The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (ISO code TZS, symbol TSh), issued by the Bank of Tanzania. It is the only official legal tender across mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar, and as of 2026 one US dollar is worth roughly 2,650 shillings. The shilling has served the country since 1966, and despite the popularity of US dollars in the tourism sector, the shilling is the money that powers everyday life for Tanzania's more than 65 million people.
What Money Is Used in Tanzania?
Tanzanians use the shilling for almost all domestic transactions: groceries, public transport, market purchases, rent, and wages are all quoted and paid in TSh. The shilling is divided in theory into 100 cents, but inflation long ago made the cent obsolete, so all prices today are expressed in whole shillings. Because of decades of gradual depreciation, even modest purchases involve thousands of shillings, which is why high-denomination banknotes dominate daily wallets.
Alongside physical cash, mobile money has become the dominant way ordinary Tanzanians move money. Services such as M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money let people send funds, pay bills, and buy goods with a basic phone, and these platforms reach far more people than traditional bank accounts do. For travelers, however, cash remains king, and visitors quickly learn to carry both shillings and US dollars.
Banknotes and Coins
The Bank of Tanzania issues a clear, colorful set of banknotes designed around national landmarks, wildlife, and the country's founding president. Each note carries text in both Swahili and English, reflecting Tanzania's two official languages.
- TSh 10,000: the highest denomination, green, featuring the Bank of Tanzania building.
- TSh 5,000: purple, with a mining and natural-resources theme.
- TSh 2,000: blue, showcasing Tanzania's iconic wildlife.
- TSh 1,000: red, honoring founding president Julius Nyerere.
- TSh 500: brown, with imagery tied to Zanzibar.
Coins circulate in smaller values such as 50, 100, 200, and 500 shillings, used mostly for change, transport fares, and small market items. The designs celebrate national symbols and animals, turning everyday currency into a pocket-sized tour of the country's identity.
History of the Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania was created in 1964 through the union of mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. Two years later, in 1966, the new nation introduced its own shilling to replace the East African Shilling, which had been shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika under colonial and early independence arrangements.
The early decades of the shilling were shaped by the socialist policies of President Julius Nyerere, whose program of ujamaa emphasized self-reliance and state-led development. Economic difficulties and high inflation eventually pushed Tanzania toward reform, and the liberalization of the 1990s opened the economy to foreign investment, trade, and a booming tourism industry. Zanzibar, although it keeps its own semi-autonomous government, has always used the same national shilling rather than a separate island currency.
Using Money as a Traveler
Tanzania is one of East Africa's premier destinations, home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the beaches of Zanzibar, so understanding how money works here is essential for a smooth trip. The country is heavily cash-based, and a few practical habits make a big difference:
- Bring US dollars for big-ticket items. National park entry fees, organized safaris, and many upscale hotels are priced and paid in US dollars. Carry crisp, recent bills (generally 2009 or newer), as worn or older notes are often refused.
- Use shillings for daily spending. Local restaurants, markets, street food, taxis, and small shops expect shillings, and paying in local currency usually gets you a fairer price.
- Plan around ATMs. Reliable machines exist in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other cities, but they can be scarce or out of service in rural areas, so withdraw enough cash before heading into the bush.
- Consider mobile money. If you have a local SIM, mobile money can be a convenient backup, though most short-term visitors rely on cash.
Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and tour operators but often carry a surcharge, so cash remains the most flexible option. For a deeper look at the country beyond its money, see our tanzania country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency symbol for Tanzania?
The Tanzanian shilling is abbreviated as TSh, and its international ISO code is TZS. Prices in shops and on menus are usually written with the TSh prefix or simply as a number followed by the word "shillingi" in Swahili.
Can I use US dollars in Tanzania?
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted for safaris, park fees, visas, and many hotels, and in the tourism sector they are sometimes preferred. For everyday purchases like meals, transport, and market goods, however, you will need Tanzanian shillings.
How many shillings are in a US dollar?
As of 2026, one US dollar is worth approximately 2,650 Tanzanian shillings. Exchange rates fluctuate, so check a current rate before you travel and when you exchange money.
Does Zanzibar use a different currency?
No. Although Zanzibar has its own semi-autonomous government within the United Republic of Tanzania, it uses the same Tanzanian shilling as the mainland, and US dollars are also commonly accepted there for tourist services.