Tanzania Currency and Money Guide

Money logistics are a small but genuinely practical part of trip planning — here's what to actually know.

Local Currency

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, though US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, including many safari and park-related payments.

Bringing US Dollars

If bringing dollars, notes printed after 2009 in good, unmarked condition are generally required — older or damaged notes are often refused, a real and sometimes surprising rule for first-time visitors.

Cards and ATMs

Available in larger towns and cities, but genuinely unreliable in remote park areas — don't count on card payment or ATM access once you're away from Arusha, Moshi, or similar hubs.

What to Budget Cash For

Tips, souvenirs, drinks not included in your package, and any last-minute purchases — these are the genuine cash-heavy parts of a typical trip.

Our Honest Advice

Bring more US cash than you think you'll need in small, clean denominations, and treat cards/ATMs as a backup rather than your primary plan once you're on safari.