What Currencies Are Used And Accepted In Zanzibar – Tanzania? Similar to the mainland, Zanzibar Island accepts Tanzanian shillings (TZS) as official currency. USD and EUR are also accepted, though they are not likely to be used for everyday market exchanges. Most lodges, hotels, and resorts in Zanzibar take credit cards, though most may impose a transaction fee. Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted.
It is recommended that you bring enough US cash with you if you are visiting Zanzibar. ATMs are rare in resort areas, but they are available in Stone Town and the airport. Upon arriving in Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania, most tourists opt to purchase local currency as it could be challenging to locate Tanzanian shillings in Europe or America.
In addition to notes for 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 shillings, there are coins for 50, 100, 200, and 500 shillings in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Supermarkets, markets, and eateries are among the many local enterprises that use local currency. The US dollar is the preferred currency in the travel sector. Hotels, tour companies, tipping guides, and even vendors of souvenirs will take Tanzanian shillings in addition to US dollars if that’s all you have. It is also crucial to remember that the majority of companies that do accept US cash won’t if it is damaged or wrinkled.
The US Dollar is the most favored form of payment on Zanzibar Island main safari attractions, while many items also accept payment in Tanzania Shilling, the regional currency, Euro, and British Pound. The South African Rand, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar are more currencies that have poor exchange rates but can be converted. All of them are universally accepted and are modifiable. Take as many US cash as you can on your trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar. The following payment methods are accepted in Zanzibar:
MasterCard, Visa, Cash, Debit cards.The exchange rate and any fees associated with ATM withdrawals will be shown on your bank statement. The bank sets the exchange rate at the relevant rate for that particular day. If you use one of the cash machines to withdraw some Tanzanian shillings before visiting another part of the island, you will receive the best value when paying for things on the island.
Using Credit Or Debit Cards On Zanzibar Island.
There are a few places that do take credit cards, but they all have a transaction fee that varies according on the amount of the transaction, from 5% to 20%. Most places still don’t take credit cards; you have to go to Stone Town to get cash, and then you have to pay for the transfer.
Although it takes a long time and is tiresome, you can also use your card to withdraw cash from the bank over the counter. American Express is accepted at a limited number of locations on Zanzibar Island, and it is accepted at a higher cost than other cards.
Travellers’ Cheques on Zanzibar Island.
Travellers’ checks are not as beneficial as credit cards at the few establishments that accept them (a few Stone Town Hotels and certain high-end resorts), as they incur fees ranging from 10% to 25%. Only to be used as a backup in an emergency on the island of Zanzibar. It is necessary to have your passport, the traveler’s checks, and the receipts from the store where you purchased the checks.
Precaution: Do Not Change Money On The Street.
Locals get better deals because they pay with their own money for everything. Since the currency is set and locals cannot profit from money conversion, anyone offering you a great exchange rate on the street is probably engaging in some sort of fraud.
Reject the depressing story that in return for your help, the locals require US dollars to visit a sick family on the mainland. Any foreign currency that a local owns must be reported.
In Zanzibar, money? Although not all of the banks in Zanzibar Town accept foreign bank accounts, there are a few that have ATMs. When transferring money, using approved bureaus de change is recommended.
Payment with Cash.
Officially, all accommodations in Zanzibar must be paid for in US dollars, hence rates for hotel rooms and other travel-related services are frequently given in this denomination. Paying with Tanzanian shillings, however, is almost always not a problem.
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. In addition to accommodation, many hotels additionally charge US dollars for food and drink, tours, and other services. US dollars are accepted for both rental vehicles and taxi fares. If you intend to buy in the villages, eat at neighborhood restaurants, or fill up your rented vehicle with petrol at petrol stations, you need have Tanzanian shillings with you.
The government of Zanzibar closed all of the exchange bureaus on the island some time ago. Currency exchange services are limited to the post office in Shangani, the local banks, and their recently opened exchange bureau sites. The exchange offices located in the arrivals and departures halls of the airport are open 24/7.
What Currencies Are Used And Accepted In Zanzibar – Tanzania? Zanzibar Atms.
The only Stone Town ATMs that are most useful for visitors are those affiliated with NBC, CRDB, and Diamond Trust Bank.
Atm Locations in Zanzibar.
The only payment methods accepted for Tanzanian Shillings are credit cards and cards with the Visa or MasterCard logos. The airport parking lot includes two ATMs, and there are a few more in Stone Town. An ATM can only be used to withdraw a maximum of 400,000 Tanzanian shillings. You can use your credit card for several purchases until the daily withdrawal limit is reached.
The UP gas station, which is near the police checkpoint, has an Absa ATM. The Petro Petrol station has an NMB ATM. The roundabout has two more ATMs (Exim and Moja/PBZ).
Nungwi: On the major road just outside of Nungwi, there is a Barclays ATM adjacent to the UP gas station.
Dunga: Between Dunga and Koani is an NMB ATM (central Zanzibar).
