spending money

It depends on what style of travel you're doing

Luxury
Midrange
Glamping
Backpacking

You can definitely get a better deal buying Tanzanite by dealing with cash. You can purchase Tanzanite at Slipway right there in Dar.

Thank you for the info! We are in the midrange category. All hotels/etc. are covered and I know those costs. I was just curious about having enough - but not too much - money for any souvenirs or gifts I want to buy. Great to know about benefits of buying tanzanite with cash.

This is my first trip to a developing country and honestly don't know what to expect for souvenirs/gifts. I've been to Japan and France recently, but obviously they are extremely different than Tanzania. I assume very low cost in Tanzania. I've heard it is primarily a cash-based society and bargaining is welcome and expected.

Very much looking forward to this adventure!! Thanks again

I would say bring about 2000 min cash and keep your card handy for withdrawals.
If you want more bargaining leeway I recommend Kariakoo Market over Slipway. It's a fast busy market but you can buy anything there. Slipway can be expensive.
There's a Foreign Exchange in Slipway
I recommend doing the bike tours too
Tanzania can be expensive lol especially Dar but, I recommend steering away from the expat areas which can influence prices

Hi Traveler360 -- thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for! I'll start with 2000. Thanks for the other recommendations too; I'll look those up.
Sounds like you're pretty familiar with Tanzania and I appreciate you sharing!

Karibu Sana ( Very Welcome in Swahili ) @Jrpdx

I'll inbox you some ideas/information.

Dar Es Salaam is very well my second home so, I can easily fill you in.

Hello,

As all your tickets and everything is booked so for souvenirs you can take around $30 as the places you mentioned are not much expensive. You will surely find some good gifts there and don't forget to explore the beautiful beaches and try seafood of Zanzibar. Enjoy your trip!

I would not be taking a very large cash holding - ATMs / Cash Points are now located in much to TZ and only national park fees have to paid in US dollars (oh and your visa - $50 US). So I would have, at max, $500 US - make sure that these are notes printed after 2005 and in good condition (to rips or pieces missing) - since most of the pre-2004 notes have been withdrawn this is usually not an issue. Depending upon what you are buying in the souvenir range most transactions for anything under $200 US will usually be conducted in Tanzanian Shillings. Good luck you should have great time.

Just use the ATM's

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