How to exchange money and find an ATM in Zanzibar in 2023
- Melanin Travels Magic
- Jan 1, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2024
Last Updated on 28th october 2024
Happy New Year to you and I wish you lots of love, health and prosperity in 2023! Travel has increased a lot in 2022. We have personally traveled around 8 times and have helped around 20 clients discover and explore Tanzania, Brazil, Ghana and Jamaica seamlessly with the support of our local on-site guides . Are you preparing your next treat in Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania?
Wondering how much pocket money to take with you and what currency to exchange before your trip? Look no further, we have you! First of all we have been to Tanzania twice in 2022 for different trip lengths (8 days and 3 weeks) so we can really give you a good overview and how to plan which currency to bring before your trip and which to use during your journey.
You will likely end up using 2 currencies (USD and TZS) on your tour, we recommend contacting your guide prior to your trip for quotes and prices for the various tours offered and budgeting around $1000 - 1 $500 for 1 person to $4,500 for a group of 4 depending on the number of participants and you should be able to get them from your country before you leave at any major exchange office.
Most attractions are payable in cash in USD between $20 and $500 / $5,000 depending on the length of the safari in days, number of people present and type of accommodation.
Are you ready to catch your next flight to Zanzibar, If yes we got you! Book your next cheap flight on Expedia now!
Or request a Flight & Hotel package
What You Need To Know Before planning your trip to Zanzibar
1) The airports in Zanzibar. There are three large islands in Zanzibar (Zanzibar Island, Pemba and Mafia Island), each island has its own airport so there are three airports in Zanzibar
Zanzibar's unique geography and infrastructure require careful planning for a smooth trip. The archipelago has three main islands (Zanzibar Island, Pemba, and Mafia Island), each with its own airport. Most international travellers arrive at ZNZ Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume Airport, but it's crucial to note that many popular beach resorts can be up to two hours away, with one-way transfers costing around $70.
2) Money, Currency exchange and ATM fees
Financial preparation is key when visiting Zanzibar. Bring cash rather than relying on cards or ATMs, as ATM withdrawals often dispense local shillings at unfavourable rates and incur additional fees. The limitations of local banking infrastructure make cash transactions the most practical and economical choice for most purchases.
3) It is cheaper to book tours when you get to Zanzibar than paying online
For the best value on activities and excursions, wait to book tours until after arrival rather than booking online or through resorts. Local tour guides typically offer significantly better rates than international booking platforms, allowing you to experience more of what Zanzibar has to offer while staying within budget.
4) Let me break down Zanzibar's seasons to help you choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Dreaming of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters? Here's when to visit Zanzibar for your perfect tropical escape.
January-March (Hot Season):
Peak tourist season brings optimal beach weather and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for snorkeling, diving, and exploring Stone Town. Expect higher prices but ideal conditions for all activities.
April-May (Long Rains):
Budget travelers, listen up! While these months bring rain, you'll find incredible deals at luxury resorts, especially on the North Coast. Occasional dry spells offer perfect beach days without the crowds.
June-October (Cool, Dry Season):
The golden period for exploration. Comfortable temperatures make it ideal for spice plantation tours, Stone Town walks, and East Coast kitesurfing. Popular with families and adventure seekers.
November-December (Short Rains):
Brief afternoon showers shouldn't deter you. The North Coast offers predictable weather patterns and excellent infrastructure. Plus, you'll enjoy refreshing breaks between sunshine and lower tourist numbers.
Pro Tip: Consider late October or early December for the perfect balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and authentic island experiences without peak-season crowds.
Each season offers unique charms - from perfect beach days to amazing deals. Match your travel style with Zanzibar's seasonal offerings for an unforgettable island adventure.
On site, you can withdraw a few Tanzanian shillings TZS and buy your local bottled water, taxi rides, food, restaurant and souvenirs with them. Please note that most hotels will charge you between 1% and 5% if you pay by card for your stay, whether you use credit or debit cards. Also, most ATMs on the island are only compatible with Visa or Mastercard, so it's best to search on Google for example: "Visa ATM near me" and walk to it or "Mastercard ATM near me" .
We only found one that supports both card issuers (DTB, in Stonetown) Another tip is to go and withdraw cash in the morning, if you are staying in Stonetown, the main town, because there is a continuous demand and by afternoon most of them are out of money.
You can use the xe.com charts and take screenshots from your mobile device, in your local currency as we do for GBP or USD or EUR to get a rough idea of how much we are withdrawing. As the currency is weak, we recommend that you carry less than 150,000 TZS per day and a maximum of 100 USD per person in case of emergency or if you want to book a day trip. Keep 1 debit or credit card with you in case you need to withdraw cash.
Where to exchange money? There are different currency exchange options in Zanzibar
At the Bank
The People’s Bank of Zanzibar – Makunduchi
Equity Bank – Stone Town
Exim Bank – Stone Town
Are you ready to catch your next flight to Zanzibar, If yes we got you! Book your next cheap flight on Expedia now!
