| Tanzania's unit of currency is the Tanzanian
Shilling (TSh). Notes are issued as TSh10,000; 5000; 1000; 500;
200 and 100. Coins are issued as TSh100; 50; 20; 10, 5 and 1. |
| EXCHANGE RATE |
| The Tanzanian Shilling is a weak currency, and prices are likely to be much cheaper in
Tanzania than in your home country. Generally you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a
fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. |
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| BANKS |
Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are available
at international airports and in all big towns. Banking hours are 08:30 to 15:00 from
Monday to Friday, and 08:30 to 13:30 on Saturdays. A few branches in the major towns
open until 16:30 on weekdays.
Foreign currency in cash or traveller's cheques may be exchanged through authorised dealers, commercial
banks, and at Bureau de Change at the international airports, major towns and border posts. Visitors are
strongly advised against changing money on the black market. Some of the black marketers are undercover
policemen, while others are likely to be con artists. |
| |
| CREDIT CARDS |
| Visa and MasterCard are accepted by
most top hotels and lodges around the country. In addition to
credit cards, travellers should bring US dollars cash and traveller's
cheques. |
| |
| TIPPING |
| Tipping is not expected in small establishments (especially in rural areas), but tips will be
expected in major towns and tourist centres. Upmarket places will include a service charge on the bill. Haggling is quite acceptable in shops selling local handcrafts. |
| Tanzania has a good selection of traditional local crafts.
These are available from craft shops in Dar es Salaam, Arusha
and other major towns. There are also a number of craft centres
and artists' cooperatives where prices are very reasonable.
Singida baskets can be purchased directly from the villages surrounding Singida,
or from craft shops. Gogo woodcarving, including vibuya (carved
gouds) and kangas (traditional African sarong-like garments) are amongst
some of the traditional items available for purchase.
The mbuzi is a device used for shredding coconut. It is a small wooden
stool with a metal piece and is available at markets throughout
the country. If you intend cooking dishes at home that you have
eaten along the coast, you may find this a useful acquisition.
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