Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ATMS
»ATMs are widespread in major towns, and all are open 24 hours. But, they are often tem-
porarily out of service or out of cash, so have back-up funds. All allow you to withdraw
shillings with a Visa (most widely accepted) or MasterCard. Withdrawals are usually to a
maximum of Tsh300,000 to Tsh400,000 per transaction (ATMs in small towns often have
a limit of Tsh200,000 per transaction) with a daily limit of Tsh1.2 million (less in small
towns). Some machines also accept cards linked to the Cirrus/Maestro/Plus networks.
Main operators include:
Barclays
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Tanga
CRDB
Major towns
Exim
Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza, Tanga
National Bank of Commerce
In major towns countrywide
Stanbic
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya
Standard Chartered
Branches in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza
»In large cities, lines at ATM machines on Friday afternoons are notoriously long so take
care of your banking before then.
»If your ATM withdrawal request is rejected (no matter what reason the machine gives), it
could be for something as simple as requesting above the allowed transaction amount for
that particular machine; it's always worth trying again.
BLACK MARKET
There's essentially no black market for foreign currency. You can assume that the frequent
offers you'll receive on the street to change at high rates are a set-up.
CASH
US dollars, followed by euros, are the most convenient foreign currencies and get the best
rates, although other major currencies are readily accepted in major centres. Bring a mix of
large and small denominations, but note that US$50 and US$100 note bills get better rates
of exchange than smaller denominations.
Old-style (small head) US bills are not accepted
anywhere, and many places only accept bills dated 2006 or later.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards, mainly Visa, are essential for withdrawing money at ATMs. And, a Visa
(MasterCard is also sometimes accepted) together with your PIN is required for paying
park fees at some national parks. For payment, some upmarket hotels and tour operators
accept credit cards, often with a commission averaging from 5% to 10%. However many
don't, so always confirm in advance if you are planning to pay with a card.
