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Money Safety
There is no completely ‘safe’ way to keep your money while travelling in Tanzania, but the best place is in contact with your skin, where, hopefully, you’ll be aware of a bad guy’s hand before your money disappears. One method is to wear a leather pouch hung around your neck and kept under a shirt or dress. If you do this, incorporate a length of old guitar string into the thong that goes around your neck (the D string should be thick enough). Another method is to sew an invisible pocket inside the front of your trousers.
Many travellers prefer a money belt, though I’ve never been able to understand the rationale for this. First and foremost, it’s obvious where your money is. Secondly, it labels you as a tourist and, therefore, someone who doesn’t know too much about the place. This is balm to the eyes of a thief or a mugger. So why make it easy? Not only that, but in order to pay for something, you have to open it up and display the bulk of your wealth. You can be sure someone will be watching. A sillier invention you will come across.
All this is to say that if you do wear one, keep some small change distributed among various other pockets to pay for things like buses, newspapers, beers, souvenirs, etc. Ideally, your passport should be kept in the same place as your money, but this isn’t always possible, as some passports are either too thick or too stiff. Wherever you decide to keep your money, it’s a good idea to enclose it in a plastic bag.
Under a hot sun, that pouch or pocket will get soaked with sweat — repeatedly — and your cash or cheques will end up looking as though they’ve been through the laundry. And one last thought: do you know where Tanzanian taxi drivers keep their money? All over their bodies! In their shoes, pockets, underpants — you name it, so there you go.
Bargaining in Tanzania
Many purchases involve some degree of bargaining. This is always the case with items bought from a market, street stall or craft shop. Bargaining may also be necessary for hotels and transport in some places, though prices are often fairly standard, and you won’t be paying any more than the local people. Food and drink bought at restaurants don’t usually involve any bargaining, as the prices will be written on the menu.
Where bargaining is the name of the game, commodities are considered to be worth whatever their owners can get for them. The concept of a fixed price is also there. If you cop out and pay the first price asked, you’ll not only be considered a rich person, but you’ll also be doing your fellow travellers a disservice, since this will create the impression that all travellers are rich and willing to pay outrageous prices. You are expected to bargain — it’s part of the fun of going to Africa. All the same, no matter how good you are at it, you’ll never get things as cheaply as the local people do. To traders and hotel and café owners, you represent wealth — whatever your appearance.
In most cases, bargaining is conducted in a friendly, sometimes exaggeratedly extroverted manner, though there are occasions when it degenerates into a bleak exchange of numbers and leaden handshakes. Decide what you want to pay, or what others have told you they’ve paid, and start off at a price at least 50% lower than this. The seller will inevitably start off at a higher price, sometimes up to 100% higher than what they are prepared to accept. This way, you can both end up appearing to be generous.
There will be times when you simply cannot get a shopkeeper to lower the prices to anywhere near what you know the product should be selling for. This probably means that a lot of tourists are passing through, and if you don’t pay those outrageous prices, some mug will. Don’t lose your temper while bargaining. There’s no need to. You can always walk away and come back another day, or go to a different shop. It’s just theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use on a Tanzania safari?
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are also widely accepted in many safari lodges and tourist areas. Make sure your US dollar bills are clean and printed in 2009 or later. Carry some Tanzanian Shillings for small shops, local markets, and roadside stops. Having both currencies makes payments much easier.
Can I use credit cards during my safari?
Many hotels and luxury safari lodges accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller camps, local restaurants, and markets may only accept cash. Some places also charge a small fee for card payments. It is a good idea to tell your bank before you travel. Always carry some cash as a backup.
How much cash should I bring on a Tanzania safari?
The amount depends on your travel style and what is included in your tour. Bring enough for tips, drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses. Many travelers carry between $200 and $500 in cash for a week-long safari. Keep your money in a safe place while traveling. Avoid carrying all your cash in one wallet.
Are ATMs easy to find in Tanzania?
ATMs are available in cities like Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar. They may not be available inside national parks or remote safari areas. It is best to withdraw cash before your safari begins. Most ATMs accept international bank cards. Always have extra cash in case a machine is out of service.
Do I need to tip during a Tanzania safari?
Tipping is common and appreciated in Tanzania’s tourism industry. Guides, camp staff, and drivers often rely on tips as part of their income. Your tour operator can suggest suitable tipping amounts. Tips are usually given in US dollars or Tanzanian Shillings. Giving a tip is a simple way to thank people for great service.
Still have questions?
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