Currency In Zanzibar: A Guide To Tanzania Shillings (Tzs) : Hello! Are you planning a trip to the Zanzibar archipelago soon? Are you seeking information on Zanzibar’s monetary system? You are in the proper location. Before you travel, this article will provide all the information you need to know about Zanzibar’s currency. If you want to know how much your money is worth in the country you are visiting, it is crucial to be familiar with the local currency.
Where can I do currency exchanges? What is the commission amount? Where are the banks? Is it secure? These are some of the Questions travelers often have upon arrival in Zanzibar. While it might be challenging to purchase Tanzanian shillings in Europe or America, the majority of tourists purchase local currency when they arrive in Tanzania or Zanzibar. We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry. You can read here to learn everything you need to know about money before traveling to Zanzibar.
With the help of this information, you will be able to plan your trip to the Zanzibar Islands and learn about the standard exchange rates, exchange offices, banks, and ATMs. The tropical East African island of Zanzibar sits close off the coast of Tanzania. On the Tanzanian mainland, Zanzibar may be reached in just one and a half hours by boat or in 20 minutes by plane via Dar es Salaam’s Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport.
THE LOCAL CURRENCY OF ZANZIBAR – TANZANIA SHILLINGS (TZS)
Tanzania shilling is the name of the indigenous currency in Zanzibar (TZS). The United Republic of Tanzania, which includes both the Zanzibar Islands and Tanzania’s mainland, is made up of two independent nations that make up Tanzania (TZS).
In 1966, the East African shilling was replaced by the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), which is now the official currency of the United Republic of Tanzania. Additionally, both the Zanzibar Islands and the Tanzanian mainland recognize the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) as their official national bank and fiscal agent.
The Central Bank of Tanzania (BOT) issues a variety of banknotes for Tanzania, including those for 10,000 TZS, 5,000 TZS, 2000 TZS, 1,000 TZS, and 500 TZS. These notes all include various images and colors that make it very easy for you to recognize the money. Due to coins replacing the 500 TZS note, it is rarely seen.

Tanzania’s currency, like those of other nations, includes a variety of coins that are in use. 50, 100, 200, and 500 TZS coins are available. The first 500 coins are silver, and the rest are copper.
COMMON EXCHANGE RATES FOR CURRENCY IN TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR ISLAND
- 1 USD = 2300 TZS
- 1 EUR = 2600 TZS
- 1 GBP = 2900 TZS
- 1 ZAR = 147 TZS
- 1 CHF = 2450 TZS
- Please make sure to check updated rates if you are traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar, to make your vacation easy.
ATMs AND AVAILABLE BANKS IN ZANZIBAR
The majority of Zanzibar’s tourist attractions have access to ATMs and banks. If you wish to stay somewhere convenient for getting banking services, consider Stone Town, Nungwi Beach, Kiwengwa, or Paje Beach.
But Stone Town is the best location in Zanzibar for quick access to banking services. You can simply take a taxi from your hotel to Stone Town and back when you withdraw your money and when you’re staying away from Stone Town.
HERE IS A LIST OF AVAILABLE BANKS IN ZANZIBAR:
- The People’s Bank of Zanzibar
- Absa Bank Tanzania
- CRDB Bank
- EQUITY Bank Tanzania
- NMB Bank
- KCB Bank
- Exim Bank
- Diamond Trust Bank
ZANZIBAR CURRENCY EXCHANGE OFFICES
Exchange currency from Zanzibar Airport: Soon after completing the visa application process, you can exchange currency at the Zanzibar Airport. The banks at the airport include CRDB Bank and PBZ Bank.
Exchange currency in Stone Town, Zanzibar: The Post Office on Shangani Street in Stone Town also offers currency exchange services. Located adjacent to the Memories of Zanzibar store and the Freddie Mercury Home. Book our Stone Town walking tour if you wish to see the city with a guide.
DOES ZANZIBAR HAVE A CENTRAL BANK?
The People’s Bank of Zanzibar (PBZ), which is owned by the Zanzibar government, and the Bank of Tanzania (BOT), which serves as the country of Tanzania’s central bank, are both financial institutions.
MAXIMUM WITHDRAWAL AT ATMs IN ZANZIBAR
The most/maximum amount of money that can be withdrawn is 400, 000 TZS, or about $172. Except for the KCB bank in Stone Town, which has an ATM and doesn’t charge any additional fees, other ATMs charge a withdrawal fee.
Once your daily withdrawal cap is reached, you can continue using your credit card (VISA, MasterCard, etc.). You might need to use different ATMs because they frequently run out of cash quickly. Debit and credit cards are accepted at the airport’s NMB ATM! If you intend to go to the mainland, I advise using an ATM in Arusha, Moshi, or Dar es Salaam to get cash.
WHICH CURRENCY SHOULD I USE IN ZANZIBAR?
We strongly advise carrying USD if you’re visiting Zanzibar to make life easier. During your visit to Zanzibar, you’ll most likely need USD for tourist services like airport transfers, day trips, excursions, and shopping. In order to ensure that you won’t run into any problems with the cash, you may also swap them for Tanzanian shillings (TZS).
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD YOU CARRY FOR ZANZIBAR?
Depending on how you plan to use your holiday, you should pack a certain amount of cash. But, to give you a general sense, you can see below a rough estimate of the various costs associated with tourists’ daily expenses.
Low Budget (Around 40 USD to 50 USD)
- Budget accommodation: $15-$20
- Street foods: $16
- Others like site entrances: $15
- Total: 46 USD–51 USD/105,800 TZS–117,300 TZS
Medium Budget (150 USD to 200 USD)
- Mid-range Hotels & Lodges: $50-$70
- Tours & Activities: $75
- Meals: $45
- Total: 170 USD–190 USD/391,000 TZS–437,000 TZS
High Budget/Luxuries (400 USD to 1,300 USD)
- Five-star luxury hotels and resorts: $200-$700
- Tours & Activities: $300
- Meals: most of the time, they are inclusive!
- Total: 500 USD–1,000 USD/1,150,000 TZS–2,300,000 TZS