changing $ Australian in Dar..

Yes - but do not expect a good rate. Even in the major/international banks or exchange bureaus you will get less than the rates quoted on Exchange web sites. My recommendation - do not take any additional Aussie dollars. If you need "hard cash" then take US dollars; they are far more readily accepted and can be changed anywhere - with better rates for $50 / $100 notes. As for you everyday spending - ATMs are just about everywhere in Tanzania and as the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) is the official currency of the country that is what you will need for everything accept entry into TZ National Parks - where the fees have to be paid in US dollars. One thing to note - on departure be sure to change ALL your TSh back into US dollars. The Tanzanian Shilling is not an internationally trade currency and you will not be able to change it back in Australia. Hope this hepls.
(One other thing - be sure to tell your Aussie bank that you are travelling to East Africa and that they may see cash withdrawals in Tanzania and/or other countries and even some purchases on your Visa or Master Card. If you do not do this there is a chance that the bank will try to contact you for authorisation (or decline the purchases) of the purchases - eg via SMS with a 6 or 8 digit code to be entered.)

when you say not a good rate will OP be better off by the time they have changed Aust$ into US$ in Australia and then to Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) in Tanzania

For me as a Brit it is often uneconomic to change money twice as the rates in the UK are very poor with a massive spread between the buying and selling rates

Yes, it may be a case of 'swings and roundabouts' - I'm also a Brit and was in Tanzania last year.
I had pounds, euros and dollars with me, and more often than not - once I took the exchange rates at which I had bought the € and $ into account - it was better for me to change my pounds direct to Tanzanian shillings.
(Euros worked out worst on the double exchange - and that was when we still got a decent rate for our pounds!)

It's always going to cost you something though, exchange rates, cash point fees...... so in the grand scheme of things it probably doesn't matter much. I'd take a mix, buy some US dollars but also take some Aussie ones, and have a debit card as well.

Yup...I have $oz and I have $us and I will be using ATMs..and yes I told my banks where I will be going. But I am going other places as well so figuring where best to use each currency. Cheers for the details replies.

You are an experienced traveler so I would say save your $US for where you will need them - for the benefit of others this is official fees (especially for visas) and the smaller places where they may only change the US$

hi better have hard USDs cash before going to exchange shops in TZ they are the one's preferred by exchanged shops!
Cheers

@Rivaltribal - I think most of your questions have been answered. Yes there is an expense incurred when changing any international currency that is why I try to keep these to a minimum. If you have access to a TravelExchange office you can buy your US dollars online and nominate a pick-up place and a date (usually 48-72 hours after you place your order). I did this a few years back (2012 I think was the last time) so not sure if its still available. As I travel a couple of times a year I keep my Euros and US notes (and coins) and use them the next time. (BTW I am not talking about large amounts - say $75-125 US or E75). I forgot to mention that you will need US notes to pay for your entry visa ($50 US) and of course for the national parks. If you are going on safari ask you tour organising company how they need you to pay the NP fees - then you will know want amounts of US currency you need. Cheers

You are going to the wrong places then, you can get US$s for loss of about 1%, either by mail and/or collect, check moneysavingexpert travel money for rates. Even currencies such as Thai Baht are only about 1 baht less per £ than in Bangkok. I often get US$s as rates are better than £ and you can change $s in most places unlike £s.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.