Part Two of our guide to Zanzibar - a set of islands in Tanzania, located just off the coast of Dar es Salaam. That conveniently means there are loads of connections every day between Zanzibar’s airport and the rest of Tanzania. 

It might pop up on your radar because of its endless white-sand beaches, or maybe for the excellent kite surfing conditions, thanks to the Kaskazi & Kusi (north and south) winds that sweep the length of the main island. It’s also a popular place to wash away the stress of a bumpy safari on the mainland.

Even though the locals are predominantly Muslim, alcohol is permitted. That encourages laid-back beach town hangouts that attract visitors from all over, including other African countries. Accommodation is super affordable because of the low cost of living. 

Seven Jack’s Flight Club team members have visited Zanzibar, and we’ve stuffed this guide full of our top tips from experience, as well as from other members who have visited.

Local currency: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)

Commonly accepted currencies: United States Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP)

Where to use cash

Cash is king in Zanzibar, but Tanzanian Shillings usually can’t be found in foreign exchange shops, so the best way to prepare is by taking US dollars. You’ll be able to exchange them at banks or currency exchange offices once you arrive. 

Your money will go further if you pay in shillings, as locals typically use them for their shopping.

When we visited (Feb ’24), a 10,000 shilling note was worth slightly less than $4/£3/€4. But when using them to pay for taxis, shopping or activities, many locals accepted them as if they were equivalent to $5/£4/€5.

If you’d rather use USD, it is widely accepted throughout the island and is accepted as payment almost everywhere. 

Important: USD notes must be 2009 series or later—Tanzanian banks do not accept anything earlier.

In touristy spots like hotels, restaurants, and the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, you can often pay with EUR & GBP as well. The exception is when you’re in small local shops—it’s best to pay with shillings there. 

A note on using your card

Most bars, restaurants, and hotels that cater to tourists also accept major credit and debit cards. But you’ll want to use cash most of the time to avoid the (typically 5%) fee (see more about this below), and there’s also a danger of your card details being swiped. 

ATMs and general tips

ATMs on the island are pretty scarce, and they don't always work or have cash in them. You can find one at the airport, as well as near the popular beaches and gas stations in Stone Town, Paje, Nungwi and Dunga.

• You can only withdraw up to 400K shillings (approx. $150/£120/€140) per day. 
• When you take out cash, the machines charge an extra fee of 10K–20K shillings ($4–$8/£3–£6/€4–€8) per withdrawal. Your home bank may also charge you for converting the currency. 
• Some restaurants and bars tack on an extra 2–5% fee to your bill if you pay by card. 
• Some places have different prices for residents and non-residents, but this is usually clearly advertised.