Zanzibar Budget & Money Tips: Currency, Costs, and Smart Savings

Understanding Zanzibar Travel Costs: How Expensive Is It?

Is Zanzibar an expensive destination or a financial beneficial? The good news is that travelling to Zanzibar on a tight budget is completely possible. Costs differ by style, whether you're interested in Paje's kite-surfing waves or Stone Town's historic alleys. Backpackers in Zanzibar may spend as little as $40 per day, while resort-lovers may spend as much as $200. We'll show you how to reduce expenses with Capable Africa Tours without missing dhow cruises or spice market finds. Let's analyze travel expenses to Zanzibar so you can make smart decisions.

The secret? Be aware of your costs for lodging, meals, transportation, and activities. Include the required insurance ($45) and visa ($50–$100). Everything is covered in this guide, along with advice on how to keep your wallet happy when using Zanzibar cash or cards.

Zanzibar Currency: Tanzanian Shilling and USD Basics

Although the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency of Zanzibar, US dollars (notes issued after 2006) are your best friend when traveling to tourist destinations. Local markets and dala dalas shout TZS, but hotels, tours, and large restaurants accept USD. Zanzibar's exchange rate? Approximately 2,600–2,700 TZS per USD; compare rates with banks.

Pro tip: Keep small TZS notes (1,000–10,000) on hand for bajajis and street sellers. Locals are picky, so stay away from torn or old USD. For everyday necessities, Capable Africa Tours advises exchanging $50 to $100 at Stone Town's bureaux de change. You can stay up to date on rates with apps like XE Currency.

Daily Budget in Zanzibar: What to Expect

Your daily budget in Zanzibar depends on your vibe. Here’s the breakdown:

• Budget ($40–$70/day): Guesthouses ($15–$30), street food ($5–$10), dala dalas ($1–$2), free beaches.
• Mid-range ($80–$150/day): Boutique hotels ($40–$80), restaurants ($10–$20/meal), taxis ($10–$20), group tours ($30–$50).
• Luxury ($200+/day): Resorts ($100–$300), fine dining ($25–$50), private transfers ($30–$50), premium dives ($100).

These cover food, transport, and lodging. Budget-friendly travel tips Zanzibar style? Eat local, share rides, book group tours. Capable Africa Tours crafts packages to match any budget—more beach, less stress.

Zanzibar Cost of Food and Drinks: Eating on a Budget

Food in Zanzibar is a taste boom that is also reasonably priced. Zanzibar pizza or seafood skewers are examples of street food that costs between $2 and $5 in Stone Town's Forodhani Gardens. Local restaurants charge $5 to $10 for ugali or pilau. Nungwi's mid-range eateries? Swahili curries or fresh fish cost $10 to $20. Luxury dining costs between $25 and $50 (think resorts on the beach).

Drinks? Fresh juice or coconuts cost $1 to $3, while Kilimanjaro and Safari beers cost $2 to $5. At spice markets, coffee? $1. Save money by cooking at guesthouses with kitchens or visiting night markets. Capable Africa Tours can direct you to reasonably priced food vendors that the locals adore.

Zanzibar Hotel Prices: Where to Stay Without Overspending

Hotel rates in Zanzibar differ depending on the time of year and the location. For those who enjoy culture, Stone Town guesthouses are ideal, with rates ranging from $15 to $30 per night. On the shores of Kendwa or Nungwi? Midrange hotels cost between $50 and $100, while budget bungalows cost between $20 and $50. Are there any upscale resorts in Matemwe or Paje? $150 to $500. Prices drop by 20–30% during shoulder seasons (March–May, November).

Tip: Book via platforms like Booking.com for deals, or let Capable Africa Tours bundle lodging with tours for savings. Hostels or Airbnb in Jambiani? As low as $10/night for dorms. Choose wisely, and your budget stretches to more snorkeling trips.

Zanzibar Transport Costs: Getting Around Affordably

If you know the details, transportation costs in Zanzibar can be incredibly low. For short routes, such as Stone Town to Nungwi, dala dalas (local buses) cost between $1 and $2. Tuk-tuks, or bajajis? $5 to $10 for short hops. Taxis cost $10 to $15 from the ZNZ airport to Stone Town and $20 to $50 to the beaches. Renting a bike costs $10 per day. Capable Africa Tours offers guided group transfers. $15 to $30, including comfort.

Save by sharing taxis or joining group shuttles. Walking Stone Town’s alleys? Free and immersive. For remote beaches, negotiate fares upfront—locals respect a haggle.

