Confused about Tanzania Exit Tax
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,900
Confused about Tanzania Exit Tax
We leave on Wednesday (8/3/05) on our trip to Tanzania!! I am totally confused about the exit tax from JRO. I have read a few different sources and the amount of the tax quoted ranges from $8.00 to $30.00 per person. Apparently this is new as of July 1, 2005? Can anybody set me straight on the actual amount? How much is it and where do we pay it?
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,727
Several posters on the LP board indicated that there was a $8 security(?) fee implemented July 1. The international departure tax is $30 but that one should be included in the price of your ticket. If I look at the long list of taxes on my ticket, one of them is 'TZ30.00'.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,900
Thanks, Patty--I also see $30.00TZ on my tickets so I guess I should just plan on an additional $8.00 per person upon departure? Where will we pay it?
#4
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 16
When you go to JRO to leave, you will pay when checking in. The airport is actually small.... when waiting for your flight there are a few souvenier shops (not too pricey) and a bar if I remember correctly. Be careful how you pack when returning, etc... I got stuck paying $150 when I wasn't supposed to...had an arguement, but was so tired, I paid it and figured it was included in my "extra money" category. Also, Please make sure you have a lot of cash on you (dollars or T schillings)... once you go on safari, there is virtually no place to exchange.... unless you're desparate... the lodges do not give favorable rates.
I'm going again in December, so I guess I can say thanks for the "$8 warning".. I'll make sure I'll have it in my wallet. Last time I had exactly $8 when I arrived home.....(the airport takes cc)
I'm going again in December, so I guess I can say thanks for the "$8 warning".. I'll make sure I'll have it in my wallet. Last time I had exactly $8 when I arrived home.....(the airport takes cc)
#5
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 203
mrsilly - could you explain what you mean by be careful when you pack and what you mean by getting stuck paying $150 when you weren't supposed to. Thanks!
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
In Tanzania you don't even have to change USD* to TShillings. USD are preferred and accepted everywhere. Besides, if you have TSh remaining when you're ready to leave, you can't convert back to USD.
*I can't say about Euro or Sterling - input from others would be appreciated.
*I can't say about Euro or Sterling - input from others would be appreciated.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 16
..sure wanderlust... the ticket counter agent said I was overweight, when in fact I wasn't. I was allowed 70kg per bag and he claimed I had a total of 35kg for both bags. I argued quite a bit and didn't get anywhere with him. I paid the bill and went on my way. I should have complained to my cc company and KLM but I was so exhausted from my trip that by the time I remembered to complain, it was a bit too late. I think that the ticket agents are a bit sneaky.....
I had a similar incident in Bangkok.. again, I was not overweight and did not have excessive luggage. I ended up getting away with not paying because I think they're not used to Americans causing a scene. I held up a line for 30 minutes! Other travelers were getting pissed, but I wasn't paying for something that I shouldn't be getting charged for! ... well, it didn't quite work in Kilimanjaro.. #$#$ happens!
I wouldn't worry too much though.. People there are generally honest.
as sandi said... you can't change your t shillings...maybe buy some souveniers and try to sell the items on ebay to get some of the money back.. just a suggestion.. or get completely drunk while waiting for your plane!
I had a similar incident in Bangkok.. again, I was not overweight and did not have excessive luggage. I ended up getting away with not paying because I think they're not used to Americans causing a scene. I held up a line for 30 minutes! Other travelers were getting pissed, but I wasn't paying for something that I shouldn't be getting charged for! ... well, it didn't quite work in Kilimanjaro.. #$#$ happens!
I wouldn't worry too much though.. People there are generally honest.
as sandi said... you can't change your t shillings...maybe buy some souveniers and try to sell the items on ebay to get some of the money back.. just a suggestion.. or get completely drunk while waiting for your plane!
