Visas, Money and Travel in Tanzania

The Tanzanian currency is the Shilling it cannot beonce you start using your card in Tanzania.Visas
imported into the country and so it is necessaryare available in advance from Tanzanian
to bring foreign currency with you on safari. US$Embassies or they can be obtained on arrival at
Dollars are the best currency to take to Tanzaniaborder posts or airports. There is a departure tax
with the Euro or GB Pounds coming in second andfor Tanzania if you leave by air but this should be
third. US$ Dollars are bar far the safest optionincluded in the price of your ticket.It can be
with larger notes US$50 and US$100 offering aexpensive to fly into Kilimanjaro airport especially
better rate of exchange. The lower denominationsin high season. It is usually a cheaper option to fly
are not popular with the US$1 being difficult tointo Nairobi airport and transfer countries via the
get rid of except as a tip. If you intend to paybus-shuttles that travel to Arusha via the
for a safari with cash then pay in largeNamanga border post. At Nairobi airport purchase
dominations to avoid a possible penalty.Travellersa transit visa this costs US$20 and will last
checks are accepted by banks and bureaus, theybetween five and seven days. All visas obtained
attract a lower rate of exchange and can be a biton arrival in Kenya and Tanzania must be paid in
of a hassle; it is better to keep them to aUS Dollars and in cash. Have the correct amount
minimum or to avoid them totally. Credit cardsready. The Tanzania holiday visa costs vary
[Master and Visa] are more widely accepted nowaccording to nationality.The shuttles are 25 seat
than they were in five years ago. However, ifcoaster buses that travel from Central Nairobi to
you wish to draw cash against a credit card thenArusha town and then off to Moshi Town which is
try to do this from the banks as many hotelsnestled against Kilimanjaro.The shuttle bus
with change heavy commission for the privilege.companies are Riverside, Davanu, Bobbies and
More importantly let your bank know where andImpala. The price should be about US$ 25 per
when you travel otherwise you may hit problemsperson and an extra US$10 to Moshi.