Can I use credit cards everywhere?

No. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels, large safari companies, and high-end restaurants in cities. Always have cash for local markets and small shops.

Are mobile payments common?

Yes, M-Pesa is very common for locals. As a tourist, it is difficult to set up, so stick to physical cash.

Should I exchange money at the airport?

Only exchange a small amount (50 USD) at the airport to get you to your accommodation. City ATMs offer much better rates.

Managing Money in Tanzania: A Practical Guide

Carry a mix of crisp, post-2009 US dollars for tips and excursions, and a Visa debit card for withdrawing Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) at ATMs. Always keep your cash in a secure money belt, as card acceptance outside of high-end hotels and urban centers is extremely limited.

Get crisp USD bills. Banks in Tanzania refuse US dollar bills printed before 2009 or bills with any tears, ink marks, or creases. Request 'pristine' bills from your home bank before leaving.
Prioritize ATM withdrawals. Use ATMs in major cities like Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Stone Town to withdraw Tanzanian Shillings. Choose 'decline conversion' on the ATM screen to ensure you get a better exchange rate from your home bank.
Keep a daily cash budget. Exchange rates fluctuate. Withdraw only what you need for 3-4 days at a time to avoid having large amounts of local currency left over, which is difficult to convert back to USD at the airport.
Carry small denominations. You will need 1, 5, and 10 USD bills for tipping guides, porters, and drivers. Shopkeepers in markets will rarely have change for 50 or 100 USD bills.

Can I use credit cards everywhere?: No. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels, large safari companies, and high-end restaurants in cities. Always have cash for local markets and small shops.
Are mobile payments common?: Yes, M-Pesa is very common for locals. As a tourist, it is difficult to set up, so stick to physical cash.
Should I exchange money at the airport?: Only exchange a small amount (50 USD) at the airport to get you to your accommodation. City ATMs offer much better rates.