Tanzania Currency Guide 2026 - Shilling & M-Pesa Tips
Tanzania operates a dual-currency economy where USD and Shillings are both used. Here is your complete guide to money, M-Pesa, safari tipping, and budgeting for the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
Dual Currency: Tanzania uses the Shilling (TZS) for daily life and USD for tourism. Bring both: USD for safaris/park fees and Shillings for local expenses.
Exchange Rates (Early 2026)
| Currency | Buy Rate (TZS) | Sell Rate (TZS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 2,650 | 2,750 |
| 1 GBP | 3,350 | 3,500 |
| 1 EUR | 2,900 | 3,050 |
| 1 KES | 19 | 22 |
| 1 ZAR | 140 | 155 |
USD bills must be printed after 2006 and in good condition. $50 and $100 bills get better rates than smaller denominations.
M-Pesa & Mobile Money
Mobile money is widely used across Tanzania. The main platforms are:
- M-Pesa (Vodacom): The most popular. Buy a Vodacom SIM and register with your passport.
- Tigo Pesa: Second largest network
- Airtel Money: Third option
Uses for Tourists:
- Pay for taxis (especially in Dar es Salaam)
- Restaurants and cafes
- Supermarkets and shops
- Local guides and small tour operators
- SIM top-ups and data
Best Places to Exchange Money
Recommended
- Forex bureaux: Best rates in Dar, Arusha, Zanzibar Stone Town
- Banks: CRDB, NMB, Standard Chartered
- ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist hubs
Avoid
- Street changers: Scams and counterfeit risks
- Hotel exchange: Poor rates
- Small USD bills: $1-$20 get 5-10% worse rates
ATMs and Cards
- ATM banks: CRDB, NMB, Stanbic, Standard Chartered - available in all cities
- Withdrawal limit: TZS 400,000-1,000,000 per transaction ($150-$370)
- Some ATMs dispense USD: Stanbic and Standard Chartered in Dar and Arusha
- Card acceptance: Limited to upscale hotels, lodges, and large restaurants. Cash is king for daily expenses.
- Zanzibar: ATMs available in Stone Town. Cash needed for beach areas and small islands.
Tipping Culture
Safari Tipping Guide
| Role | Tip Per Person Per Day |
|---|---|
| Safari guide/driver | $15-25 |
| Safari cook | $5-10 |
| Camp/lodge staff (tip box) | $5-10 |
| Spotter/tracker | $5-10 |
Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide
| Role | Tip Per Day (Whole Climb) |
|---|---|
| Lead guide | $20-25 |
| Assistant guide | $15-20 |
| Cook | $10-15 |
| Porter | $5-10 |
General Tipping
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% if no service charge |
| Hotel porter | TZS 2,000-5,000 per bag |
| Taxi driver | Round up the fare |
| Zanzibar boat crew | TZS 5,000-10,000 |
Daily Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury / Safari |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | TZS 30,000-80,000 / $11-30 | TZS 100,000-250,000 / $37-93 | TZS 500,000+ / $185+ |
| Food | TZS 5,000-15,000 / $2-6 | TZS 20,000-50,000 / $7-19 | TZS 80,000+ / $30+ |
| Transport | TZS 3,000-10,000 / $1-4 | TZS 20,000-50,000 / $7-19 | TZS 100,000+ / $37+ |
| Activities | TZS 10,000-30,000 / $4-11 | TZS 50,000-150,000 / $19-56 | TZS 200,000+ / $74+ |
| Daily Total | $20-50 | $70-190 | $300-1,000+ |
Serengeti park fees alone are $82/day per adult. Safari all-inclusive packages: $250-$700/person/day.
Money Tips for Tanzania
- Bring $50 and $100 bills: They get significantly better exchange rates than small bills
- Bills must be post-2006: Older US bills are routinely refused
- Budget for tips separately: Safari tips can add $20-$50/day per person
- Get M-Pesa for convenience: Vodacom SIM + M-Pesa registration at the airport
- Zanzibar is pricier: Budget 30-50% more than mainland Tanzania
- Negotiate for everything: Prices at markets and for taxis are always negotiable
Currency Quick Facts
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
- Code: TZS
- 1 USD = ~2,650-2,750 TZS
- 1 GBP = ~3,350-3,500 TZS
- USD accepted: Yes, for tourism
- Mobile Money: M-Pesa (Vodacom)
- Cards: Limited (upscale only)
- Best to bring: Large USD bills
Money Safety
- Bring enough USD cash for safari duration
- No ATMs on safari or in national parks
- Zanzibar: limited ATMs outside Stone Town
- Use hotel safe for large amounts
- Keep tip money separate and accessible