The 2025 currency rule, explained simply
Tanzania now requires most everyday domestic payments (restaurants, taxis, local shops) to be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). But after pushback from the tourism industry, the Bank of Tanzania granted tour operators, hotels, and lodges a clear exemption in July 2025: they can still invoice and accept USD directly from international tourists for safaris, park-related tourism services, and accommodation. In short — pay your safari company and hotel in USD as normal; use TZS for day-to-day spending on the ground.
Bringing cash
Tanzania has one of the strictest USD-acceptance policies in East Africa.
- Series 2009 or newer only. Older bills are widely rejected over counterfeiting concerns.
- No tears, holes, pen marks, or heavy folds — even a small tear can get a bill refused.
- Bring a mix: $5s, $10s, and $20s are most useful for tips and small purchases; a couple of $100s as backup.
- Carrying more than $10,000 (or equivalent) requires a customs declaration on arrival.
Card vs. cash — where each works
Most hotels, safari lodges, large supermarkets, and international restaurants accept Visa (most widely) and Mastercard (often with a small surcharge).
Local shops, taxis, tip boxes, small Zanzibar shops, dhow operators, and most rural businesses expect cash — usually TZS.
ATMs & exchange
Where they're reliable: Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam, and Stone Town. Don't count on finding one inside national parks or at remote camps — withdraw what you need before heading out.
Daily limits: Typically capped around 400,000 TZS (roughly $150–200) per withdrawal, so plan ahead for bigger cash needs.
Safety tip: Use ATMs attached to a bank branch where possible, to reduce the risk of card skimming.