best way to have money in Tanzania

Old Jul 12th, 2010, 07:25 PM
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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
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 03:16 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 03:17 AM
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Should have read "long way to answer"...
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 04:40 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 07:57 AM
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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!
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 08:22 AM
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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
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 08:38 AM
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I should have added - if you want the North American TA contact info email me at

eseibertca AT yahoo DOT ca
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 11:49 AM
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Thank you! I will check them out now on line!!!
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 12:16 PM
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Do you have Felix's contact information directly?

I read through a bit of your report and also looked up the web site. Thought I might want toconnect with him directly.

Thanks
Patti
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Old Jul 13th, 2010, 01:12 PM
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Hi Patti - email me directly .........

eseibertca AT yahoo DOT ca
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Old Jul 14th, 2010, 03:01 AM
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"We took about $1,000 in US dollars each"

Elizabeth_S - Does each mean you took $1000 and your husband took $1000 or do you mean per couple?
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Old Jul 14th, 2010, 03:13 AM
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We each took $1,000 - but we were carrying on to Rwanda as well so we had cash for that portion of the trip.
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Old Jul 14th, 2010, 03:57 AM
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I see, so the $1000 wasn't just to cover the 9 nights in Tanzania. How many nights all together?
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Old Jul 14th, 2010, 04:17 PM
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Did you prepay for your safari via bank transfer?
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Old Jul 15th, 2010, 02:38 AM
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long2travel - the $1,000 each was for 9 nights in Tanzania and 2 nights in Rwanda.

pepnjak - we prepaid via a Toronto based travel agent as Nomad doesn't deal directly with customers.
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Old Jul 15th, 2010, 05:52 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 15th, 2010, 07:08 AM
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for those of you who used CC in Tanzania, how much was the typical fee charged by the place of business?
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Old Jul 15th, 2010, 07:29 AM
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Kits -

Fee for credit card use can vary from 5% and up. Why you should ask before laying down the plastic.
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Old Jul 15th, 2010, 08:27 AM
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One or two very small places charged 3%. Our camps, restaurants and hotel in Dar, dive operator on Mafia added on nothing.
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Old Jul 15th, 2010, 08:33 AM
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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.
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