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Tanzania price guide

Prices in Tanzania in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 48% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 2 verified and 27 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Tanzania: TZS 39,350 or TZS 97,750

About $15 or $37 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.5× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: TZS 47,500, or 49% of the tourist-trap day.

+TZS 58,400 (about $22) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (TZS) Trap (TZS)
Street food meal 4,000 11,000
Restaurant meal 22,500 47,500
Coffee (espresso) 3,750 8,000
Water 1.5 L 900 4,250
Local beer 3,500 7,500
Public transit ticket 2 rides 2,200 7,000
Short taxi ride about 1 km 2,500 12,500
Total 39,350 97,750
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is TZS 2,000⁠–⁠12,000 (about $0.76 –⁠ $4.50).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Tanzania

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Men's haircut Fair TZS 3,000⁠–8,000 Trap TZS 20,000⁠–60,000 Tourist prices are about 7.3× the fair price
  2. 2 Fridge magnet Fair TZS 2,000⁠–6,000 Trap TZS 12,000⁠–35,000 Tourist prices are about 5.9× the fair price
  3. 3 Painkillers (paracetamol) Fair TZS 500⁠–2,000 Trap TZS 4,000⁠–10,000 Tourist prices are about 5.6× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $3.80

Tourist-trap price

Fair TZS 1,000⁠–4,000 Trap TZS 5,000⁠–20,000

TZS 10,000 is 4.0× the middle of the fair range (TZS 1,000⁠–⁠4,000).

Tourists often get charged TZS 5,000⁠–⁠20,000. From TZS 5,000 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Tanzania, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar City, and Arusha.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 2.8×

Restaurant meal: fair is TZS 15,000⁠–⁠30,000. From TZS 35,000 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair TZS 500⁠–1,000 ≈ $0.19 – $0.38
    Trap TZS 1,500⁠–2,500 ≈ $0.57 – $0.94

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 2,500⁠–5,000 ≈ $0.94 – $1.90
    Trap TZS 6,000⁠–10,000 ≈ $2.30 – $3.80

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 2,000⁠–5,000 ≈ $0.76 – $1.90
    Trap TZS 5,000⁠–10,000 ≈ $1.90 – $3.80

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 15,000⁠–30,000 ≈ $6 – $11
    Trap TZS 35,000⁠–60,000 ≈ $13 – $23

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair TZS 2,000⁠–6,000 ≈ $0.76 – $2.30
    Trap TZS 7,000⁠–15,000 ≈ $2.60 – $5.70

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair TZS 10,000⁠–15,000 ≈ $3.80 – $5.70
    Trap TZS 15,001⁠–25,000 ≈ $5.70 – $9.40

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair TZS 15,000⁠–35,000 ≈ $6 – $13
    Trap TZS 35,000⁠–60,000 ≈ $13 – $23

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 2,000⁠–5,000 ≈ $0.76 – $1.90
    Trap TZS 5,000⁠–10,000 ≈ $1.90 – $3.80
Transport 4 prices, up to 5.0×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is TZS 25,000⁠–⁠70,000. At TZS 80,000 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair TZS 25,000⁠–70,000 ≈ $9 – $26
    Trap TZS 80,000⁠–150,000 ≈ $30 – $57

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price
    Fair TZS 1,000⁠–4,000 ≈ $0.38 – $1.50
    Trap TZS 5,000⁠–20,000 ≈ $1.90 – $7.60

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price
    Fair TZS 700⁠–1,500 ≈ $0.26 – $0.57
    Trap TZS 2,000⁠–5,000 ≈ $0.76 – $1.90

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.8× the fair price
    Fair TZS 4,000⁠–8,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3
    Trap TZS 15,000⁠–30,000 ≈ $6 – $11
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 5.9×

Fridge magnet: fair is TZS 2,000⁠–⁠6,000. From TZS 12,000 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.9× the fair price
    Fair TZS 2,000⁠–6,000 ≈ $0.76 – $2.30
    Trap TZS 12,000⁠–35,000 ≈ $4.50 – $13

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair TZS 7,000⁠–25,000 ≈ $2.60 – $9.40
    Trap TZS 30,000⁠–50,000 ≈ $11 – $19

