best way to have money in Tanzania
#1
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best way to have money in Tanzania
I am wondering the best way to handle cash in tasmania. i am not comfortable with too much cash, and not sure how well traveler checks will be accepted, plus how available atm's will be
#2
How much cash you need somewhat depends on how you are traveling - with a group? independently? with a private driver? prepaid accommodations and meals/beverages? And if you are planning to purchase a lot of souvenirs.
We spent 9 nights in Tanzania with a private driver (4 nights near the Crater, 4 nights in the Serengeti and one night in Arusha). Our meals and accommodation were prepaid and we could use a credit card for other incidentals (laundry, bar, etc). The major cash requirement we had was for tips (hotels/camp staff and our guide/driver). We took about $1,000 in US dollars each with us and withdrew $200 in shillings from an ATM in Arusha (lots of ATMs in Arusha/some in Karatu).
We purchased about $300 of souvenirs and needed cash for that as well.
While we also carried some traveler's cheques, they are for emergency only as it is increasingly difficult to use them, we have found.
So way to answer - but I suggest you figure out your specific requirements (tips, shopping, etc) and see how much cash that requires.
We spent 9 nights in Tanzania with a private driver (4 nights near the Crater, 4 nights in the Serengeti and one night in Arusha). Our meals and accommodation were prepaid and we could use a credit card for other incidentals (laundry, bar, etc). The major cash requirement we had was for tips (hotels/camp staff and our guide/driver). We took about $1,000 in US dollars each with us and withdrew $200 in shillings from an ATM in Arusha (lots of ATMs in Arusha/some in Karatu).
We purchased about $300 of souvenirs and needed cash for that as well.
While we also carried some traveler's cheques, they are for emergency only as it is increasingly difficult to use them, we have found.
So way to answer - but I suggest you figure out your specific requirements (tips, shopping, etc) and see how much cash that requires.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
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... hope you meant Tanzania as "tasmania" is off the coast of Australia.
Otherwise, as above... figure out what isn't covered and have cash for that. If using credit cards, best to ascertain whether the establishment assesses a fee... many do. Travelers checks in your home currency is for emergency only and unlikely to be needed, so redeposit at conclusion of your vacation.
Drinks are relatively inexpensive, but depends on how much one bends their elbow whether soft drinks, beer, wine, etc.
Of course, tips for guides, staff. And, souvenirs.
Otherwise, as above... figure out what isn't covered and have cash for that. If using credit cards, best to ascertain whether the establishment assesses a fee... many do. Travelers checks in your home currency is for emergency only and unlikely to be needed, so redeposit at conclusion of your vacation.
Drinks are relatively inexpensive, but depends on how much one bends their elbow whether soft drinks, beer, wine, etc.
Of course, tips for guides, staff. And, souvenirs.
#5
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Yes, I meant Tanzania!! I guesss I was having one of those moments!!!
Thank you for your help and great suggestions on how to figure out our monies.
What company did you use to get a private driver and when did you go to Tanzania?We are still working out our safari details. My wife and I are in our 60's we could do some upscale camping,we don't want to go too rustic nor do we want 5 star accomadations!Any help would be appreciated.
Again thanks!
Thank you for your help and great suggestions on how to figure out our monies.
What company did you use to get a private driver and when did you go to Tanzania?We are still working out our safari details. My wife and I are in our 60's we could do some upscale camping,we don't want to go too rustic nor do we want 5 star accomadations!Any help would be appreciated.
Again thanks!
#6
pepnjak - We used Nomad Tanzania as they have a reputation for excellent guides and we liked the mobile camping accommodation options.
We loved our guide - Felix Mollel - and highly recommend him. If you go with Nomad Tanzania suggest you request Felix, if you don't go with Nomad Tanzania there are two North American Travel Agents/Operators who can package a trip with Felix.
Here is a link to my trip report which has sub links to our blog........
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...t-174346-2.cfm
We loved our guide - Felix Mollel - and highly recommend him. If you go with Nomad Tanzania suggest you request Felix, if you don't go with Nomad Tanzania there are two North American Travel Agents/Operators who can package a trip with Felix.
Here is a link to my trip report which has sub links to our blog........
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...t-174346-2.cfm
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We spent 22 days in Tanzania - two nights in Dar, 4 safari camps and Mafia Island. We took $600 in U.S. cash total. This covered tips, shopping in Dar and incedentals. We never converted the money, just used U.S. and it was fine. Checking ahead, I knew that most of our camps would accept credit card for bar tabs and incedentals. We really didn't use that much cash. We used a Capital One visa card because they do not charge a foriegn conversion fee.
#20
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If I may add....even if someplace adds on 3%-5% its not that much in total dollars. I would rather add 5% to a $100 bill (that's $5) than carry wads of extra cash around and take the chance that it will be lost or stolen. A good credit card will get you a much better rate of exchange than exchanging cash or travelers checks (plus fees to purchase), so in the end it all comes out about the same. The only issue with credit cards is to ask the local merchant to submit your billing in the local currency and let Visa do the conversion. If the merchant converts, you will be stuck with his exchange rate instead of the better world bank rate the cc company gets.