Hi All - I can't believe I am leaving tomorrow for my 3 1/2 week adventure to Kenya & Tanzania (including Zanzibar). Everyone on this forum was unbelievably helpful and I don't know how I would have been able to plan this trip without all of your help. THANK YOU!!

I do have a few last minute questions...

As mentioned, I am going for 3 1/2 weeks - 7 days in Kenya and the rest in Tanzania. How much US $$ would you bring with you for the trip? We have booked through Africa Serendipity (Sandi) and are using Cheli & Peacock in Kenya and Roy's in Tanzania. So, our accommodations, most of our food, etc. is included, but outside of tips, I don't really know what else we might need US $ for and therefore how much we should bring for this length of stay. Also, how many singles do you think we'll need (vs $5, $10, etc.) I heard to bring A LOT of singles...

Also, how much local currency would you get in each place given how long we will be in Kenya/Tanzania?

Finally, what do you carry your money in? For the ladies out there, did you bring a pocketbook with you on this trip? I wasn't planning to, but I am reluctant to carry around so much cash with me in a backpack (right now we are planning on $1000 US, but that may be too much and I don't want to bring more than necessary).

Any other last minute tips? For some reason I am getting nervous and thinking of every possible thing that could go wrong and just hoping I come back safe!! I know I am silly, but can't help it - I am a first timer...

Thanks again everyone!! Really appreciate your advice...

Do you drink wine, beer, cocktails, anything that might add to your bar bill, the places there is a bar bill?

Think you'll want cash for souvenirs? If so, set a budget for that and add it to the pot.

You can get cash, should you need it, in Nairobi, Arusha and in Stonetown (I think there's an ATM there...? there used to be). But, on safari you have what you have. I like having too much cash just in case.

I had too many singles last time. Fives are good. I can't remember what I brought, but I remember thinking fives and tens were the most useful. I brought what seemed like a million ones. Maybe 2 ones for each day you're there for each of you.

I have one of those money belts from years past but I just throw it in the bottom of my messenger bag. I take that, with camera, memory, etc., to dinner and everywhere. I also stick some cash other places.

Don't worry!!! You are going to have an unforgettable, amazing experience.

HEY!! I'm leaving tomorrow also (well, actually going to a motel near LAX for Friday night because of a very early Saturday morning flight).
But not going to see you because not going to Kenya nor TZ. South Africa only, for about 3 weeks.
Anyway, $1,000 huh, that's quite a stack of $1 bills!!! Me, I'm taking only $300 in $US. About $100 in $1s, rest in $5, $10, $20. Really don't plan to spend much of that $US. Plan to spend ZAR. I now have $200 in ZAR (1,400). And will use credit card for purchases and get more ZAR as required. FWIW, my credit card adds 3% surcharge for purchases in foreign currency. I typically split my cash up into two different locations on me and in a carried bag when traveling. Usually in my camera bag and in a front pants pocket that is pick-pocket proof.

But that's just me in South Africa, YMMV. If Sandi recommended something re $$$ I'd listen.

Also, have you done the usual what ifs of - making a copy of - your passports, airplane tickets, contact phone numbers, medical/travel insurance. So if original gets lost, you have something to go on and work with.

Have a great safari, and I am also

regards - tom

To clarify: the last time we were there, we used more fives and tens because we if bought two or three glasses of wine or a bottle, well, we wouldn't need to pay for that in singles. Mainly we used the ones for porters and other small purchases. Camp tips didn't need to be ones either, since we usually were places for enough days to warrant bigger bills.

We had figured out our guide tips ahead of time and had that set aside in envelopes (tip: bring envelopes!) using larger bills.

If you're buying things for people back home...well, that adds up.

But again: safari njema!

Thanks!! Great point...Are "sundowners" included at most places or do you have to pay extra for alcoholic drinks (or even soda and regular drinks)? It may depend on the place, but as a general rule are drinks included at safari camps?

Tom, have a great trip as well.

Imavolio,

Uh, I can't believe I forgot that it's very, very easy just to get shillingi from an ATM and pay for things that way. I don't do "big money" in shillings because like you I'm a worry-wart and want to know I have enough cash in case my cards don't work, other crazy fears. But when I get beyond my paranoia, I use local currency. And then have a stash of USD "just in case" too.

Sometimes I forget this is a vacation!

