Getting your money right before travelling to Tanzania for AFCON 2027 is one of the most practical things you can do. Tanzania is a cash-heavy economy — street food, fan zones, bajaji rides, local markets and most smaller vendors do not accept cards. But international cards work well at ATMs across all three host cities, USD is widely accepted alongside TZS, and mobile money is increasingly available. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Tanzania’s Currency — The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), abbreviated as Sh or TSh. Notes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 TZS. Coins exist but are rarely used in practice.
Exchange Rates — June 2026
For 2026, one US Dollar has equalled an average of 2,565 TZS, with a range between 2,460 and 2,611 TZS. For planning purposes use 1 USD = 2,600 TZS as a working estimate.
| Currency | Approximate TZS equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | ~2,600 TZS |
| 1 EUR | ~2,800 TZS |
| 1 GBP | ~3,300 TZS |
| 1 KES (Kenya) | ~20 TZS |
| 1,000 UGX (Uganda) | ~700 TZS |
| 100 NGN (Nigeria) | ~165 TZS |
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates at wise.com or xe.com before your trip and again on arrival.
USD in Tanzania — The Second Currency
US Dollars are widely accepted for tourism services in Tanzania. National park fees, hotels, safari operators and dive centres quote in USD. Bills must be dated 2013 or newer — older bills are routinely rejected. Crisp, clean notes get better exchange rates than worn bills. $50 and $100 notes get better exchange rates than smaller denominations.
The practical approach for AFCON 2027 fans:
- Bring USD for hotels, tour operators, AFCON tickets and any large tourism spend
- Use TZS for street food, local transport, markets, fan zones and anything local
- Never exchange USD on the street — only at licensed forex bureaus or banks
ATMs in Tanzania — What You Need to Know
Tanzania has more than 2,000 ATMs across the country. ATMs are readily available in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar Stone Town. Most dispense TZS only — some CRDB machines dispense USD. Withdrawal limit is typically 400,000 to 800,000 TZS per transaction.
Best ATMs for International Cards
The best ATMs for foreign visitors in Tanzania are those operated by DTB, KCB and Ecobank. Stanbic Bank, NBC, NMB Bank and Absa also accept foreign cards, though they charge higher fees.
From traveller experience specifically in Dar es Salaam and Arusha: CRDB Bank ATMs were the most consistent for international Visa cards with no strange error messages and no forced dynamic currency conversion. Standard Chartered and Stanbic Bank machines in Dar es Salaam worked every time. Stanbic at Julius Nyerere Airport gave a better exchange rate than currency exchange counters with a local fee of around 12,000 TZS. Avoid standalone ATMs outside mini markets — they often reject international cards or charge higher fees without warning.
ATM Practical Guide
| Bank | International cards | Withdrawal limit | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRDB Bank | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | 400,000 TZS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Stanbic Bank | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | 400,000–800,000 TZS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Standard Chartered | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | 400,000 TZS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good |
| NMB Bank | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | 400,000 TZS | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| NBC | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | 400,000 TZS | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Ecobank | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | 400,000 TZS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Airport ATMs | Visa + Mastercard ✓ | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐ Convenient but higher fees |
Key ATM rules:
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise per-transaction fees
- Use ATMs inside bank branches or secure shopping centres — not standalone machines
- There are no ATMs in national parks — withdraw cash before any safari
- Notify your bank before travel or your card will be blocked on first use
- Keep your bank’s international emergency number saved — not just the local number
ATM Locations by City
Dar es Salaam — CRDB and Stanbic ATMs throughout Msasani, Masaki and the city centre. Slipway Shopping Centre has reliable ATMs. Julius Nyerere Airport arrivals hall has Stanbic ATM — use it on arrival for a competitive rate.
Arusha — CRDB inside Shoprite complex is the most reliable. NMB and Stanbic on Haile Selassie Road. Withdraw before heading to any national park or Ngorongoro.
Zanzibar — ATMs in Stone Town at NBC, CRDB and NMB. ATMs in Zanzibar can sometimes run out of cash especially during peak tourist season. Withdraw in DSM before taking the ferry if possible. The east coast has very limited ATM coverage.
Cards — Where They Are Accepted
In major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar, credit card acceptance is relatively common. Hotels, restaurants and many shops accept Visa and Mastercard. Many places add a 3 to 5 per cent surcharge for card payments. Rural areas and remote regions rely heavily on cash.
| Location type | Cards accepted? | Best payment |
|---|---|---|
| International hotels (4–5 star) | ✅ Yes — Visa/Mastercard | Card or USD |
| Mid-range restaurants (Msasani) | ✅ Usually | Card or TZS |
| Fan zones | ❌ Rarely | Cash TZS |
| Street food vendors | ❌ No | Cash TZS |
| Bolt / Uber | ✅ App payment | Card via app |
| Kariakoo and local markets | ❌ No | Cash TZS |
| Beach vendors | ❌ No | Cash TZS |
| Supermarkets (Shoprite, Nakumatt) | ✅ Yes | Card or TZS |
| Unlicensed taxis | ❌ No | Cash TZS — agree before |
Mobile Money — M-Pesa and Mixx by Yas
Tanzania has one of the most advanced mobile money ecosystems in Africa. M-Pesa (Vodacom) and Mixx by Yas (formerly Tigo Pesa) dominate the market. Most Tanzanians pay for everything — utilities, taxis, food deliveries, small businesses — via mobile money.
