About James Barrett Expertise Been to Tanzania twice and on one occassion lived in Iringa region for 6 months, working at a secondary school there. Have information on where to stay, places to see/things to do in Dar-es-salaam, Mbeya, the south of the country, Kilwa island, Iringa region, Dodoma and surrounding area, Tanga, Moshi and Zanzibar.
Don`t ask me about Kilimanjiro/safaris in the north and Arusha. Also don`t ask about Lake Tanginika.
Do ask me about the other places and transport, crossing to Zambia, ways to save on cash, health risks, tips etc.
Expert: James Barrett Date: 10/23/2000 Subject: Money
Question Mr. Barrett:
I sent you this same question before. I lost the response due to the fact that my computer crashed and I changed ISP`s.
I am planning a visit to Tanzania in two years. I am wondering how to compare their money with ours.How many shillings would it be for a beer, for example?
Answer From whast I remember you get around 800 shillings to the dollar and about 1100 to the pound although this may have fluctuated when I last checked.... do not change your money on the street.... there is nothing much to gain but plenty to lose when you find out your holding a wad of cardboard rather than shllingi
try the banks around the New Africa hotel and see which ha sthe best rates, be sure to see if they take commission if u have travellers cheques
1 beer = 500/600 shillingi in normal place but in more touristy areas be prepared to pay upto 1500
coca cola from a street stall - 250 shillingi
a decent meal in local restaurant = 500 shillingi in a touristy restaurant 3000 and upmarket could cost you 6000 or more
Tanzania is cheap if you don't go to the obvious tourist traps and try other places e.g. India street in dar es salaam has some great places where u can eat for a few dollars (2000 shillingi) .... and once u are out of the major cities everything is very affordable... Tanzania is considered cheaper than Kenya/Uganda/Zambia but maybe not as cheap as Zimbabway, Malawi or Mozambique... hope that helped
