Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Tanzania
TZSShilling
Money in Tanzania
Mostly cash Cash rules outside upmarket hotels and safari companies, which take cards, often with a surcharge. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money) is everywhere. US$1 ≈ TSh2,648.20 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Tips are a big part of safari and Kilimanjaro crew pay; follow operator guidelines. Round up or add 10% in restaurants.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic) in towns; they sometimes run out of cash, and parks have none.
- Paying by phone: Register M-Pesa (Vodacom) or Airtel Money with your passport; tap-to-pay is limited outside upmarket places.
- Price level: about 29% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar | Mostly cash | Cash rules except at upmarket hotels and dive centres. USD notes (2013 or newer) are often accepted for tours; mobile money is widespread. |
| Arusha | Mostly cash | Cash dominates; card machines at upmarket hotels, safari companies and some restaurants, often with a surcharge. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money) is everywhere. |
| Dar es Salaam | Mostly cash | Cash and mobile money are widely used; cards at hotels, malls and upmarket restaurants. ATMs are inside banks and malls. |
| Stone Town | Mostly cash | Cash dominates. ATMs (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic) are in town but sometimes empty; upmarket hotels and tour firms take cards, often with a surcharge. |
| Nungwi | Mostly cash | Cash rules; a few ATMs and card machines at larger hotels. Bring enough shillings, and USD for tours. |
| Moshi | Mostly cash | Cash rules; ATMs in town, sometimes empty. Safari and climbing operators take cards with a surcharge. Mobile money is widely used. |
| Paje | Mostly cash | Cash rules; a few ATMs and card machines at larger hotels. Bring enough shillings, and USD for tours. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Tanzania?
Tips are a big part of safari and Kilimanjaro crew pay; follow operator guidelines. Round up or add 10% in restaurants.
Is Tanzania cashless?
Mostly cash. Cash rules outside upmarket hotels and safari companies, which take cards, often with a surcharge. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money) is everywhere.
What currency does Tanzania use?
The Shilling (TZS). US$1 ≈ TSh2,648.20 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Tanzania
- Immigration Services Department, Tanzania
- NIC mandatory inbound travel insurance
- Speedtest Global Index: Tanzania
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.