Travelling to Tanzania?

Get the best currency exchange rates for Tanzanian shillings online

Excited for your Tanzanian adventure? Secure your Tanzanian shillings and save money at Manor FX today.

Our fantastic exchange rates mean you’ll have more TZS cash to spend. Opt for secure delivery to your location, or collect them from our Manor FX bureau near Heathrow.

Manor FX promises quick delivery and a hassle-free online order process for your Tanzanian shilling travel money.

Tanzanian travel money

Keen on witnessing the wild wonders of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania? Here’s some handy advice on managing cash and card payments in Tanzania. 

What is the currency in Tanzania?

The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling. Its official currency code is TZS, though you may also see it written as TSh or TSH in travel guides, price lists and currency tools. 

If you’re looking for TZ currency or TZ money, Tanzanian shillings are what you’ll need for everyday spending.

Can I buy Tanzanian shillings in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Tanzanian shillings in the UK through Manor FX.

Use our online currency exchange service to convert GBP to Tanzanian shillings and get the best possible exchange rate, then choose home delivery or click and collect. Free delivery on orders over £750. 

When comparing rates, look at the full GBP to TZS exchange cost rather than the headline TZS exchange rates alone. 

Whether you’re buying Tanzanian shillings before your trip or selling Tanzanian shillings to pounds afterwards, the final amount matters more than the wording on a converter.

Where can I get Tanzanian currency?

You can get Tanzanian currency from Manor FX

The Tanzanian shilling is not as widely available in the UK as euros or US dollars, so you’ll need a specialist currency exchange provider like us.

Manor FX is one of the UK exchange bureaus where you can buy Tanzanian shillings online. 

Order TZ currency through our website for secure home delivery, or collect from our bureau near Heathrow.

If you want to convert pounds to Tanzanian shillings before your trip, ordering in advance helps you avoid limited airport availability and sky-high fees, and gives you local cash from the start.

Manor FX has the best exchange rate for Tanzanian shillings before you go and the best Tanzanian shilling to British pound exchange rate (TSH to GBP) if you have leftover travel money when you get back.

Should I bring cash to Tanzania?

Yes, it is a good idea to arrange some travel money before you go, especially for arrival costs such as transport, tips, snacks or small purchases.

You can exchange GBP to TSh in Tanzania at banks, authorised exchange offices and some hotels, but having cash before you travel gives you a smoother start.

What currency is best to take to Tanzania?

The best foreign currency to take to Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling 

It is what you need for everyday spending, including taxis, markets, tips, cafés, transport and small purchases.

US dollars are widely known in Tanzania’s tourism industry, especially for safaris and international tour bookings. 

However, local goods and services in Tanzania should generally be priced and paid in Tanzanian shillings, so do not rely on dollars for daily spending.

If you bring USD as backup, take clean, newer bills in good condition. Damaged or older dollars may be refused. Euros and British pounds can also be exchanged in some places.

Do I need cash in Tanzania?

Yes, cash is very useful in Tanzania. 

Choose cash for local markets, taxis, tips, small restaurants, street food, souvenirs, public transport and rural travel.

Cards are accepted in some hotels, resorts and larger businesses, but cash gives you more flexibility when card machines are unavailable or a business prefers local currency.

Cash can also help you budget. Set aside a daily amount, keep the rest secure, and carry only what you need for the day. This helps protect your money and reduces the risk of losing your wallet.

Does Tanzania accept euros?

Euros may be exchanged in Tanzania, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but they are not the primary currency for spending.

For everyday purchases, use Tanzanian shillings. 

You may be able to exchange euros at banks or exchange offices, but do not assume small shops, taxi drivers, cafés or local markets will accept them.

Foreign currency can be useful as backup, but Tanzanian currency is what you will use most often.

Can I use my bank card in Tanzania?

Yes, you can use your bank card in parts of Tanzania, especially in hotels, resorts, larger restaurants, supermarkets and some tourist businesses.

However, card payments are not guaranteed everywhere. Smaller businesses, local markets, taxis and rural areas may only accept cash.

Before you travel, check your bank’s fees for spending abroad, ATM withdrawal charges and daily withdrawal limits. 

