Should I Bring Cash or Cards for My Trip to Tanzania?

Should I Bring Cash or Cards for My Trip to Tanzania?

When planning a trip to a new country, especially Tanzania, one important question often comes up: “Should I bring cash or cards for my trip?” This is a common concern for many travelers, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Both cash and cards have their advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bringing cash or cards to Tanzania. This will help you make an informed decision for a smoother, stress-free trip.

Cash in Tanzania

Tanzania, like many other countries, uses its own currency called the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). It’s important to know that while many places in Tanzania accept cards, there are still many areas where cash is the only option. Let’s explore why you might need to bring cash with you.

Why You Might Need Cash

1. Small shops and local markets – In many local markets, small shops, and street vendors, paying with a card is not possible. These businesses only accept cash. If you plan to explore markets in Dar es Salaam or other cities, it’s a good idea to carry some cash.
2. Remote areas – If you’re traveling to more remote locations, like certain safari destinations or rural villages, cash is often the only payment method. In these places, you may not find ATMs or card machines.
3. Tipping – Tipping is common in Tanzania, especially for safari guides, hotel staff, and restaurant workers. It’s often expected to be in cash, so you’ll need to have small notes available for tips.
4. Transportation – If you’re taking a local taxi or minibus, many drivers only accept cash. Even some bigger transportation services in towns and cities may not have card payment options.

How Much Cash Should You Bring?

It’s not necessary to bring a huge amount of cash, but it’s recommended to have enough to cover small purchases, tips, and transportation costs. Here’s how you can plan your cash needs:

• Daily expenses: Budget around 20,000 to 50,000 Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per day for casual shopping, food, and other small expenses.
• Safari trips: If you plan to go on a safari, you might need cash for park entry fees, guide tips, or souvenirs.
• Emergencies: Always carry some extra cash for unexpected situations or emergencies, especially if you’re traveling in rural areas.

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Where to Exchange Cash

If you’re bringing foreign currency, you can exchange it at several places:

• Banks: Major banks in Tanzania exchange foreign currency. However, the exchange rate at banks can sometimes be lower than what you find at exchange counters or hotels.
• Hotels: Some hotels offer currency exchange services, but again, the rates may not be the best.
• Currency exchange bureaus: These are often found in larger cities like Dar es Salaam. They tend to offer better rates than banks and are a good option.
• ATMs: ATMs are widely available in cities, especially in tourist areas, but keep in mind that the fees for ATM withdrawals can be high.

Safety Tips for Carrying Cash

Carrying large amounts of cash can be risky, so it’s important to take precautions:

• Keep cash in multiple places: Store cash in different places, like a wallet, a money belt, or a safe in your hotel room. Don’t keep it all in one spot.
• Avoid flashing cash: When walking around, avoid displaying large amounts of cash. This helps keep you safe from theft.
• Use small amounts for purchases: When paying, try to use small amounts of cash at a time to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Cards in Tanzania

Using credit or debit cards in Tanzania is becoming more common, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, not all businesses accept cards, so it’s important to know when and where you can use them.

Advantages of Using Cards

1. Convenience – Cards are very convenient and allow you to carry less cash. You don’t have to worry about counting money or exchanging cash during your trip.
2. Safety – Carrying a card is safer than carrying large amounts of cash. If you lose your card, you can report it to the bank and block any unauthorized transactions.
3. More widespread in urban areas – In bigger cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha, many hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards. You can even use cards in some high-end safaris, hotels, and tourist spots.
4. ATMs – There are ATMs in major cities where you can withdraw cash if you need it. These ATMs accept international debit and credit cards, so you won’t be stuck without access to money.

Where Can You Use Cards?

You can use cards in the following places:

• Large hotels and resorts – International hotel chains and luxury lodges typically accept cards, especially in major tourist areas like Zanzibar, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
• Restaurants and cafes – Some restaurants, especially in the big cities, accept cards. But it’s still safer to carry cash in case the card machine isn’t working.
• Shops and malls – High-end stores in cities and malls may accept cards, but street vendors and local shops usually do not.

Fees for Using Cards

While using cards may be convenient, keep in mind the potential fees:

• Foreign transaction fees – Many banks charge foreign transaction fees for using your card overseas.
• ATM withdrawal fees – Withdrawing cash from an ATM with your card may come with additional fees, especially if you’re using an international card.

Risks of Using Cards

Despite the advantages, using cards in Tanzania has some risks:

• Limited acceptance – As mentioned, many small businesses and rural areas do not accept cards.
• Skimming and fraud – Just like anywhere in the world, credit card fraud is a concern. Always use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas, and avoid letting your card out of sight when making purchases.

How to Plan for Your Tanzania Trip: Cash vs. Cards

So, should you bring cash or cards? The best answer is: bring both! This way, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of situations. Here’s a simple guide to planning:

• Bring cash for small purchases, tips, and rural areas – Cash is important, especially for places that don’t accept cards. Carry enough cash to cover daily expenses, tips, and emergency costs.
• Use cards for large transactions in urban areas – Cards are useful for bigger purchases in cities, such as hotels, restaurants, and some shops.
• Keep both cash and cards safe – Store them in separate locations to avoid losing everything in case of theft or loss.

Conventional Tips

• Plan your budget carefully: Know how much cash you’ll need for the trip and try to avoid carrying more than necessary.
• Carry a mix of small and large bills: Having small bills will make it easier to pay for small purchases and tips. Having larger bills will help with bigger expenses like safari park entry fees.

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• Check with your bank: Let your bank know you’re traveling abroad to avoid any issues with card payments.
• Look for card-friendly destinations: Major cities and tourist areas are usually the best places to use cards.

Need Help with Your Tanzania Safari?

Planning a safari in Tanzania can be overwhelming, but we can help. Whether you’re visiting popular spots like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire, or looking for something more custom and off-the-beaten-path, Seko Tours can create a personalized experience that suits your needs. We specialize in tailor-made Tanzania safaris to make sure you get the most out of your adventure.

If you’re not sure whether you should bring cash or cards for your safari trip, don’t worry! Our team is here to help guide you through all the details, so you can focus on enjoying the beauty of Tanzania.