Which currency to bring
Bring shillings for markets, small restaurants and local transport, and a few recent, clean dollars for fees paid in foreign currency (ferry, national parks, according to an older guide, Frommer's, which notes these rules may have changed). Coins of 50, 100, 200 and 500 TZS are used for small purchases and tips.
| Need | Suggested way | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Market, meal, dala-dala | Shillings in small notes | Keep your change |
| Hotel, upscale restaurant | Card or dollars | Check card fees |
| Excursions | Depends on the agency: card, shillings or dollars | Ask the currency before paying |
| Park or ferry fees | Sometimes dollars | Confirm at the ticket office |
ATMs, cards and exchange
ATMs accept some foreign cards, but they often break down and can charge high fees; choose to be charged in shillings, not in your own currency, for a better rate. Exchange at a bank or official bureau in Stone Town; avoid street changers, and the airport or hotel, whose rates are often poor. Withdraw in Stone Town before heading to the beaches, where ATMs are rarer. See also visa, vaccines and entry rules and the budget in Zanzibar.
Tipping
We found no official rule and no reliable figure for tipping in Zanzibar, and we do not invent any. For safaris, one guide says tipping is customary but optional: ask your operator whether guide and camp tips are handled separately. Keep small clean notes, and leave what you think suits the service. For boat trips, see Safari Blue and Prison Island, where the price is often already a package.
FAQ
Can I pay in dollars in Zanzibar?
Sometimes, but the rules changed in 2025 and shillings are increasingly required for local purchases; carry both.
Are bank cards accepted?
In hotels and some restaurants, yes; in markets and small shops, no.
How much should I tip?
No reliable amount found; follow the custom of your hotel or operator.
Pour aller plus loin
Prepare the trip with from the airport to your hotel, avoid pitfalls with scams and safety in Zanzibar and visit the town with Stone Town.
