What Currency Should I Bring to Tanzania and Zanzibar?

What Currency Should I Bring to Tanzania and Zanzibar?

If you are travelling to Tanzania or Zanzibar, the best approach is to bring some US dollars, a bank card and access to Tanzanian shillings for everyday spending.

The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the country's official currency and is used throughout mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. US dollars are also useful for certain tourist services, while credit and debit cards can be convenient at larger hotels, lodges and established businesses.

However, not every business accepts cards, and cash remains important in many places, especially outside major towns and established tourist properties. Official UK travel advice recommends planning for these differences.

This guide explains which currency to bring, where to exchange money, how to use cards and ATMs, and how to prepare your spending money for a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday.

What Is the Best Currency to Bring to Tanzania?

For most international visitors, a practical combination is

US dollars (USD): Useful for certain tourism-related payments and as a reserve currency.

Tanzanian shillings (TZS): Best for many everyday purchases, small shops, local restaurants, tips and other cash expenses.

A Visa or Mastercard: Useful for larger payments where card acceptance is available.

A backup payment method: Helpful if a card is declined or an ATM is unavailable.

You do not need to convert all your money before arriving. Instead, plan how you will pay for your main safari arrangements and how you will access spending money during the trip.

The right balance depends on whether your accommodation, transfers and activities have already been paid for.

Should I Bring US Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings?

Both can be useful, but they serve different purposes.

US Dollars (USD)

US dollars are widely used in international tourism, and foreign currency may be used for eligible payments between tourism businesses and international visitors under Tanzania's foreign-currency regulations. The Bank of Tanzania clarified these rules in 2025.

Read the official Bank of Tanzania clarification.

Dollars can be useful for certain pre-arranged tourism services, some accommodation payments and as a reserve for your trip. However, confirm the payment currency with your safari operator and accommodation provider before travelling.

Important: Bring clean, undamaged, relatively recent US banknotes. Banks, exchange bureaus and businesses may refuse older or damaged notes, and acceptance rules can differ. Confirm the preferred banknote series with your operator before departure.

Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)

The Tanzanian shilling is the official local currency. It is especially useful for:

Local restaurants and cafés.

Small shops and market purchases.

Drinks and snacks.

Local transport.

Tips and small personal expenses.

Purchases where a business quotes or charges prices in shillings.

Having smaller denominations makes everyday transactions easier, particularly when change is limited.

Our recommendation: Carry a reasonable amount of TZS for daily spending, keep some USD as a reserve where useful, and use a card for suitable larger payments.

What Currency Should I Bring for a Tanzania Safari?

Your spending needs will depend on what your safari package already includes.

If your accommodation, meals, park fees, safari vehicle and transfers have been prepaid, you may need cash mainly for tips, souvenirs, drinks, optional activities and other personal expenses.

Before departure, check your safari quotation to see exactly what is included.

For a Private or Luxury Safari

You may need less cash for major expenses if your arrangements are already paid for. However, you should still have access to money for personal purchases, tips and unexpected expenses.

Confirm whether your operator accepts the agreed payment currency and whether any outstanding balance must be paid before arrival.

For a Budget or Shared Safari

You may have more opportunities to pay separately for meals, drinks, optional activities or other services, depending on the package.

Check the itinerary carefully so you can estimate your additional spending.

For Tips

Tanzanian shillings are practical for smaller tips to local service workers. US dollars may also be accepted for certain tourism-related tips, but preferences can vary.

If you want to tip your safari guide, ask your operator about customary practices and suitable amounts for your type of trip. Tipping is generally discretionary unless a particular service charge or arrangement has been specified.

What Currency Should I Bring to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar uses the same official currency as mainland Tanzania: the Tanzanian shilling.

US dollars can be useful in some tourism settings, but do not assume every restaurant, shop, driver or excursion provider will accept them.

For everyday spending in Zanzibar, it is sensible to have TZS available for:

Local meals and drinks.

Taxis and other local transport.

Small shops and markets.

Souvenirs.

Tips.

Smaller excursions or purchases.

Larger hotels and established tourist businesses may accept major credit cards, but acceptance and fees vary.

If you are combining a mainland safari with Zanzibar, you do not need a completely separate currency plan. You can prepare for both destinations using the same combination of local currency, reserve cash and a payment card.

Can I Pay by Credit or Debit Card in Tanzania?

Yes. Major hotels, lodges, established restaurants and some shops accept international credit and debit cards.

However, card acceptance is not universal. You may encounter places that accept only certain card networks or require cash.

Before travelling

Tell your bank that you will be travelling, if required by its security procedures.

Check international transaction and cash-withdrawal fees.

Confirm that your card is enabled for overseas use.

Carry a backup card separately from your main card.

Keep your card in sight when making payments.

Some businesses may apply a card surcharge or use a different exchange rate. Ask about any additional fee before authorising the payment.

Do not rely on a bank card alone, especially if your itinerary includes remote safari areas or smaller establishments.

Are ATMs Available in Tanzania and Zanzibar?

ATMs are available in major towns and many urban or tourist areas, but availability can be more limited in remote locations.

You can generally find more options in places such as Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town than in isolated safari areas.

However, ATMs may occasionally be out of service, run out of cash or decline a foreign card.

For a smoother trip

Withdraw money in a major town before travelling to remote areas.

Use ATMs located inside banks or established commercial premises where possible.

Check your bank's withdrawal limits and fees.

Avoid withdrawing large amounts unnecessarily.

Keep a modest cash reserve for emergencies.

