Tanzania mandates local currency for tourism transactions
Tanzania's Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources has announced that all tourism-related fees and charges must now be paid in Tanzanian shillings, effective immediately. This new policy, part of a broader government initiative, applies to a wide range of tourism services including business licences, filming permits, and visitor fees.
Previously, many of these transactions were conducted in US dollars. Under the new system, payments will be converted to shillings using the Bank of Tanzania's exchange rate. The ministry is also developing a permanent payment system in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
The directive aligns with Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba's recent ban on using dollars for local transactions, aimed at stabilising the Tanzanian shilling. Tanzania National Parks implemented this policy on 1 July, requiring all transactions to be in shillings.
Tourists are advised to exchange foreign currency for shillings to facilitate transactions and support the local economy. This shift represents a significant change for Tanzania's rapidly growing tourism sector, which has historically relied heavily on dollar transactions.
Source: The East African
