The currency of Zanzibar
Understanding the currency Zanzibar is essential for managing your budget and avoiding financial surprises on the island. Although the official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), Zanzibar operates a dual currency system where the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and even preferred for tourist transactions, while the Shilling is used for small local purchases. This comprehensive guide explains everything about currency in Tanzania specifically for Zanzibar: what currency to bring, where to exchange money, how to use ATMs, whether credit cards work, actual exchange rates, hidden fees, budgeting in different currencies and practical tips for managing your money safely and efficiently on the Spice Island.
The official currency of Zanzibar: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Basic Zanzibar currency information
Official Name: Tanzanian Shilling (Tanzanian Shilling)
ISO Code: TZS
Symbol: TSh o /=
Subdivision: 100 senti (rarely used, inflation made them obsolete)
Banknotes in circulation500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 TZS.
Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 TZS (rarely seen, little practical use)
Current (2025) exchange rate of the Zanzibar currency
1 EUR = 2,650-2,750 TZS (varies daily)
1 USD = 2,500-2,600 TZS
1 GBP = 3,150-3,250 TZS
Practical example:
- Local beer: 3.000 TZS (โ1.10 EUR)
- Street food: 5,000-8,000 TZS (โ2-3 EUR)
- Cab Stone Town-Nungwi: 130,000 TZS (โ50 EUR)
- Safari Blue tour: 180,000 TZS (โ70 EUR)
ImportantExchange rates fluctuate. Check current rates before traveling at Xe.com or conversion apps.
Tanzanian banknotes: how to identify them
Each banknote has a distinctive color and shows Tanzanian fauna:
- 500 TZS (brown): African buffalo
- 1,000 TZS (green): Elephant
- 2,000 TZS (blue): Lion
- 5,000 TZS (purple): Rhinoceros
- 10,000 TZS (red): Giraffe and Mount Kilimanjaro
CouncilFamiliarize yourself with banknotes to avoid confusion. Tourists often confuse 1,000 with 10,000 TZS (10x difference).
Which currency to take to Zanzibar: USD vs EUR vs TZS
United States Dollars (USD) - THE BEST CHOICE:
โ Advantages:
- Widely accepted in hotels, tours, tourist restaurants, etc.
- Better exchange rates than EUR
- You can pay directly without changing
- ATMs dispense USD at some locations
โ Which USD bills to carry:
- Post-2013 bills only (with blue safety stripe)
- Old banknotes often rejected for fear of counterfeiting
- Preferable bills 50 and 100 USD (better rate than 1, 5, 10, 20)
- Clean banknotes, without tears or marks
Euros (EUR) - SECONDARY OPTION:
โ ๏ธ Limitations:
- Accepted in some hotels/tours but less than USD
- TZS exchange rates slightly worse than USD
- Fewer ATMs dispense EUR
โ When it worksIf you are traveling from Europe and you already have EUR, you can use it in main tourist places, but you will have more flexibility changing to USD or TZS.
Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) - REQUIRED FOR LOCALS:
โ Essential for:
- Dala-dalas (local transportation)
- Street food
- Local markets
- Small shops/vendors
- Small tips
- Towns outside tourist areas
โ NOT required for:
- Hotels
- Organized Tours
- Tourist restaurants
- Cabs (accept USD but give TZS if you have them)
Where to exchange money in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, there are several options for exchanging foreign currency for Tanzanian shillings. One option is to use ATMs, which can be found in most tourist areas, including Stone Town andย Nungwi.
Currency can also be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices in Stone Town and other tourist sites. It is important to check exchange rates and commissions before making any transactions.
It is possible that someย activitiesย if you book there you will be asked for cash. If you want to save this cash you can book before arriving to the island.
On the island of Zanzibar you can enjoy an infinity of activities that will make you enjoy everything the island has to offer to the fullest.ย
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Zanzibar
Locations
Stone Town:
- Multiple ATMs on main streets: Kenyatta Road, Shangani Street
- Banks: CRDB, NBC, Stanbic
- 24/7 availability (some)
Nungwi:
- 3-4 ATMs in center
- Some large hotels have private ATMs
Kendwa:
- 1-2 ATMs (not always reliable)
Pageboy:
- 2-3 ATMs on main street
Jambiani/Matemwe/other remote areas:
- Scarce or nonexistent ATMs
- Plan ahead
Withdrawal limits
Per transaction: 400.000-600.000 TZS (150-230 USD)
Diary: Generalmente 1.200.000 TZS (450-500 USD) segรบn tu banco
Strategy: Si necesitas cantidad grande, haz mรบltiples retiros en ATMs diferentes (cada uno cobra comisiรณn asรญ que minimiza transacciones)
Tips for exchanging money in Zanzibar
To avoid scams and frauds, it is important to exchange money in reliable places, such as banks and licensed currency exchange offices. It is also recommended to carry Euros in cash, as it is widely accepted in Zanzibar.
It is important to carry a sufficient amount of cash when visiting remote areas of the island, as there may not be ATMs or places to exchange foreign currency.
