← Back to World Currency Index
Flag of Tanzania

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Tanzanian Shilling · TSh · Official currency of Tanzania

History

The Tanzanian shilling (TSh) was introduced in 1966, replacing the East African shilling.

Banknote Denominations

Five denominations circulate: TSh500, TSh1,000, TSh2,000, TSh5,000, and TSh10,000, featuring Tanzania's first president and natural heritage such as Mount Kilimanjaro.

Traveler Tips

US dollars are commonly accepted at tourist spots like Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro, but many places only take notes printed from 2009 onward, so it's worth bringing recent bills. Outside major cities, card payments are limited, so cash is essential, and exchanging at a bank or licensed money changer in the city is the better option. Small bills are frequently used for safari tips and local markets.

Issuing authority
Bank of Tanzania
Introduced
Founded 1966
Sub-unit
1 shilling = 100 cents (effectively unused today)

You can view the real banknote designs on the Bank of Tanzania's official page.

See Tanzanian Shilling banknotes at today's exchange rate →