarantee that you have enough time to visit a bank before departing on your safari.

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