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.3× the fair price
    Fair TZS 8,000⁠–30,000 ≈ $3 – $11
    Trap TZS 50,000⁠–150,000 ≈ $19 – $57
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 5.6×

Tourist SIM: fair is TZS 5,000⁠–⁠25,000. Above TZS 25,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair TZS 5,000⁠–25,000 ≈ $1.90 – $9.40
    Trap TZS 25,000⁠–40,000 ≈ $9 – $15

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair TZS 20,000⁠–55,000 ≈ $8 – $21
    Trap TZS 60,000⁠–120,000 ≈ $23 – $45

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.7× the fair price
    Fair TZS 600⁠–1,200 ≈ $0.23 – $0.45
    Trap TZS 2,500⁠–6,000 ≈ $0.94 – $2.30

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 4,000⁠–8,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3
    Trap TZS 10,000⁠–15,000 ≈ $3.80 – $5.70

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.6× the fair price
    Fair TZS 500⁠–2,000 ≈ $0.19 – $0.76
    Trap TZS 4,000⁠–10,000 ≈ $1.50 – $3.80

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 4,000⁠–5,500 ≈ $1.50 – $2.10
    Trap TZS 8,000⁠–12,000 ≈ $3 – $4.50
Services 4 prices, up to 7.3×

One-hour massage: fair is TZS 30,000⁠–⁠80,000. From TZS 85,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 7.3× the fair price
    Fair TZS 3,000⁠–8,000 ≈ $1.10 – $3
    Trap TZS 20,000⁠–60,000 ≈ $8 – $23

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 1,500⁠–7,000 ≈ $0.57 – $2.60
    Trap TZS 10,000⁠–25,000 ≈ $3.80 – $9.40

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair TZS 30,000⁠–80,000 ≈ $11 – $30
    Trap TZS 85,000⁠–150,000 ≈ $32 – $57

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair TZS 9,000⁠–18,000 ≈ $3.40 – $6.80
    Trap TZS 22,400⁠–44,900 ≈ $9 – $17
Attractions 4 prices, up to 5.4×

Top museum or attraction: fair is TZS 2,000⁠–⁠12,000. From TZS 15,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.4× the fair price
    Fair TZS 2,000⁠–12,000 ≈ $0.76 – $4.50
    Trap TZS 15,000⁠–60,000 ≈ $6 – $23

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair TZS 100,000⁠–200,000 ≈ $38 – $76
    Trap TZS 250,000⁠–400,000 ≈ $94 – $150

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair TZS 53,000⁠–93,000 ≈ $20 – $35
    Trap TZS 150,000⁠–250,000 ≈ $57 – $94

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair TZS 112,500⁠–162,500 ≈ $42 – $61
    Trap TZS 200,000⁠–300,000 ≈ $76 – $115

Converted at 1 USD = 2,648 TZS, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Tanzania

Currency

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

  • 1 USD = 2,648 TZS

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, TZS to USD

$19

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose TZS. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Tanzania

Tipping on safari and beyond: leave about 10 percent in Tanzanian restaurants, but check the bill first, because many tourist places already add a service charge. On safari a tip is expected rather than optional: budget roughly 15 to 25 US dollars per guest per day for your driver guide and 10 to 15 US dollars per guest per day for the camp tip box. Tip in US dollars, in notes dated 2009 or later, since older notes are often refused. Tanzanian shillings are accepted but less welcome, and euros are not a practical tipping currency here.

Bargaining in Tanzania

Bargaining is expected at Maasai craft markets and souvenir stalls in Arusha and Zanzibar's Stone Town, start at 40–50% of the asking price; fixed-price shops exist in tourist areas but traditional markets always welcome negotiation.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline TZS 3,796 / liter ≈ $1.40
  • Diesel TZS 3,877 / liter ≈ $1.50

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Tanzania

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Nature Serengeti Big-Five and coastal rip currents

Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari-vehicle rules forbid exiting the 4×4; tourists gored by buffalo or killed by lion prides since 2020. Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia coast currents drown 10+ swimmers yearly. Elephant-path walking in Tarangire must use licensed TANAPA guides. Never exit vehicles in parks, pay park fees in USD at the gate (SD card voucher), and obey red-flag on Zanzibar's Kendwa and Nungwi beaches.