The Tanzanian shilling is the currency used in Zanzibar. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, currency exchange offices and ATMs in tourist areas. It is important to check exchange rates and commissions before making any transactions. To avoid scams, it is advisable to exchange money in reliable places and to carry a sufficient amount of cash when visiting remote areas of the island. And I think you have all the information you need to travel and enjoy Zanzibar without any problems. Enjoy Zanzibar!
Before traveling to Zanzibar
Order USD cash at your bank (new bills, post-2013).
โ Activate cards for international use
โ Download currency conversion app (works offline)
โ Notify your bank that you are traveling (avoid blockages).
โ Get a card with no international fees if you do not have an international card
During the Zanzibar trip
โ Change only what is necessary (avoid having too much TZS at the end).
Always carry mixed USD + TZS + cards.
โ Keep foreign exchange receipts (just in case).
โ Check daily rates in app (for better negotiation).
โ Always have small bills (tips, give-give).
Leaving Zanzibar
- Spend remaining TZS at airport (souvenirs, food)
- You cannot easily exchange TZS back to USD/EUR outside Tanzania.
- Some airports accept TZS in duty free
- Keep some banknotes as souvenirs
Frequently asked questions about Zanzibar currency
Which currency should I bring to Zanzibar: euros or dollars?
U.S. dollars (USD) are significantly better than Euros for Zanzibar. USD is the most widely accepted foreign currency in hotels, tours and tourist restaurants, with better exchange rates than EUR (difference 2-3%). The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) but USD works as a parallel currency in tourist areas. Carries post-2013 USD bills (with blue security stripe) in 50 and 100 USD denominations, as older or smaller bills have worse rates. You will also need TZS for small local purchases - get them from ATMs on arrival (better rate than changing cash). According to Lonely PlanetThe optimal combination is 60% USD cash + 40% TZS ATM withdrawals as needed.
Where is it best to exchange money in Zanzibar?
The automated teller machines (ATMs) offer the best real exchange rate to obtain Zanzibar currency (Tanzanian shilling), even counting commissions of 10,000-15,000 TZS (4-6 USD) per withdrawal. The exchange offices in Stone Town are second best with rates 1-2% worse than interbank. Avoid changing inTo maximize value: airport (5-10% worst rate), hotels (10-15% worst), or with street vendors (frequent scams). To maximize value: use bank cards without international fees (Revolut, Wise, N26), withdraw large amounts to minimize fixed fees, and compare rates between Stone Town exchange houses before exchanging. If you arrive with USD cash post-2013, many tourist establishments accept directly without the need to exchange. The currency in Tanzania circulates in a dual USD/TZS system that facilitates payments for tourists.
Do credit cards work in Zanzibar?
Credit cards work limited in Zanzibar. Accepted in3+ star hotels, resorts, major tourist restaurants and some large tour operators. NOT acceptedThe main attractions of the area are: inexpensive guesthouses, local restaurants, markets, transportation, small tours and most local services. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard; American Express very limited. Actual commissions: Merchants add 3-5% per card payment, plus your bank may charge 2-3% for international transaction = total 5-8% more expensive than cash. In addition, machines often "don't work" forcing cash payment. For Zanzibar, the strategy is: backup card for emergencies or large hotels, but plan to handle 70-80% of spending in cash (USD or TZS). Use card mainly for ATM withdrawals obtaining local Zanzibar currency.
"Mwani" means "seaweed" in Swahili, and in Zanzibar ๐น๐ฟ it is seen and appreciated as a gift from the ocean.
The Mwani Mamas (mwanizanzibar) farm and process seaweed, transforming it into ethically made skin-care products, with ingredients sourced from across the Continent.
๐ท | _nassder
What about a walk along Nungwi beach in Zanzibar? #zanzibar #nungwi #nungwibeach #paradise๐ด #instazanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #nungwi #beach #tanzania #tanzania๐น๐ฟ #realblue #visitzanzibar #shadesofblue #relax #vacation #paradise #instazanzibar #paradisebeach #freddymercury #home #crystalclear #nikond90
The next big thing yconaluxuryresort mitaa ya Uroa ๐ช๐พ๐ช๐พ๐ช๐พ
zipazanzibar
#exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibar #exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibarnow #zanzibar #zanzibarhotels #zanzibar๐น๐ฟ #zanzibarbeach
May you also be able to realize your dreams and those of your family! <3
Many people asked me for tips here about Zanzibar. I gathered some pictures and information here!
1. One of our boat trips. One of the most legal things to do around here.
2. A trip to see the sunset on a dhow - a traditional Zanzibar boat. A cheap and worthwhile trip.
3. Passeio de um dia todo de barco que fizemos com o boss.ladys_dhow_zanzibar aqui.
4. The hotel we are staying at was inaugurated in December. ร o zanzisoul_luxury_hotel Essa foto feita durante a marรฉ baixa.
5. Pรดr do sol no dhow.
6. Photo that I took with my own cell phone while people were walking through the center of Stone Town, a city considered a world heritage site by UNESCO).
