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 (≈1.10 EUR)
- Street food: 5,000-8,000 TZS (≈2-3 EUR)
- Cab Stone Town-Nungwi: 130,000 TZS (≈50 EUR)
- Safari Blue tour: 180,000 TZS (≈70 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:
✅ 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
✅ 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:
⚠️ Limitations:
- Accepted in some hotels/tours but less than USD
- TZS exchange rates slightly worse than USD
- Fewer ATMs dispense EUR
✅ 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:
✅ Essential for:
- Dala-dalas (local transportation)
- Street food
- Local markets
- Small shops/vendors
- Small tips
- Towns outside tourist areas
❌ 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 and 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 some activities 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.
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)
Diary1,200,000 TZS (450-500 USD) depending on your bank.
StrategyIf you need a large amount, make multiple withdrawals at different ATMs (each one charges a commission so minimize transactions).
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).
✅ Activate cards for international use
✅ Download currency conversion app (works offline)
✅ Notify your bank that you are traveling (avoid blockages).
✅ Get a card with no international fees if you do not have an international card
During the Zanzibar trip
✅ Change only what is necessary (avoid having too much TZS at the end).
Always carry mixed USD + TZS + cards.
✅ Keep foreign exchange receipts (just in case).
✅ Check daily rates in app (for better negotiation).
✅ 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.
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Full description
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