If your safari includes remote camps or internal flights, ask your operator where it is practical to access cash along your route.

Where Should I Exchange Money?

You can exchange eligible foreign currencies at authorised banks and licensed foreign-exchange bureaus. Some hotels may offer exchange services, although their rates and availability can differ.

For a safer and more transparent transaction

Compare the displayed exchange rate and any fees.

Exchange money only through authorised providers.

Count your money before leaving the counter.

Keep your exchange receipt.

Avoid informal street money changers.

You may be able to exchange money at an international airport, but it is worth comparing rates if you have time and access to other authorised options.

You do not need to exchange all your cash immediately. Convert enough for your immediate needs, then exchange more as necessary.

Should I Bring Euros or British Pounds?

You can bring euros or British pounds if those are the currencies you already hold, but their usefulness depends on exchange availability and the rates offered.

Banks and authorised exchange bureaus in major towns may exchange these currencies into Tanzanian shillings. Availability can be more limited outside larger centres.

If you plan to bring euros or pounds rather than US dollars, check whether your arrival airport, bank or intended exchange provider accepts them and what identification or documentation may be required.

Avoid converting money multiple times unnecessarily, because each exchange can involve a cost.

How Much Cash Should I Bring to Tanzania?

There is no single amount that suits every traveller.

Your cash needs depend on the length of your trip, what you have prepaid, your accommodation level, your shopping habits and whether you will visit remote areas.

Use these questions to estimate your spending:

Are accommodation and meals included?

Are park fees and transfers already paid?

Will you buy souvenirs?

Do you plan to take optional excursions?

Will you need to tip guides or other service workers?

Are you spending additional days in Zanzibar?

Will you have reliable access to ATMs?

A traveller on a fully prepaid safari may need only a modest amount for personal expenses, while someone travelling independently may need more cash for transport, meals and activities.

Rather than carrying a large amount of cash, combine a sensible cash reserve with a working payment card and a backup option.

Important Money Tips Before You Travel

A few practical steps can help you manage your money more confidently.

Carry small notes. Smaller denominations are useful for everyday purchases and tips.

Keep your money secure. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public. Split your reserve between secure locations rather than carrying everything together.

Check exchange rates. Know the approximate rate before exchanging money, and confirm the rate offered by the provider.

Keep emergency funds separate. A backup card or a small reserve can help if your main payment method fails.

Check card fees. Your bank and the merchant may each apply charges, depending on the transaction.

Confirm payment arrangements in advance. Ask your safari operator and hotels which currency they accept and whether your booking is fully paid.

Avoid depending on one ATM. Withdraw enough before leaving major towns for areas where access may be limited.

The Dawson Difference: Helping You Prepare for Safari Spending

At Dawson Safaris, we understand that practical travel arrangements can influence how comfortable and confident you feel during your journey.

We help travellers understand what their safari quotation includes and which additional expenses they may need to plan for.

When preparing your itinerary, we encourage you to check:

Which services have already been paid for.

Whether any balance remains due before or during the trip.

Which payment currencies your accommodation and operator accept.

Whether optional activities require separate payment.

How much personal spending you may want for tips, souvenirs and other purchases.

Where you can conveniently access cash before travelling into remote safari areas.

For example, a traveller whose safari package includes accommodation, meals, park fees and transfers may need a different spending plan from someone organising many activities independently. Similarly, a few extra days in Zanzibar may require additional cash for local transport, restaurants and shopping.

Our aim is to help you prepare realistically, understand your arrangements and enjoy your journey without unnecessary uncertainty about money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the US dollar accepted everywhere in Tanzania?

No. US dollars can be useful for certain tourism-related payments, but acceptance varies by business and transaction. Tanzanian shillings remain the official currency and are important for everyday spending.

Should I exchange money before arriving in Tanzania?

You can bring some cash in a currency you can exchange and convert part of it through an authorised provider after arrival. Make sure you have a payment method for immediate expenses and check exchange availability before travelling to remote areas.

Is cash or card better in Zanzibar?

A combination is best. Cards may be convenient at larger hotels and established businesses, while Tanzanian shillings are useful for local transport, small shops, meals and tips.

Are old US dollar notes accepted in Tanzania?

Acceptance varies by bank, exchange bureau and business. Older, damaged or heavily marked notes may be refused. Bring clean, undamaged notes from a recent series and confirm current requirements with your exchange provider or safari operator.

Can I use euros in Tanzania?

Euros can be exchanged at authorised providers in major towns and some tourist locations. They are not a universal substitute for Tanzanian shillings, so plan how you will obtain local currency.

Should I carry all my spending money in cash?

No. Carry only the cash you reasonably need, use secure storage for your reserve and bring a working payment card with a backup option. Avoid displaying large amounts of money in public.

Final Thoughts

For most travellers, the most practical money plan for Tanzania and Zanzibar is to bring some US dollars, obtain Tanzanian shillings for everyday spending, and carry a reliable bank card as a backup or payment option.

Confirm your safari payment arrangements before departure, check card and ATM fees, and exchange money through authorised providers.

A little preparation can make a significant difference, especially when your journey includes remote national parks as well as time in Zanzibar.

At Dawson Safaris, we want you to feel prepared before your journey begins, so you can focus on Tanzania's wildlife, landscapes, culture and the experiences that brought you here.

Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Safari?

Contact Dawson Safaris with your travel dates, itinerary preferences and whether you plan to visit Zanzibar. We can help you organise your safari arrangements and understand which expenses you may need to plan for during your trip.