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Tanzania Tanzania Currency Guide

The currency of Tanzania and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling

TZS

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Tanzania before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Tanzania

Dodoma

Dodoma is Tanzania's official capital and seat of the legislature. Dar es Salaam still handles most practical functions, making for an unusual split of roles between the two cities.

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's former capital and remains its largest city. Its name, meaning "house of peace" in Arabic, carries a special significance.

Arusha

Arusha sits on the highlands of the East African Rift and hosts the headquarters of the East African Community. It makes a great base for trips to nearby attractions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mwanza

Mwanza sits on the southern shore of Lake Victoria and is Tanzania's second-largest city after Dar es Salaam. Its lakeside setting offers scenic waterfront views.

Zanzibar City

Zanzibar City is the main city on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, known above all for Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Old coral stone buildings still stand there, and it's also known as the birthplace of Freddie Mercury.