Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Tanzania or cash is king?
Unless you're staying in a big hotel or resort, most hostels prefer cash. A few might offer card payment but add processing fees or limits. I always confirm with the property in advance and withdraw enough to cover the stay. For peace of mind, plan to pay hostels in Tanzania with cash, and save your card for restaurants or tours.
Out of six hostels I stayed in, only one took card - and even then they added a 3% fee. Most said “machine broken” or “owner has the machine” which felt like code for “bring cash.” I got used to paying upfront in shillings. So yeah, cash is king at Tanzanian hostels, especially budget ones.
I pre-booked most places on Hostelworld but still had to pay in cash when I arrived, even in major towns. In Zanzibar, one hostel had a card reader but it was “offline” both nights I was there. Bring enough TTZ for at least your first few nights. Tanzania’s still very cash-first when it comes to small accommodations.
Every hostel I stayed at - from Arusha to Nungwi - asked for cash on check-in, even the ones that said “card accepted” online. Only one in Dar had a working card machine, but they charged a 5% fee. If you’re wondering whether hostels in Tanzania accept card, assume they don’t and come with shillings.