Money and duty free for Tanzania

Currency and Money

Currency information

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS; symbol TSh, or informally /=). Banknotes are in denominations of TSh 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of TSh 500, 200, and 100. TSh 50 is now rarely used. In Kiswahili, the currency is called shilingi, and prices are often written with the symbol "/=". For example, "100/=" is equivalent to TSh 100.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted in Tanzania, especially in major hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist areas. However, their use is less common in smaller towns or local establishments, where cash is often preferred. Visa is the most widely accepted card, followed by MasterCard.

ATM

ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns and accept major international cards. However, they often dispense larger denominations, typically TSh10,000 and TSh5,000 notes. While this is convenient for withdrawing larger amounts, it can be impractical for small purchases, as some vendors may struggle to provide change.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30; Sat 08:30-12:00.

Currency restrictions

Import regulations:

Local currency (Tanzanian Shilling – TZS): Residents of Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda may import TZS only up to the amount they previously exported. Non-residents cannot import Tanzanian Shillings.

Foreign currency: There are no restrictions on importing foreign currency. However, any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or its equivalent) must be declared to customs upon arrival.

Export regulations:

Local currency (Tanzanian Shilling – TZS): Residents of Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda may export up to TZS 1,000. Non-residents cannot export Tanzanian Shillings.

Foreign currency: There are no restrictions on exporting foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or its equivalent) must be declared upon departure.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange is available at banks, authorised forex bureaus, and major hotels. It is advisable to exchange money at official outlets rather than on the street. US dollars are widely accepted for larger transactions, particularly in the tourism sector, but notes must be kept relatively new and undamaged, as older series may be refused.

Tanzania duty free

Overview

Travellers aged 18 or older (excluding those returning from neighbouring countries) may bring the following duty-free allowances:

• Perfume and Eau de Toilette: Up to 500 ml, with no more than 125 ml can be perfume.
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco.
• Alcohol: 1L of alcoholic beverages.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, pornographic materials, counterfeit currency and goods, hazardous chemicals and toxic waste, used underwear, plastic carrier bags, and certain animal products and plants without proper certification.

Travellers should also be cautious with:
• Drones: often require special permission to import or use.
• Prescription medication: must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription to avoid confiscation or legal issues.
• Plastic carrier bags: these are banned in Tanzania, and travellers bringing them into the country may face fines or confiscation at the border. Eco-friendly alternatives should be used instead.

Banned Exports

Banned exports include national cultural artefacts and antiquities, certain protected plant species, and local currency by non-residents.

Prohibited exports include wildlife and products derived from wildlife (including ivory, skins, and trophies), precious stones and minerals.