7. One of the beaches we stopped by boat near Pungume Island. Incredible!
8. Totally Hakuna Matata around here!
9. Meu pai caรงando os palmeirenses de Zanzibar.
10. Hotel received people with this decoration on the bed.
11. My father's saga in search of a white shirt.
-
#africa #praia #aniversario #felizaniversario #pai #paiefilho #viagem #tanzania #zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #daddad #trip #dadandson #pais #filho #filho
Ever seen a palm tree like this? ๐คฏ
It's the world's most beautiful naturally twisted coconut tree ๐๐ด
๐ Found only at bezanzibar ๐๏ธ
Photo by: haannahfetzer
#zanzibar #vacations #palmtree #palmtrees #coconut #tropical #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarlife #africa #paradise #tanzania #tanzania
๐น๐ฟ Top 15 experiences you must try in Zanzibar ๐ด๐
Island life has never looked this good - white sand beaches, ocean adventures, and unforgettable culture. Here's what to add to your list ๐
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ถ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - white sands & sunset dreams! ๐๏ธ
๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - White sands & sunset dreams
๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ - Feed & swim with turtles.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ Iconic dining on a rock in the sea
๐ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Luxury, snorkeling & pure serenity
๐คฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Explore colorful reefs and marine life
๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฝ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ - A magical ocean encounter
๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Giant tortoises + beautiful sea views.
๐ข ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ - Gentle giants you`ll never forget.
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ - Paradise in the middle of the sea
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ป - History, spice & vibrant culture
๐คฟ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Dive into a whole new underwater world
โต ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ - Sail into golden hour in style
๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ - Fresh seafood & bold spices
๐ฅ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Music, fire dances & tradition.
Zanzibar isn't just a destination... it's a vibe.
Which one's at the top of your list?๐
Tag your travel partner and start dreaming! ๐โจ
#Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #ZanzibarIsland #ZanzibarBeach #TanzaniaTravel #IslandLife #BucketListDestinations #TravelReels #TropicalParadise #AfricanAdventure #AfricanAdventure
Zanzibar vibes๐๐๐
#zanzibarisland #zanzibar #tanzania๐น๐ฟ #tanzania #bestbeach #beachvacation #nugwibeach #paradisebeach #paradisebeach #paradisefound #totravelistolive #zanzibartravel #zanzibartanzania #zanzibarbeautiful #podroze #wakajki #prostozpodrozy #prostozpodrozy #polishtraveller #gdzienawakacje #zanzibardestination #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarofficial #mojepodrรณลผe #iamatraveller #kobietawpodrรณลผy #travelafrica #travelthroughtheworld #travelgirlsgo #shetravelz #bestplaces_togo #podrรณลผniczka
"insanlarฤฑ tanฤฑyฤฑnca anlฤฑyorsun,
Nuh'un neden gemiye hayvanlarฤฑ doldurdเธฤunu..."
Herkese gรผzel ve keyifli bir hafta diliyorum..๐๐
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibar #horses #zanzibarbeach #zanzibar #horses
Floating breakfast โค๏ธ
#zanzibar #zanzibatravel #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarlife #zanzibarTanzania #zanzibartanzania
๐น๐ฟZanzibar 2025
Sandies Baobab Beach
francorosso_official
alpitour
baobabzanzibar
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarisland #zanzibarlife #tanzania #cloudscape #tanzaniaunforgettable #tanzaniaunforgettable #sky_sultans #sky_collection #skypainters #sea #sealife #beach #beachvibes #alpitour #alpitourworld #francorosso #africa #francorosso #africa
#beachlife ๐ฆ๐๏ธโค๏ธ
#afrika #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #ะธะฝะดะธะนัะบะธะนะพะบะตะฐะฝ๐
๐น๐ฟ Top 15 experiences you must try in Zanzibar ๐ด๐
Island life has never looked this good - white sand beaches, ocean adventures, and unforgettable culture. Here's what to add to your list ๐
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ถ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - white sands & sunset dreams! ๐๏ธ
๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต - White sands & sunset dreams
๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ - Feed & swim with turtles.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ Iconic dining on a rock in the sea
๐ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Luxury, snorkeling & pure serenity
๐คฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Explore colorful reefs and marine life
๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฝ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ - A magical ocean encounter
๐ข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ - Giant tortoises + beautiful sea views.
๐ข ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ - Gentle giants you`ll never forget.
๐๏ธ ๐ก๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ - Paradise in the middle of the sea
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ป - History, spice & vibrant culture
๐คฟ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด - Dive into a whole new underwater world
โต ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ - Sail into golden hour in style
๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ - Fresh seafood & bold spices
๐ฅ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Music, fire dances & tradition.
Zanzibar isn't just a destination... it's a vibe.
Which one's at the top of your list?๐
Tag your travel partner and start dreaming! ๐โจ
#Zanzibar #ZanzibarTravel #ZanzibarIsland #ZanzibarBeach #TanzaniaTravel #IslandLife #BucketListDestinations #TravelReels #TropicalParadise #AfricanAdventure #AfricanAdventure
Stranded in Zanzibar, no rescue needed ๐๐๏ธ
#zanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibar๐น๐ฟ #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarbeautiful #sansibar #visitzanzibar #explorezanzibar #kendwa #kendwabeach #kendwabeach