Tanzania Currency & Money Guide 2026
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted for tourism services. Understanding how money works in Tanzania will help you budget and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency Basics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) |
| Currency Code | TZS |
| Symbol | TSh |
| Approximate Rate | 1 USD = ~2,700 TZS (check current rates) |
| Denominations | Notes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 TZS |
| USD Accepted? | Yes, widely for hotels, parks, tours |
Payment Methods
US Dollars
- National park fees, hotels, safari operators, and dive centres quote in USD
- Bills must be dated 2013 or newer - older bills are routinely rejected
- Crisp, clean notes get better exchange rates than worn bills
- $50 and $100 notes get better exchange rates than smaller denominations
- Carry small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips
Credit/Debit Cards
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at upscale hotels, lodges, and some restaurants in cities
- Many places add a 3-5% surcharge for card payments
- Not accepted in small shops, markets, or rural areas
- Always carry cash as backup
Mobile Money (M-Pesa)
- Vodacom M-Pesa is widely used by locals for everything
- Tourists can register with a local SIM card and passport
- Useful for local transport, small purchases, and restaurants
ATMs & Exchange
ATMs
- Available in major cities: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza, Stone Town
- Most dispense TZS only (some Barclays/CRDB dispense USD)
- Withdrawal limit: typically 400,000-800,000 TZS per transaction
- Banks: CRDB, NMB, Exim, Stanbic, Standard Chartered
- No ATMs in national parks - withdraw cash before safari
Money Exchange
- Best rates at official forex bureaus (not street changers)
- Airports offer convenience but worse rates
- Hotels typically offer the worst exchange rates
- Keep exchange receipts - you may need them to convert TZS back
Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary in Tanzania, especially on safari. Tips are a significant part of staff income.
| Service | Suggested Tip (USD) |
|---|---|
| Safari guide (per group per day) | $15-25 |
| Safari cook (per group per day) | $10-15 |
| Safari driver (per group per day) | $10-15 |
| Kilimanjaro lead guide (total) | $60-100 |
| Kilimanjaro assistant guides (total each) | $40-60 |
| Kilimanjaro porters (total each) | $25-40 |
| Kilimanjaro cook (total) | $40-60 |
| Hotel porter | $1-2 per bag |
| Restaurant | 10% if not included |
| Taxi/driver | Round up |
Tips are best given in USD or TZS. Tip at the end of your safari or climb. Your tour operator can advise on exact amounts.
FAQ
Bring USD for major expenses (parks, hotels, tours, tips). Exchange some to TZS for local purchases, markets, street food, and transport. A mix of both is ideal.
Tanzania banks and businesses reject USD bills printed before 2013 due to past counterfeiting issues. Always bring newer, clean, crisp notes. $50 and $100 bills get the best exchange rates.
Money Quick Facts
- Currency: TZS (Shilling)
- Rate: ~2,700 TZS/USD
- USD accepted: Yes, widely
- USD bills: 2013+ only
- Cards: Limited use
- ATMs: Cities only
- Safari tip: $15-25/day