1

Hi,

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I'm aware you can only exchange Tanzanian money in Tanzania, I don't think you can change it even here in Kenya.

2

I don't think you will get the TZ shillings at the Airport, but if you travel to the city there are forexes that will exchange for you, if not and you are traveling by road then just exchange at the border. The rates there are much better

3

As part of the East African community you can exchange Ugandan/Kenyan/Tanzanian Shillings - the rates for the UG & TZ Shillings are not great in Kenya. I recall seeing TZ Shillings listed with the exchange bureaus. But I think your problem is that they are unlikely to allow you to buy TZ Shillings directly with US dollars/ GBP or Euros. I think you might have to convert to Kenyan Shillings and then buy TZ Shillings (the current rates of exchange can be obtained at this site http://www.xe.com/ )
Good luck

4

Muriuki / Orion Mike,

I'm just interested, does the following still apply?

❝Currency rules

Currency Import regulations:
Residents of Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda may import local currency (Tanzanian Shilling-TZS) up to the amount exported. Non-residents are prohibited of importing local currency. Residents and non-residents may import foreign currencies without restrictions.

Currency Export regulations:
Residents of Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda may export local currency (Tanzanian Shilling-TZS) up to TZS 1,000.-. Non-residents are prohibited of exporting local currency. Residents and non-residents may export foreign currencies without restrictions.❞

From IATA - Tanzania Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations

If so It seems that even if you do get them 'informally' in Kenya you are technically not allowed to take them into Tanzania (unless you are Kenyan or Ugandan), and if Kenyans can only legally bring out 1,000/- TZS at a time its no wonder the exchange rates are poor - 1,000 TZS is only 54 KES (around 60 US cents)

5

Don't bother trying to buy Tanzanian money in Kenya - just go to the first ATM you reach in Tanzania (which I am assuming will be Arusha or Moshi). Barclays is the best bet as it has never rejected my debit card. NBC bank should also work. But NMB, the last time I checked, did not cater for foreign cards.

If you need a small amount of TZS at the border you can buy them there, with US dollars, Euros or Kenya shillings.

The shuttle buses between Kenya and Tanzania accept both currencies going either way.

Re Doffcocker's comment on currency limits, his information may be technically correct, but I have never in 19 years been asked at a border how much of any currency I am carrying. If the customs form asks you how much you are carrying, put down a small amount or leave it blank.

6

Thanks for that, Christopher

7

Thank you for all the replies. We may exchange some at the border or just wait until Arusha. I've had good luck with Barclays in other countries so will probably look for one of those.

8

Barclays branch in Arusha is about 150-200 metres down Serengeti Rd - which is off Nyerere Road - the main road from town centre heading east (to Impala Hotel) - the turn off is about 200 metres before the Impala roundabout. If you are coming from the hotel its a left turn; and right if from town (what used to be the Greek Club - now just a 2 meter tin fence is on the corner). The security gates usually don't open much before 8.30 am - I can't remember if its available on both Saturday and Sunday or just Saturday. Good luck.