Top payment methods in Tanzania: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Tanzania? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Tanzania, with a population of around 67.18 million people, has a GDP of approximately 85.98 billion making it the 81st largest economy in the world. The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
A diversified economy with key drivers in agriculture, tourism, and mining, particularly gold. It is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with key trade partners in India and China.
| Country | Tanzania |
|---|---|
| Population | 67.18 million |
| GDP (USD) | 85.98 billion |
| Global Ranking | 81st |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Tanzania?
The dominant form of payment after cash in Tanzania is mobile money, with services like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money being essential for P2P transfers, bill payments, and government services. The primary medium of exchange for daily life remains physical cash, the Tanzanian Shilling. For banked customers in major cities, debit cards are used at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.
How to pay in Tanzania
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Tanzania.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Mobile Money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) | Mobile money is the dominant payment method. It is a critical financial tool for the majority of the population, used for P2P transfers, bill payments, and merchant payments. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Tanzanian Shilling) | Cash is a primary payment method for daily life and is essential for transactions across the country, co-existing with mobile money. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Card acceptance is largely confined to the tourism industry (hotels, lodges) and formal retail in major cities like Dar es Salaam. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are used for B2B and formal transactions but are not a common consumer payment method. | Online |
Traveling beyond Tanzania? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Tanzania?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Tanzania.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.