Currency and cash
The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); dollars are also used. Cards are only accepted in some hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in big cities; ATMs are rare, capped (often 400,000 TZS per withdrawal) and sometimes empty at weekends. Do not change money on the street.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Tanzania, useful informationGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Tanzania
Accounts and mobile money
According to the World Bank (Global Findex, 2024 survey), 60% of adults have an account, at a bank or with mobile money, and 53% have a mobile money account (payments and transfers by phone). To open a mobile money account, ask the mobile operators which documents they require and what the fees are.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceWorld Bank, Global Findex 2025 database (accounts and mobile money, adults aged 15 and over)
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Tanzania, useful information · Source updated: September 24, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- Government of Canada, Travel advice: Tanzania · Source updated: October 1, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- World Bank, Global Findex 2025 database (accounts and mobile money, adults aged 15 and over) · Source updated: October 6, 2025 · Checked on October 2, 2026
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