Zanzibar ATMs and Banks: Accessing Your Cash

Zanzibar ATMs are reliable in Stone Town (Barclays, NMB, CRDB), with some in Nungwi and Paje. Fees? $3–$5 per withdrawal, plus your bank’s cut. Limits? 400,000 TZS (~$150). Cards? Visa/Mastercard work best; Amex, spotty. Rural areas? Cash-only, so stock up in town.

Bureaux de change offer better exchange rates than banks, aim for 2,650 TZS/USD. Capable Africa Tours suggests carrying $100 in USD as backup. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks, been there, saved clients from that headache.

Zanzibar Cash or Card: What Works Best?

Zanzibar is a cash-or-card hybrid, leaning cash. Major hotels, restaurants, and dive shops take cards (Visa/Mastercard, 3–5% fee). Markets, dala dalas, and small cafes? TZS or USD cash only. ATMs can be finicky, so carry enough for 2–3 days ($50–$100).

Tip: Split cash across bags for safety. Mobile payments like M-Pesa are rising, but not tourist-ready yet. Capable Africa Tours ensures your tour payments are card-friendly, freeing cash for local gems.

Tipping in Zanzibar: Etiquette and Costs

Tipping in Zanzibar is appreciated, not mandatory. Restaurants? 5–10% if service shines. Tour guides? $5–$10/day for groups, $15–$20 for private. Drivers or porters? $1–$2 per service. Resort staff? $5–$10/week for housekeeping. Locals don’t expect big tips, so small gestures go far.

Budget $10–$20/week for tips. Pay in TZS for small amounts; USD for guides. Capable Africa Tours includes tipping advice in our packages—gratitude without guesswork.

Activity Costs: Budgeting for Zanzibar Adventures

Zanzibar’s activities range from free to fancy. Beach lounging? Free. Spice tours? $15–$30/group. Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll? $40–$60. Diving? $80–$150/dive. Dhow cruises? $20–$50. Jozani Forest? $10 entry. Booking group tours saves 10–20%, Capable Africa Tours negotiates deals for you.

Freebies? Sunset walks, Stone Town markets. Budget hack: Combine activities (spice tour + beach) for discounts. Plan $20–$50/day for activities, more for diving.

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Zanzibar

Want to stretch your shillings? Try these:

• Travel in shoulder seasons (March–May, November) for 20–30% off hotels and tours.
• Eat at local joints—$5 meals vs. $20 resort plates.
• Use dala dalas or shared taxis over private hires.
• Book group tours for spice farms or snorkeling—cheaper per person.
• Stay in Jambiani or Paje for lower hotel rates than Nungwi.
• Haggle politely at markets—10% off is common.

Capable Africa Tours curates budget packages—think $500/week for lodging, tours, and transfers. More cash for coconut cocktails!

Exchange Rate in Zanzibar: Getting the Best Deal

The exchange rate in Zanzibar hovers at 2,600–2,700 TZS per USD. Airports rip you off—avoid them. Stone Town’s bureaux de change (e.g., near Darajani Market) offer better rates than banks. Hotels? Worst rates, don’t bother. Check XE.com for real-time rates before swapping.

Pro tip: Exchange $50–$100 at a time to avoid carrying wads. Capable Africa Tours can guide you to trusted exchange spots for max value.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in Zanzibar

Surprises sting. Watch for:

• Visa/Insurance: $50–$100 visa, $45 ZIC insurance.
• ATM Fees: $3–$5 per withdrawal.
• Peak Season Surcharges: June–October, December–February up 20%.
• Taxi Hikes: Unmetered fares—negotiate upfront.
• Plastic Ban Fines: $50 for carrying plastic bags.

Capable Africa Tours flags these in your itinerary—budget smarter, stress less.

Sample Budget for a Week in Zanzibar

Here’s a 7-day budget for one person (mid-range):

• Flight/Ferry: $80–$150 round-trip from Dar.
• Visa/Insurance: $95.
• Hotel: $350 ($50/night).
• Food/Drinks: $140 ($20/day).
• Transport: $70 (taxis, dala dalas).
• Activities: $100 (spice tour, snorkeling).
• Tips/Misc: $30.
• Total: ~$785.

Budget travelers? Cut to $400 with guesthouses and street food. Capable Africa Tours tailors this to your wallet.

Paying for Tours and Activities: Group vs. Private

Group tours save big: Spice tours ($15 vs. $50 private), snorkeling ($40 vs. $100). Private tours? Worth it for tailored vibes (e.g., exclusive dhow cruises). Pay upfront via card for big operators; smaller ones take cash. Capable Africa Tours mixes group and private for budget balance.