Your Simple, Stress-Free Guide to Handling Money in Tanzania & Zanzibar
Managing money during your Tanzania safari shouldn’t feel complicated. This guide is crafted especially for UK adventure couples—simple, practical and tailored for travellers arriving through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and continuing on to Zanzibar.
Understanding Money in Tanzania
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for tourism services such as hotels, park fees, tips, and excursions.
Best practice:
Bring USD from the UK, then withdraw TZS once you arrive for small local purchases.
Important:
Only carry clean, undamaged USD notes printed from 2009 onwards. Older notes may be refused.
How Much Cash Should UK Couples Bring?
Most of your safari is prepaid, but extra cash helps with personal purchases.
Recommended amount per couple:
- USD $300–$600 for tips & activities
- TZS 100,000–200,000 (£30–£60) for markets & local shops
- A mix of $1, $5, $10 bills for flexibility
Store most of your cash securely and carry only what you need for the day.
Card Payments: What You Can Expect
Visa and Mastercard work well in:
- Hotels and lodges
- Most restaurants in Arusha & Zanzibar
- Boutique shops
Some places add a 3–5% card surcharge, and remote safari lodges occasionally experience weak card-machine signal.
Tip: Always have a backup of both USD and TZS.
ATMs in Tanzania (JRO Route Only)
If you’re arriving through JRO, the most reliable ATM stops are:
- JRO Airport (limited but reliable)
- Arusha town (multiple options)
- Stone Town & Nungwi (Zanzibar)
ATMs dispense TZS only and work best with:
- Monzo
- Revolut
- Wise
Withdrawal tip:
Withdraw TZS 200,000–300,000 (£60–£90) at once to minimise fees.
Tipping Guidelines for UK Travellers
Tipping is appreciated and part of the safari culture. A simple guideline:
Safari Driver-Guide
$15–$20 per person per day
Lodge Staff
$5–$10 per person per day (via shared tip box)
Porters
$1–$2 per bag
Restaurants
5–10% when service charge isn’t included
Both USD and TZS are accepted for tipping.
Using Money in Zanzibar
Zanzibar uses the same system as mainland Tanzania. Here’s what to expect:
- Shops & small vendors → TZS preferred
- Beach restaurants & hotels → USD or card
- Excursions & boat trips → USD commonly used
- Markets → TZS recommended
Carrying small TZS notes is especially helpful for Stone Town markets.
Common Money Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these for a smoother trip:
✘ Relying only on cards
✘ Bringing old/worn USD notes
✘ Exchanging GBP at airport kiosks (poor rates)
✘ Carrying all your cash together
✘ Forgetting that card surcharges may apply
The Best Money Strategy for UK Adventure Couples
To keep your trip easy and stress-free:
✔ Convert GBP → USD before travelling
✔ Carry small USD bills for tips & park extras
✔ Use ATMs in Arusha/Zanzibar for TZS
✔ Pay hotels by card when possible
✔ Split money between you for safety
✔ Keep extra cash locked in your lodge
✔ Use a travel card (Monzo / Wise / Revolut) for best rates
Simple, Safe, and Easy
With a smart mix of USD, TZS, and a good UK travel card, managing money in Tanzania becomes effortless. Whether you’re exploring the Serengeti or relaxing in Zanzibar, you’ll always have what you need—securely and conveniently.
