Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Tanzania: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
I landed in Dar and took out 400,000 TZS from a CRDB ATM - worked fine, got nearly the exact mid-market rate. The airport exchange counter had a visibly worse rate and offered to “round up” their commission. Unless you urgently need cash on arrival, wait till you hit a proper ATM. They’re reliable and give a better deal overall.
I got impatient and used the airport currency counter in Arusha - huge regret. The rate was trash and they took commission too. Later I used my Wise debit card at a bank ATM and it was cheaper even with fees. Now I just pull cash from ATMs at big branches. Airport money changers are just for emergencies in my book.
I tested both options after landing in Zanzibar last month. Exchanged $100 at the airport - got around 2,250 TZS per USD. Two hours later I withdrew from an NMB ATM and received 2,380 TZS per USD. That difference adds up if you're staying long. ATMs in town consistently gave better rates, even with minor card fees. So if you can, use ATMs in the city, not the airport kiosk.
I exchanged $50 at Julius Nyerere airport just to cover my taxi, but the rate was awful - lost about 10% right away. Later, I used a CRDB Bank ATM in Dar es Salaam and got way more value, even with my bank’s international fee. If you're wondering “where to get best exchange rate in Tanzania,” go with ATM withdrawal over airport counters, no question. Just remember to decline the currency conversion prompt.