The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling, not to be confused with the Kenyan and Ugandan shillings, which are different currencies. The written abbreviation of the Tanzanian shilling is either TSh or /=. Notes are 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 TSh, while coins are 50, 10, and 20 TSh, but these are virtually worthless and rarely used. Tanzanian shillings can be used to pay for most things, though only U.S. dollars are accepted by airlines and for national park entry fees, ferry tickets to Zanzibar and the other islands, and departure taxes at the airport ($30 from Dar es Salaam and $25 from Zanzibar). The exchange rate has been pretty steady against the U.S. dollar in recent years and at press time it was about 1,240TSh to $1. For an up-to-date currency converter, go to www.xe.com/ucc.
Currency Exchange -- Cash and traveler's checks can be exchanged at the major banks, money exchange houses, and some hotels. Both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar's airports have exchange services that open to meet all incoming flights. The easiest currencies to exchange are U.S. dollars, British pounds, and euros. Do not change money on the black market; it is illegal and you risk going to a jail or being swindled.
ATMs -- The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). Most banks in Tanzania have ATMs, but remember in remote regions they are few and far between.
Credit Cards -- Credit cards are a safe alternative to cash. They are widely accepted in hotels, souvenir stores, and upscale restaurants, and can be used to pay for safaris. If you're buying trinkets in a market or cigarettes at the corner kiosk, expect to pay in cash.
