Money in Tanzania
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- TZSTanzanian shilling
- Symbol
- TSh
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Tanzania
Tanzania now requires local prices and payments in shillings, with limited exemptions reported for some tour operator bookings. Park gates take cards or mobile money, so confirm the currency and method with your operator.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Smaller shops, local restaurants, taxis and remote camps may need cash. Withdraw enough in a major town before a remote route such as the Serengeti.
- ATMs
- ATMs are mainly in major towns and airports and are less reliable outside them. Easy Travel Tanzania reports a daily withdrawal maximum of 400,000 TSh.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are common in tourism, but under the 2025 foreign currency regulations domestic prices and payments must be in Tanzanian shillings, with a limited exemption reported for some tour operator transactions.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange only at authorised banks or bureaux de change and keep the receipt. Avoid unlicensed street dealers.
- Watch out for
- Easy Travel Tanzania says most shops will not take US notes dated 2006 or earlier, while SafariFind says sources disagree between 2006 and 2009 and advises newer notes in good condition. SafariFind also reports that park gates are digital only (cards or mobile money), so ask your operator what is included and in which currency.
Tipping in Tanzania
Safari guides, drivers and camp staff expect tips, often in US dollars. Around 10% in restaurants.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Easy Travel Tanzania, SafariFind (money), SafariFind (park fees), Travel News (Tanzania says no dollar pricing), Jacada Travel, Asilia Africa.
Convert to and from TZS
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,644 TZS | 2,962 TZS | 3,548 TZS |
| 10 | 26,443 TZS | 29,624 TZS | 35,483 TZS |
| 50 | 132,216 TZS | 148,121 TZS | 177,417 TZS |
| 100 | 264,432 TZS | 296,241 TZS | 354,833 TZS |
| 500 | 1,322,160 TZS | 1,481,206 TZS | 1,774,166 TZS |
What each amount is worth in TZS. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Tanzania use?
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
Do you need to tip in Tanzania?
Expected. Safari guides, drivers and camp staff expect tips, often in US dollars. Around 10% in restaurants.
Can you pay by card in Tanzania?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Smaller shops, local restaurants, taxis and remote camps may need cash. Withdraw enough in a major town before a remote route such as the Serengeti.
Are there ATMs in Tanzania?
ATMs are mainly in major towns and airports and are less reliable outside them. Easy Travel Tanzania reports a daily withdrawal maximum of 400,000 TSh.