Emergency numbers in Tanzania

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 112 Emergency number Covers police, ambulance, and fire brigade

Tanzania uses 112 as a universal emergency number, but coverage is unreliable outside Dar es Salaam. Government ambulance services are scarce: many travellers reach a hospital by taxi or private vehicle.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $20 –⁠ $100 ≈ TZS 53,000⁠–⁠265,000
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $50 –⁠ $100 ≈ TZS 132,000⁠–⁠265,000
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $100 –⁠ $500 ≈ TZS 265,000⁠–⁠1,320,000
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $20 –⁠ $50 ≈ TZS 53,000⁠–⁠132,000

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Left hand & tribal photos

Never use your left hand for greetings or eating, it's considered unclean. Always greet elders first in any group as a fundamental sign of respect. Always ask permission before photographing Maasai or other tribal communities, many expect compensation, and photographing without consent is deeply disrespectful.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Tanzanite & Kilimanjaro coffee

Tanzanite, a violet-blue gemstone found nowhere else on Earth, is Tanzania's most precious souvenir. Buy from certified dealers in Arusha or Dar es Salaam and insist on a certificate of authenticity. Kilimanjaro coffee (peaberry beans) is rich and distinctive. Maasai shuka blankets, Zanzibar spice sets (cloves, vanilla, cardamom), and Tingatinga paintings (colorful naive art) are other popular, authentic picks.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is Africa's highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It can be climbed without technical gear.
  • Zanzibar was historically known as the "Spice Island." A spice tour is one of the most popular activities, where you can see cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon growing.
  • The Serengeti National Park covers 14,750 sq km and hosts the largest concentration of large mammals on Earth.

Cities these prices cover 3 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Dar es Salaam
  • Zanzibar City Mji Mkongwe
  • Arusha

How Tanzania compares

The TruePrice Index for Tanzania, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Ethiopia 33 Prices about 37% lower than in Tanzania
  2. Egypt 50 Prices about 4% lower than in Tanzania
  3. Tanzania 52 This page
  4. Kenya 84 Prices about 62% higher than in Tanzania
  5. South Africa 106 Prices about 2.0× as high as in Tanzania
  6. Oman 134 Prices about 2.6× as high as in Tanzania
  7. UAE 161 Prices about 3.1× as high as in Tanzania

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Tanzania.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Tanzania

Is Tanzania expensive to visit?

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 48% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Tanzania scores 52, the 9th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Tanzania cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly TZS 39,350 (about $15) a day at fair prices, or TZS 97,750 (about $37) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (TZS 2,000⁠–⁠12,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Tanzania, and how much?

Tipping on safari and beyond: leave about 10 percent in Tanzanian restaurants, but check the bill first, because many tourist places already add a service charge. On safari a tip is expected rather than optional: budget roughly 15 to 25 US dollars per guest per day for your driver guide and 10 to 15 US dollars per guest per day for the camp tip box. Tip in US dollars, in notes dated 2009 or later, since older notes are often refused. Tanzanian shillings are accepted but less welcome, and euros are not a practical tipping currency here.

What currency does Tanzania use?

The Tanzanian shilling (TZS). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 2,648 TZS. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in TZS.

How much is a meal and a beer in Tanzania?

A restaurant main course is TZS 15,000⁠–⁠30,000 (about $6 –⁠ $11) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge TZS 35,000⁠–⁠60,000. A street food meal runs TZS 2,000⁠–⁠6,000. A local beer is TZS 2,000⁠–⁠5,000 (about $0.76 –⁠ $1.90), or TZS 5,000⁠–⁠10,000 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Tanzania?

Budget roughly TZS 39,350 (about $15) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about TZS 97,750 (about $37) at tourist prices. Add TZS 2,000⁠–⁠12,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Tanzania?

Call 112, the general emergency number. Use it for police, ambulance, and fire brigade.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 2 verified and 27 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,648 TZS,
Fuel prices
Cities
Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar City, and Arusha
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

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