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Daily travel budget Tanzania and best way to handle money

Tanzania is a cash-based economy. Tanzania's park entrance permits are paid by credit card, but all other expenses during your travels in Tanzania are mostly paid for in cash. You can withdraw money with your Visa card at the ATMs of all banks. But we also strongly recommend bringing additional Euros and US Dollars with you in cash, for unforeseen things. 

Tanzania is not a low-budget destination. But it is surely possible to enjoy a Tanzania road trip with a smaller pocket if you follow Roadtrip Africa's budget travel tips. 


Best way to handle money on your travels in Tanzania

Tanzania's park entrance permits are paid by credit card, but all other expenses during your travels in Tanzania are mostly paid for in cash. Also, fuel is paid in cash. 

Most restaurants, lodges or campsites do not accept foreign debit cards. Paying with foreign credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) is possible, but only at the more upmarket hotels and restaurants. 

ATMs are available in the bigger towns in Tanzania. Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered, Barclays and CRDB are your most reliable banks, accepting Maestro, MasterCard and Visa. Bring additional cards, as the daily uptake with a foreign card is limited at ATMs in Tanzania. 

We recommend bringing additional Euros or US Dollars with you in cash, for unforeseen circumstances. US Dollars and Euros can easily be changed to Tanzanian shillings at any Forex Bureau in most provincial towns. 

Tanzania is a cash economy. We strongly recommend bringing some additional Euros or US Dollars with you in cash for unforeseen things. This can easily be changed to Tanzanian Shillings at any Forex Bureau in most provincial towns. 

Best way to handle money on your travels in Tanzania

Average costs for hotels, food and drinks in Tanzania

The cost of a litre of petrol fluctuates. The best thing is to Google for the most up-to-date fuel price. 

Eating out in Tanzania is cheap. A three-course meal at a lodge inside a safari park is more expensive; expect to pay around 15-25 pp.  A 10% tip is considered high but received with gratitude. If you're happy with the service, please be generous. Tips are equally shared among all staff at most places.

When staying at a lodge inside a national park or conservancy, the price category is roughly the following:

  • Budget: up to USD 150 for a double room (BB)
  • Mid-range: up to USD 400 for a double room (BB)
  • High-end: beyond USD 400 (Full Board)

You can find plenty of budget and mid-range guesthouses and hotels outside of the national parks at a much lower rate. 

Average costs for hotels, food and drinks in Tanzania

Tips for visiting Tanzania on a budget

Tanzania is not a low-budget destination. But it is surely possible to enjoy a Tanzania road trip with a smaller pocket if you follow our budget travel tips:

  • Renting a RAV4 is much cheaper than renting a Landcruiser. 
  • Camping is a great way to save on accommodation costs and can cost as little as $ 5/ night if you stay at a campground outside of the protected areas. Almost every campsite is plotted and reviewed in the free app iOverlander. 
  • The Usambara and Udzungwa Mountains are great low-budget destinations, and travelling along the Tanzanian coastline is cheaper than staying in Zanzibar.
  • Buy your groceries at the market, instead of going to the western supermarket, where prices can even be higher than back home. 
  • Eating in at your upmarket lodge or beach resort is considerably more expensive than eating out at a ( local) restaurant. 
  • Consider visiting Tanzania in the low season! From March to May, hotel rates drop 25-50%, and Roadtrip Africa's car rental rates are also lower.
Tips for visiting Tanzania on a budget