[About Us]
Fruit is sold on blankets on the streets of Moshi
Money
In Tanzania the currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Currently, the exchange rate is approximately 1 US Dollar = 1100 Tanzanian shillings. In Kenya, the currently is (you guessed it) the Kenyan Shilling. The current exchange rat is 1 US Dollar = 75Kenyan shillings.
Getting cash
Coming from the US this was a big shock. We have ATMs on every corner. Believe us, you will have trouble getting cash in Tanzania. Plan on it. Everything is closed on Sunday and there are very few ATMs at all. Of the few that are there they only accept VISA.
There are banks in the larger cities like Moshi (the town you'll be based out of), Arusha, and Dar es Salaam. You can exchange your traveler's checks at banks that have a currency exchange section or at most hotels. But don't expect the same lightning speed you see here in the US.
If you want to use an ATM to get Tanzanian shillings, you'll need to have a card that has the VISA symbol. There are 2 ATMs in Moshi, but they only accept VISA. There are about 4 in Arusha, but again they only accept Visa. There is only 1 place that we know of where you can use your MasterCard or American Express to get cash in Arusha (none in Moshi). The "ATM" is actually a person at the Arusha Resort in Arusha and they charge a higher rate, but it's there if you need it.
Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted at only some of the large hotels and tourist shops, but are not widely used in Tanzania. It's probably best to assume that you won't be able to use your credit card in many places.
Pickpockets
The people of Tanzania are very friendly and helpful. However, Africa in general is pretty famous for pickpockets and thieves. We recommend you don't carry all of your money, and only have a few small bills in your pocket for buying things like water and candy. Be assured that if you take out a big wad of money people will notice. Pickpockets have also been known to reach into shirts to try to get money out of money belts, especially on crowded buses.
There are few paved roads in Moshi, and most bustle with vendors and a few cars