Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXCHANGING MONEY
»Change cash at banks or foreign exchange (forex) bureaus in major towns and cities; rates
and commissions vary, so shop around.
»Forex bureaus are usually quicker, less bureaucratic and open longer hours than banks,
although most smaller towns don't have them. They also tend to accept a wider range of
currencies than banks.
»The most useful bank for foreign exchange is NBC, with branches throughout the country.
Countrywide, banks and forex bureaus are closed from noon on Saturday until Monday
morning.
»To reconvert Tanzanian shillings to hard currency, save at least some of your exchange
receipts, although they are seldom checked. The easiest places to reconvert currency are
at the airports in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, or try at forex shops or banks in major
towns.
»For after-hours exchange and exchanging in small towns, as well as for reconverting back
to dollars or euros, many Indian-owned businesses will change money, although often at
bad rates.
»In theory, it's required for foreigners to pay for accommodation, park fees, organised
tours, upscale hotels and the Zanzibar ferries in US dollars, though (with the exception
of some parks, where Visa card or US dollars are required) shillings are accepted almost
everywhere at the going rate.
TAXES
Tanzania has an 18% value-added tax (VAT) that's usually included in quoted prices.
TIPPING
»Tipping is generally not practised in small, local establishments, especially in rural areas.
In major towns and in places frequented by tourists, tips are expected.
»Some top-end places include a service charge in the bill. Otherwise, depending on the
situation, either rounding out the bill or adding about 10% is standard practice, assuming
that the service warrants it.
»On treks and safaris, it's common practice to tip drivers, guides, porters and other staff.
For guidelines,
Click here
for safaris and
Click here
and
Click here
for treks.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Travellers cheques can be cashed with difficulty in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mwanza,
but not at all or with even greater difficulty elsewhere. Exchange rates are lower than for
cash, and most hotels and safari operators won't accept them as direct payment. Most banks
and forex bureaus that accept travellers cheques require you to show the original purchase
receipt before exchanging the cheques. Most banks (but not forex bureaus) charge com-
missions ranging from 0.5% of the transaction amount (at NBC) to more than US$40 per
