Essential Money & ATM Guide for Your Zanzibar Trip
Planning your dream tropical getaway? As your trusted tour guide in Zanzibar, we want to ensure your trip is stress-free. Understanding how to manage your cash is vital because, while the island is modernizing, cash is still king in many local areas.
At Saving Tour, recognized as the best tour operator in Zanzibar, we provide you with these insider tips to keep your adventure moving smoothly.
1. Withdrawing Cash at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, it is highly recommended to withdraw Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Outside of Stone Town, Paje, and Nungwi, ATMs are very scarce.
Where to find it: After you exit the arrivals hall and step out toward the taxi stand, turn around immediately. The ATM is located to the right of the exit door on the outside of the building. Note: While convenient, airport ATMs can occasionally run out of cash, so it’s always good to have a backup plan.
2. Taxi Fare Tip
If the airport ATM is not working, we suggest having at least a $10 USD note handy for your taxi ride into Stone Town. Once you reach the city, your tour guide in Zanzibar can help you find multiple reliable banks and exchange bureaus.
3. ATMs in Nungwi and Paje
If you are heading to the north or east coast, please note the following locations:
- Nungwi: The ATM is located next to the Nungwi Police Station checkpoint. The maximum withdrawal limit is usually 400,000 TZS (approx. $150 – $180 USD) per transaction. You can perform multiple transactions if you need more cash.
- Paje: You can find an ATM near United Petroleum, close to the Paje Police Station checkpoint.
4. Withdrawing Foreign Currency (USD)
Standard ATM machines in Zanzibar do not dispense foreign currency (USD); they only dispense Tanzanian Shillings. If you specifically need to withdraw USD, you must visit Absa Bank (formerly Barclays). It is located on Malawi Road, about 1.6km from Stone Town, near the Bank of Tanzania.
5. Important Note on USD Banknotes
In Tanzania, exchange bureaus and banks are very strict. Do not bring USD notes printed before 2013. Older notes are often rejected or exchanged at a much lower rate. Ensure your bills are crisp, clean, and printed from 2013 onwards.
Travel Stress-Free with Saving Tour
As the best tour operator in Zanzibar, we don’t just show you the sights; we look after your logistics. Whether you need a tour guide in Zanzibar for Stone Town or a safari in Arusha, we are here to help.
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