The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling – TSH or / = It comes in denominations of: 10,000; 5,000; and 1,000 notes

Rates fluctuate considerably and also fluctuate within the country, becoming higher in more remote areas. In the past several years the rate has gone from 900 TSH to 2200+ TSH per one US dollar.

You can exchange currency at most hotels and lodges as well as banks and bureaux de changes in Arusha. US dollars are preferred and almost anything in Tanzania can be purchased with US currency. Bring plenty of small notes for tips and incidentals but fifties and hundreds get a better rate of exchange.

PLEASE NOTE: US bills must be issued after the year 2005 to be accepted in east Africa. Newer notes are always better.

Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Tanzania but there are often additional charges and high rates of exchange associated with their use. There are a few ATM machines in Arusha, Karatu, Dar es Saalam and Zanzibar but they are not always working so bring enough $US cash or traveller’s cheques for your needs whiles travelling with you.

Depending on your type of safari, most things are included in your trip, however, you may need to pay for:

• Gratuities
• Drinks and laundry at lodges
• Art or souvenirs, postcards etc
• Items from gift shops