Sundowners depends where you're staying. Again, that's something I'd ask about, but I wouldn't count on everything being included unless you've been told so.

sundowners and drinks are included at some camps and not others. No general pattern, you have to check before hand if you want to know. As for drinks and tips for the guide, tracker, staff, and other stuff, I put it on credit card at the camp when I leave. Otherwise could be another several hundred dollars in cash to carry. (Never had a problem using credit card at the camps I've been to, YMMV).

regards - tom

Imavolio,

I like to take about 50 ones so I can decide just how much I want to tip for baggage handling, airport transfers, maids in hotels, etc. Most of the bush accommodations have a tip box that takes care of everyone, except your guide, with one contribution. You may want to take a couple of envelopes for presenting tips. You can also write a nice note and your email or address on the envelope.

If I can get small bills in the local currency I use those for tips, but so often I cannot. If your accommodations take dollars, then I'd change only what I planned to spend on souvenirs.

Like Leely, I prefer to err on the side of too much money. I bring it from home and don't rely on ATMs. I bring some big denominations of travelers cheques for an emergency and always end up cashing them in when I get home.

In my experience, beverages at camps were extra. Sometimes the guide would have free water in the vehicles, though.

For 2 people, $1000 should be good. More than enough, but that helps make you feel secure.

I don't bring a purse. I use a bum bag aka fanny pack. But the important stuff and the big money is in a money belt inside my clothes.

Also let your credit card company know that you may be charging in Kenya, Tanzania, and whatever European airport you are using so they don't freeze the card thinking fraud.

Have a wonderful trip. It seems like the planning was yesterday.

You too Tom. It seems like just yesterday you were at Kings Camp and that neighborhood.

Nothing will go wrong, Imavolio. If it does your ground operators are reputable so they will take care of it.

Have a super trip. It's almost here!

Let your bank also know so your debit card isn't frozen like mine was in Peru.

Sounds like you're bringing enough money. I spent cash on souvenirs, internet access, laundry, and cokes; in addition to tips. I carried the majority of my cash in a money belt which I wore under my clothes. I did pick up some local currency when I arrived. I asked my guide to stop by a Barclay's bank in Arusha, and I picked up some cash from the ATM. I figured that if I was buying souvenirs from some roadside stall, the vendor would prefer local currency since it may be difficult to exchange the currency for them.

TC - Travellers' cheques - in addition to CC & Cash. Safer than cash & accepted everywhere
i'd prefer Amex

"100 $1 notes"??
isn't it easier to change big bills to local currency once in a while & tip in local ?

envelopes: of course every lodge can provide envelopes (for tips)
a TIP: in addition to regular-sized envelopes, Kenya has smaller envelopes i've found them to be <u>exactly the size of $US </u> - get them e.g. at Woolworth's across from the &quot;Stanley&quot; hotel. I travel the world for years with those Kenyan envelopes; no bills seen when opening zip; easier to stash your money in a few places (every envelope has a known sum e.g. $500 &amp; i write on each envelope every time i take a bill out) usually i stash those envelopes with other papers inside 'sleeves'
The white are more durable compared to the brown envelopes

another TIP for hiding cash:
in re-fillable (good old) film cartridges !!
Even in the rare case of a roberry when your pants are stripped, nobody will suspect used film (bills folded on their long axis &amp; stored inside the re-fillable cartridge. easy to open &amp; close)

aby

I bring USD cash for visas and use shillings almost exclusively in Kenya. I hit an ATM on arrival (at the airport or in town) and replenish as needed. But if you're flying everywhere, your only chance to use an ATM may be in Nairobi, so get everything you need there. That's not to say your USD will be refused if you choose to use USD. I just find it easier to use shillings and it saves the recipient from having to exchange it. There are also exchange booths near baggage claim at NBO if you just want to exchange currency.

Whether drinks are included depends on the specific camp and many camps accept credit cards for the payment of incidentals. Post where you're staying and someone might know or check with Sandi for specifics. Some camps in Tanzania add a surcharge for credit card payments. I haven't run across any camps in Kenya yet that do.

One thing that has been mentioned is charging tips to your credit card. I haven't been offered that option in East Africa and had never heard of it before. On the other hand, I've never specifically asked either.

I have limited experience in Tanzania, but I get the impression USD is OK for most transactions. In any case, if you want to get some shillings, there are ATMs in Arusha. There were no ATMs at JRO as I recall but some at DAR (but these were Visa/Plus network only). There are currency exchange booths at both airports.

Like Leely, I find that there isn't a great need for small bills as guide and staff tips are generally given in a lump sum at the conclusion of your stay. I use small bills for porters/housekeeping in city hotels and small roadside purchases.

