Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Tanzania or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
I spent a month travelling around Tanzania for work, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and some rural towns. I used ATMs in the evenings a few times, but only when they were attached to bank branches or inside hotels. For example, the Exim Bank ATM in Dar near City Mall felt safe because it was under CCTV and there were always people around. I avoided any ATM that was out on its own or in dimly lit areas. In general, I think it’s fine to use ATMs after dark if you're careful just stick to high-traffic spots, keep your cash hidden, and move quickly.
While staying in Zanzibar, I did withdraw money once around 10 pm because I underestimated how cash-based the island is. I used a Barclays ATM inside the airport terminal, which thankfully was open 24/7 and had a guard nearby. It felt safe enough, but it made me realize how few options are actually available at night. In Stone Town, I saw several outdoor ATMs, but I wouldn’t have used them alone after dark. If you're a solo woman, it’s worth planning your withdrawals during daylight hours when you can choose a more secure location.
I had to withdraw cash from an NMB Bank ATM in Moshi one evening after returning late from a Kilimanjaro day hike. It was around 8:30 pm, and I made sure to use a machine inside a petrol station with lighting and a small crowd. Everything went smoothly, but I was very alert the entire time. I kept my phone in my pocket, didn’t linger, and avoided checking balances or anything that would slow me down. While I didn’t have any issues, I’d still suggest getting your cash during the daytime whenever possible it just feels more relaxed and safe.
I was travelling solo through Arusha and Dar es Salaam earlier this year, and I made it a rule to only withdraw cash during daylight. One evening around 9 pm, I was tempted to use an ATM near my guesthouse in Dar, but it was a standalone machine and there were a few guys just hanging around nearby. I didn’t feel unsafe per se, but it didn’t seem worth the risk. The next morning, I walked to a CRDB ATM inside a shopping centre much better. If you’re alone, it’s definitely smarter to handle money matters during the day when foot traffic is higher and security presence is visible.
NBC ATM near the entrance of Kendwa Rocks Hotel in Tanzania worked smoothly with both Visa and Mastercard. Felt totally safe at night.