If you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or head out on a safari in Tanzania, you might be wondering whether you can use U.S. dollars during your trip—especially with the latest Tanzania government update on currency usage.
The short answer is: Yes, you can still use U.S. dollars for many travel-related expenses in Tanzania—but there are a few important details to know before you pack your cash.
The Latest Government Update
In early 2025, Tanzania clarified its policies on currency use for foreign visitors:
- Tourist services such as Kilimanjaro climbs, safaris, and Zanzibar beach packages can still be quoted and paid in U.S. dollars.
- However, everyday purchases—like buying snacks at local shops, paying for taxis, or dining at small restaurants—should be made in Tanzanian shillings (TZS).
- For U.S. dollar payments, most businesses will only accept crisp, new bills dated 2009 or later.
This means your big-ticket travel costs can still be in USD, but you’ll need local currency for smaller, on-the-ground expenses.
What This Means for Your Kilimanjaro Climb
When you book your climb with Climb Kili, your trip cost will be quoted in U.S. dollars. This keeps your payment simple and transparent—no exchange rate surprises.
And about those park fees you’ve heard mentioned in other travel guides?
You don’t need to worry about them. Climb Kili covers your Kilimanjaro National Park fees in full as part of your trip package. You won’t have to line up at the gate, handle paperwork, or make any separate payments for park entry.
What This Means for Your Safari
If your adventure includes a Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater safari, your park fees and permits are also included in your Climb Kili safari package. Like the Kilimanjaro climb, all major costs are covered upfront, so you can focus on spotting lions—not receipts.
When You’ll Still Want Tanzanian Shillings
Even though USD is widely used for tourism services, having some Tanzanian shillings in your wallet makes life easier. You’ll want local currency for:
- Bottled drinks or snacks in town
- Local craft markets (where shillings often get you better prices)
- Tips for hotel staff or drivers outside your main climb/safari team
- Small personal purchases
How Much Cash to Bring
For most climbers and safari travelers, bringing $200–$300 USD in cash (plus the equivalent of $50–$100 in shillings for small expenses) is more than enough. ATMs are available in major towns like Arusha and Moshi if you need more shillings during your trip.
Pro Tips for Using USD in Tanzania
- Bring newer bills – Only 2009 or newer series are widely accepted, and they should be in excellent condition.
- Use larger denominations – $50 and $100 bills often get better exchange rates.
- Have small bills handy – $1, $5, and $10 bills are great for tipping and small payments in USD.
- Keep USD for major expenses – Save your shillings for day-to-day buys.
Climb Kili Makes It Simple
With Climb Kili, you don’t have to navigate park fee payments, currency confusion, or surprise charges. Your quoted climb and safari costs are inclusive of all required permits and fees.
You’ll still want some cash for souvenirs, personal tips, or extra snacks—but for the big parts of your adventure, we’ve got you covered.
