— Planning · 6 min read
Money in Tanzania: Exchange, Tipping and When to Use Cards
In Tanzania you switch between US dollars and Tanzanian shillings depending on the situation. Tips for exchanging money, where cards do and don't work, ATM limits and the tipping amounts that confuse people on safari and Kilimanjaro — the practical details that save you trouble on the ground.
The first thing that surprises people about money in Tanzania is that some things are paid in US dollars and others in the local currency. National park fees are priced in dollars; a samosa from a street stall is paid in shillings. There is also a tipping culture, and on Kilimanjaro especially, people often scramble because they didn't know the going rates. Here we cover exchange, cards and tips with one question in mind: how much cash should you actually bring, and in what form?
Currency and exchange rates (as of May 2026)
- Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS, Tsh)
- Rough guide: $1 ≈ 2,500 TZS
- Notes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 TZS
Rates change, so check the latest before you travel.
When to use dollars and when to use shillings
Pay in US dollars - Hotels (especially upmarket resorts) - National park fees - Safari and climbing tours - Restaurants aimed at visitors - Larger souvenir shops - Visa fees (always US dollars cash)
Pay in Tanzanian shillings - Street stalls and local restaurants - Market shopping - Taxis and buses - Supermarkets and pharmacies - Small souvenirs and drinks - Some tips for guides
Important: US dollar notes should generally be issued in 2009 or later. Old or damaged notes are often refused.
How to exchange money
1. Airport exchange counters Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports have exchange counters in the arrivals hall. Rates are slightly worse, but they're convenient for getting some cash straight away. A common approach is to change around $100 for immediate needs and switch to better rates in town later.
2. Bureaux de change in town There are several in Arusha, Moshi and Stone Town, and rates are usually better than at the airport. Compare a few before you change.
3. Banks Rates are standard, but you'll need your passport and some paperwork, so it takes time.
4. ATMs Visa and Mastercard ATMs are found in the main towns. Withdrawals are commonly limited to around **400,000 TZS (about $160)** per transaction, with a fee of $3–$5 plus whatever your own bank charges.
Credit cards
- Accepted: upmarket hotels, lodges, restaurants for visitors and some souvenir shops
- Not accepted: street stalls, local restaurants, markets and taxis
- Surcharges: 3–5% is sometimes added, so ask first
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard are the norm; Amex is rarely accepted
Chip-and-PIN is essential, so check your PIN before you leave.
How much to tip
Tipping is well established in Tanzania. It is given as thanks for good service, and it is genuinely appreciated.
On safari - **Guide**: $20 per day per group (or $10 per day per person) - **Driver** (if separate from the guide): $10 per day per group - **Lodge and camp staff**: $5–10 per person per stay
On Kilimanjaro (important) Climbing teams are large, and tips make up a big part of the crew's income. - **Lead guide**: $20–25 per day - **Assistant guide**: $15–20 per day - **Cook**: $15 per day - **Porters**: $10 per day each
For a seven-day climb with one guest, the total is roughly $250–$350. Bring it in US dollars cash, prepared before you set off.
Hotels and restaurants - **Hotel porter**: $1 per bag - **Housekeeping**: $1–2 per day - **Restaurants**: around 10% (if no service charge is on the bill)
Taxis and transfers Generally not expected; agree an all-in price when you negotiate the fare.
Bring plenty of small notes
Bring plenty of $1, $5 and $20 notes and you'll never struggle with tips. If you only have $100 notes, getting change can be difficult.
Avoiding scams and trouble
- Never change money with people on the street (counterfeit notes and sleight-of-hand scams)
- Use ATMs inside hotels or shopping centres
- Don't flash large amounts of cash
- Keep your wallet in a front or inside pocket
Summary
- Use US dollars (new notes) and shillings for different situations
- Bureaux de change in town offer better rates
- Cards work mainly at upmarket places — always carry cash too
- Bring tips in small US dollar notes, especially for safari and climbing
The total amount for tips depends on your itinerary and group size. When you book with us, we send a specific guide before you leave — "this much for the guide, this many porters" — matched to your itinerary, so you can simply prepare envelopes in advance and never have to guess on the ground.
To continue your preparations, see visas and entry requirements and our packing list.