If you use Apple Pay or Google Pay at home, do not assume mobile wallets will work everywhere in Tanzania. Take a physical card and cash as backup.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Tanzania?

A mix of cash and card is best.

Cash in Tanzanian shillings is more useful for everyday spending, especially in local areas. Use it for markets, small restaurants, tips, taxis, public transport and places where card machines are not available.

A credit card or debit card is useful for hotels, resorts, larger businesses, online bookings and emergencies. Just be aware of foreign transaction fees, withdrawal fees, ATM fees and poor conversion rates.

If you withdraw money from ATMs, use a debit card where possible. Credit card cash withdrawals can trigger extra charges and interest.

If you get home from your travels with leftover currency, don’t worry, we’ll help you to convert Tanzanian shillings to sterling simply.

How much cash should I take to Tanzania?

How much cash you need depends on your trip style. A safari holiday, a Zanzibar beach break, and a backpacking route through local towns can all have different costs.

For everyday spending, carry enough Tanzanian shillings for your first few days, then keep a card as backup. 

Local meals, taxis, and small purchases can be affordable, but safari trips, national park fees, internal flights, private transfers, and premium resorts can quickly add up.

Take more cash if you are visiting rural areas, using local transport, tipping guides and drivers, or spending time away from major towns.

How can I avoid ATM fees in Tanzania?

ATM fees in Tanzania can be hard to avoid completely, but you can reduce the cost. 

Use a debit card with low overseas charges, withdraw larger amounts less often and choose ATMs at major banks where possible.

Always check the screen before you agree to a transaction. The local ATM provider may charge a withdrawal fee, and your UK bank may charge its own fee as well.

If an ATM asks whether you want to be charged in British pounds or Tanzanian shillings, choose Tanzanian shillings. 

Letting the ATM convert the payment into pounds can lead to a poor exchange rate.

How does tipping work in Tanzania?

Tipping is appreciated in Tanzania, especially in tourism and hospitality, but it is not usually compulsory.

In restaurants, a tip of around 5% to 10% is a helpful guide if service is not already included. 

For hotel staff, porters, drivers and guides, small cash tips in Tanzanian shillings are usually appreciated.

Safari guides and drivers often receive higher tips because they spend more time with travellers.

Is Tanzania a cheap country to visit?

Tanzania can be good value, but it is not always cheap once you add safaris, park fees, transfers and beach resorts.

If you eat locally, use public transport and stay in simple accommodation, daily costs can be affordable. 

If you are planning a safari, climbing Kilimanjaro, staying in Zanzibar resorts or booking private tours, your budget will be much higher.

Tanzanian currency

Banknotes in Tanzania

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling. The Bank of Tanzania issues the country’s banknotes and coins.

Tanzanian shilling banknotes currently in use include 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 shillings.

The notes are colourful and feature Tanzanian leaders, wildlife and landmarks. For small purchases, try to keep lower denominations on hand.

Coins in Tanzania

Tanzanian coins are used for smaller amounts. Current coins include 50, 100, 200 and 500 shillings.

Coins are useful for small payments, but banknotes are better for most travel spending.

How much cash can you take to Tanzania?

Currency rules can change, so check the latest customs guidance before you travel.

Travellers carrying foreign currency worth more than USD 10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies, must usually declare it when entering or leaving Tanzania.

There may also be restrictions around importing or exporting Tanzanian shillings as a non-resident, so avoid travelling with large amounts of local currency without checking the current rules.

Buy Tanzanian shillings for home delivery (GBP to TZS)

Order Tanzanian shillings online from Manor FX and have them delivered quickly and securely to your home or office with Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®.

You can also collect your travel money from our bureau near Heathrow, London. 

Click here to buy Tanzanian shillings online and sort your travel money before your trip.

Need money for other countries? We stock over 160 global currencies – more than anywhere else in the UK, so we’ve got all your travel money needs covered.

Selling back Tanzanian shillings (TZS to GBP)

If you have leftover Tanzanian shillings after your trip, you can sell them back to Manor FX.

Head to the top of the page, choose “sell currency” and select “TZS Tanzanian shilling” to see the pounds to shilling exchange rate.

We’ll offer good rates for your leftover Tanzanian money and help you convert Tanzanian shillings to GBP.

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