My husband and I split up the cash between us. I do bring some extra USD for emergencies and usually end up bringing it home. The cash goes into my messenger bag which accompanies me everywhere unless I'm walking around a city. Then I leave the majority in the hotel safe and only carry what I need for the day.

Unlike others, I never call my bank or credit card issuers to let them know where I'm going.

Imavolio, I’m late in saying safari njema. I just can’t keep up with all diligent posters.

I take lots of cash in shillings and some USD for the visa and park fees. Then I get more cash from ATMs and stash it everywhere except in the clothes I’m wearing, as I don’t need to look any fatter. I always carry a purse (I suppose you can call it) in towns. I put small shilling notes in an outer pocket on the purse, for tips (other than guide and camp tips) and for people who ask for money.

Have a great trip.

I've been to many countries and Tanzania is my favourite....

I look forward to reading your trip report.

Did you ever return or are you lost in the wilds of East Africa? Or you loved it so much you decided to stay? Inquiring minds want to know.

I just returned from my first trip to Kenya/Tanzania, also for 3 1/2 weeks, mostly spent in Tanzania. I took all US dollars. I was staying at each camp for 4 nights, so I was able to carry 100s and 50s for tipping guides and general staff. These and 5s worked out best, singles were good for porters, but I only had two backpacks and just carried them myself anyway, so ended up using the singles for bigger things anyway. I really did not need that many.
I kept my money in US dollars, and they were accepted everywhere, but I should have changed into local currency and I will next time. That way, you do the conversion one time, at an official money changer, and then you don't have to do it again. Every time I bought anything it was priced in local currency. Usually it was smaller stuff, something to eat at an airport, or some small souvenir. Usually from 1,000 to 10,000 local, which should convert to something in the ballpark of .75 to 7.50 in US dollars(don't hold me to the exact math...). Sometimes the vendor did not know how to convert to dollars, other times they did not want to because for them to exchange small bills they have to pay the minimum exchange fee/commission, which eats away at the small bills over multiple transactions because you have to pay the minimum each time you do a transaction, but is not so bad when you do fewer much larger exchanges, then the minimum becomes irrelevant.
As a result, most local vendors wanted $1 US per 1000 local, $10 US per 10000 local, etc. It ended up costing me a lot more for things, because you lose the actual exchange rate. We would argue, and often times get it changed to something more correct, but it became an unnecessary hassle, as did trying to figure out whether or not I had gotten the right change. As the bills and coins are all new to me, I did not want to hold up a line of customers while I figured out exchange rates and then tried to read each bill and coin to see if everything was correct. I should have just done it once upon arrival. Each time I did an exchange I had to stand off to the side counting money and running figures in my head wondering if I had been duped....not the experience I was interested in!! I did not sweat it as most things were small, but next time I will definitely do the one conversion into local and never have to think about the business side again.
Camps were different, they put things into dollars for me at the end of my stay, but they might have been putting extra in there to account for exchange too, I don't know.
Tips came out to a lot more than I figured on, one thing in particular was that I was planning on giving $25-$30 per day to our guide for myself and my father in law; in all cases we had a guide AND a driver each day....I gave EACH of them that amount, I don't know if I overdid it, but that was what I did
and it was double what I had been planning for....
Also, there was the transit airport, for me it was Amsterdam. On the way over we had a 3 hour wait. At one point I decided to go buy a cup of coffee, which was about $1. But it was in Euros, and the minimum commission at the airport money changer was almost $4, so to buy my cup of coffee was going to cost $5!!
I passed on the coffee, did not even think about charging it...not sure if I could have. As I was spending a night in Amsterdam on the way home, I should have just done a money exchange, but did not think about it.

Hope that was not too much info; it's just that these little things pop up, and I want to pass it on to help.

The trip is going to be the trip of a lifetime, this is all minor stuff, DO NOT LET IT GET YOU DOWN if you get setback by little things like this, just smile and move on!!!

Have fun!!

My husband the more organized of the two did something I felt was very helful. Before we left he put the&quot;suggested&quot; tip money in an envelope amd labeled it with the name of the camp. He actually made up one for each of the people we would need to tip. Driver, guide, maids etc. I also put in a thank you note.

When we checked out we added extra money if we felt it was appropriate, and I wrote a note to each person.

This worked really well.

Also we took way to many $1.00. We needed more $5.00.

Have an awsome trip.