Or request a Flight & Hotel package
At the Post office, Shangani – Stone Town
They usually have the best exchange rate and you can even order the currency online and have it delivered to your doorstep which is very convenient. The post office has more information on this service.
Ready to explore Zanzibar for your next solo or friends & family cultural & leisure Trip to Southern Tanzania? Find out the best hotels for your stay now below.
Stonetown City Centre :
Spice Hotel, Stonetown - Our favourite Classy and best friendly staff
Upendo House, Stonetown - Cool roofop with Bar and pool best view in Stonetown
South of Zanzibar with Beach access :
Bamboo Zanzibar, Jambiani - Stunning views on the beach, Rooftop lounge and
Paje White House, Paje
On the Luxury resort side 5 to 6 stars ranking
Le Mersenne , Beach Resort Pingwe - Legendary for its Deck similar to The Maldives resort property, perfect for drone video shots and ultra luxurious rooms.
Safira Blu - Nungwi- Great Pools, sundecks , Pool party animation and get a celebrity clikeustomer services
Tulia Zanzibar - Pongwe, Most Luxury beach resort experience and Best food
Lux Marijani - Pwa Mchangani - Best Beach in Zanzibar
Jua Retreat Zanzibar - Michamwi - Outdoor retreat Vibes and very unique
At the airport
The best thing about them? They are available 24/7.
You can find the CRBD exchange office in the airport car park. For the best rates, I suggest bringing $50 or $100 bills. Until recently, notes were required to be in good condition and printed after 2006, but the latest report says it is necessary for notes to be printed after 2013
In local offices located across the island
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Where can I find an ATM in Zanzibar? There are only a few places to find ATMs in Zanzibar.
Stone Town
Two of them are located in the airport car park and few of them are in the center of Stone Town. Do not hesitate to search on Google "Visa ATM near me" or "Mastercard ATM near me"
East Coast
Outside of Stone Town, you can find several ATMs in Paje. Paje has lots of beach clubs, restaurants and clubs and you will find ABSA ATM located at UP gas station near police checkpoint and NMB ATM is located at Petro Petrol station. There are also two others: Exim and Moja/PBZ located at the roundabout. ATM Refill Money Tuesday! Keep that in mind.
North
In Nungwi, you will find a Barclays ATM near the UP gas station on the main road.
Ready to explore Zanzibar for your next solo or friends & family cultural & leisure Trip to Southern Tanzania? Find out the best hotels for your stay now below.
Stonetown City Centre :
Spice Hotel, Stonetown - Our favourite Classy and best friendly staff
Upendo House, Stonetown - Cool roofop with Bar and pool best view in Stonetown
South of Zanzibar with Beach access :
Bamboo Zanzibar, Jambiani - Stunning views on the beach, Rooftop lounge and
Paje White House, Paje
On the Luxury resort side 5 to 6 stars ranking
Le Mersenne , Beach Resort Pingwe - Legendary for its Deck similar to The Maldives resort property, perfect for drone video shots and ultra luxurious rooms.
Safira Blu - Nungwi- Great Pools, sundecks , Pool party animation and get a celebrity clikeustomer services
Tulia Zanzibar - Pongwe, Most Luxury beach resort experience and Best food
Lux Marijani - Pwa Mchangani - Best Beach in Zanzibar
Jua Retreat Zanzibar - Michamwi - Outdoor retreat Vibes and very unique
Centre
The NMB ATM is located between Dunga and Koani (central Zanzibar).
Zanzibar ATM Maximum Withdrawal Please note that there is a cash withdrawal maximum of TZS 400,000, or approximately $172 per day. Most ATMs charge a withdrawal fee, except KCB bank near the Stone Town ferry terminal, which has an ATM and does not charge any additional fees. You can use a credit card (VISA, Mastercard,…) several times until you reach your daily withdrawal limit.
You may need to visit different ATMs as they often run out of money quickly.
The NMB ATM at the airport accepts debit and credit cards! If you plan to travel to the mainland, we suggest you withdraw cash from an ATM in Arusha, Moshi or Dar es Salaam before you travel.
Source: @melanintravelsmagic & @wearezanzibar
Need help planning your next trip to Zanzibar?
We have also grown massively and can now help you plan unforgettable holiday activities, transportation and accommodation in the following destinations: Tanzania, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa, Sao Tome, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Congo, Nigeria, Benin. If you need help planning your next vacation, whether you're a solo traveler, a duo, a group of friends, or a corporate retreat. If you crave a mix of black heritage and leisure experiences, we've got you covered!
To find out more, email us at: melanintravelsmagic@gmail.com we could help you plan your next holidays.
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Client testimonials which we have helped planning their trips to Zanzibar & Mainland Tanzania
Ayoka, Joanna and Friend & Family group trip to Zanzibar & Tanzanian Safari, October- November 2022, Travel planner service
"Good communication with Christina in Zanzibar for 3 weeks crazy prices I recommend we loved our stay"
Giselle and Family group trip to Zanzibar & Tanzanian Safari ( Day trip to Migumi), February 2023, Travel planner service
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