For visiting AFCON 2027 fans, mobile money is less immediately useful unless you have a Tanzanian SIM registered in your name. However it is worth knowing about because:
- Some local businesses, guesthouses and vendors will prefer M-Pesa payment over cash
- If you buy a local SIM on arrival you can set up M-Pesa — useful for longer stays
- Your Tanzanian hotel contact or guide may share their M-Pesa number for deposits
For the full guide on which SIM to buy see our Tanzania SIM card guide.
Where to Exchange Currency
Currency exchange in Tanzania is commonly done through licensed forex bureaus which offer more competitive rates than banks especially for USD, EUR and GBP. These are widely available in Dar es Salaam particularly in the city centre and near ferry terminals, and in Zanzibar Stone Town and at the airport.
| Exchange option | Rate quality | Convenience | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed forex bureau (city centre) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best rates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | ✅ Best option |
| Bank (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good rates | ⭐⭐⭐ Slower | ✅ Reliable |
| ATM withdrawal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good rates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy | ✅ Convenient |
| Airport forex bureau | ⭐⭐ Poor rates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very convenient | 🟡 Small amount only |
| Hotel exchange | ⭐ Worst rates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy | ❌ Avoid |
| Street exchange | Varies — scam risk | N/A | ❌ Never |
Practical tip: Exchange a small amount at the airport on arrival for immediate expenses — transport to hotel, SIM card, first meal. Then find a licensed forex bureau in the city centre for the bulk of your exchange at a better rate.
How Much Cash to Bring — AFCON 2027 Daily Budget
Based on current TZS prices across all three host cities, here is a realistic daily cash budget for AFCON 2027 fans:
| Expense | Budget option | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street food lunch | 3,000–5,000 TZS | 8,000–15,000 TZS | 20,000–40,000 TZS |
| Sit-down dinner | 10,000–20,000 TZS | 30,000–60,000 TZS | 80,000–150,000 TZS |
| Cold beer (local bar) | 2,000–4,000 TZS | 4,000–8,000 TZS | 8,000–15,000 TZS |
| Bolt ride (within city) | 5,000–15,000 TZS | 15,000–30,000 TZS | 30,000–50,000 TZS |
| Water bottle | 500–1,000 TZS | 1,000–2,000 TZS | 2,000 TZS |
| SIM card + 10GB data | 13,000–20,000 TZS | One-time cost | One-time cost |
| Daily cash total | 25,000–50,000 TZS | 60,000–120,000 TZS | 150,000–300,000 TZS |
| USD equivalent | $10–20 | $23–46 | $58–115 |
Match day extra cash: Budget an additional 30,000 to 80,000 TZS ($12–31 USD) on match days for fan zone entry, snacks and drinks at the stadium area.
Tipping in Tanzania
Tipping is customary in Tanzania especially on safari. Tips are a significant part of staff income and are best given in USD or TZS. Tip at the end of your safari or climb.
| Service | Suggested tip (TZS) | USD equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 5,000–15,000 TZS | $2–6 | If no service charge included |
| Hotel porter | 2,000–5,000 TZS | $1–2 | Per bag |
| Taxi / Bolt driver | 2,000–5,000 TZS | $1–2 | For good service |
| Safari guide (per day) | $15–20 USD | $15–20 | Per person per day — USD preferred |
| Hotel housekeeping | 3,000–5,000 TZS | $1–2 | Per day |
| Fan zone / bar staff | Not expected | — | Rounding up appreciated |
Money Safety Tips
- Split your cash — never carry everything in the same pocket or bag. Keep a reserve in your hotel safe.
- Use a money belt for your main cash and cards when in crowded areas like Kariakoo Market or the ferry terminal
- Post-2009 USD notes only — older notes are widely refused. Check your bills before leaving home.
- Crisp notes only — torn, taped or very worn USD notes will be refused at many forex bureaus and businesses
- Keep exchange receipts — you may need them to convert TZS back to USD at the end of your trip
- Agree taxi prices before getting in — unlicensed taxis quote high to tourists. Bolt fixes the price before you ride.
- Never exchange on the street — street changers use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists. Always use licensed bureaus.
Quick Reference — Money Cheat Sheet for AFCON 2027
| Item | TZS | USD | KES | UGX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 3,000–8,000 | $1–3 | 130–390 | 3,750–10,000 |
| Cold beer (local) | 2,000–4,000 | $0.80–1.60 | 100–200 | 2,500–5,000 |
| Bolt ride (short) | 5,000–15,000 | $2–6 | 260–780 | 7,500–22,500 |
| Nyama choma (portion) | 5,000–12,000 | $2–5 | 260–620 | 7,500–15,000 |
| Water bottle (500ml) | 500–1,000 | $0.20–0.40 | 26–52 | 750–1,500 |
| Zanzibar pizza | 2,000–4,000 | $0.80–1.60 | 100–200 | 2,500–5,000 |
| SIM card + 10GB data | 13,000–21,000 | $5–8 | 650–1,030 | 19,500–30,000 |
| Ferry DSM–Zanzibar (return) | 93,000–132,500 | $35–50 | 4,500–6,500 | 131,000–188,000 |
| ATM withdrawal fee | ~12,000 | ~$5 | ~620 | ~9,000 |
Exchange rates used: 1 USD = 2,600 TZS · 1 USD = 129 KES · 1 USD = 3,750 UGX. Check current rates before travel at xe.com.
For the complete AFCON 2027 Tanzania budget guide covering flights, accommodation and tickets visit our full cost guide. For practical info on visas, health and emergency numbers visit our practical info page. For SIM cards and mobile data visit our SIM card guide.
Exchange rates and ATM information based on verified sources as of June 2026. Rates and fees change — always check current rates before travel and notify your bank before departing.