If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, one of the most common questions is whether you can rely on your credit card or if you’ll need to carry cash. The good news is that credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and many tourist-oriented businesses. However, smaller restaurants, local markets, taxis, and independent vendors still prefer cash, making it wise to travel with both payment options.
Whether you’re booking a hotel room in Zanzibar, dining at beachfront restaurants, shopping for souvenirs, or joining local tours, understanding where cards are accepted can help you avoid unnecessary surprises. This guide explains which credit cards work best in Zanzibar, where cash is still essential, and what fees you should expect during your stay.
Which Credit Cards Are Accepted in Zanzibar?
Visa and Mastercard are the two most widely accepted card networks across Zanzibar. Most hotels, resorts, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and tourist-oriented businesses accept these cards without issue.
American Express, however, has limited acceptance and shouldn’t be relied upon as your primary payment method. If possible, carry two cards from different providers—such as one Visa and one Mastercard—to ensure you always have a backup if one provider isn’t accepted or experiences technical issues.
Paying by Card at Hotels and Resorts
Established hotels and resorts throughout Zanzibar generally accept Visa and Mastercard for accommodation, dining, spa treatments, and other services. Guests can often charge meals, wellness treatments, and selected activities to their room and settle everything conveniently during checkout.
Smaller guesthouses, boutique lodges, and family-run accommodations may only accept cash or have limited card facilities, so it’s always worth confirming payment options before making a reservation.
Paying by Card at Restaurants
Card acceptance varies depending on the restaurant’s size and location. Hotel restaurants and larger establishments in popular tourist areas such as Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje usually accept Visa and Mastercard.
Smaller local restaurants, cafés, beach shacks, and food stalls often operate on a cash-only basis and typically prefer Tanzanian Shillings.
As a general rule, restaurants catering primarily to international visitors are more likely to accept card payments than locally run eateries.
Shopping in Zanzibar: Cards or Cash?
Shopping experiences vary across the island. Larger supermarkets, pharmacies, boutiques, and souvenir shops in tourist hubs usually have electronic payment terminals and readily accept card payments.
Local markets, spice farms, and craft stalls are different. Many smaller vendors don’t have card terminals, and electronic payments can also be affected by limited payment infrastructure or unreliable internet connectivity in some areas. As a result, cash remains the preferred payment method for many everyday purchases.
If you’re planning to buy spices, handmade crafts, textiles, or locally produced artwork, carrying Tanzanian Shillings is highly recommended.
Paying for Taxis and Tours
Cash remains the preferred payment method for taxis, dala-dalas (local minibuses), and many independent tour operators.
Some established tour companies accept card payments when bookings are made online or through hotels, but payments made directly on the day of a tour are often expected in cash. If you’re planning activities such as spice farm visits, dhow cruises, or snorkeling excursions, confirming payment methods in advance is always a good idea.
Credit Card Fees You Should Expect
| Fee Type | What to Expect |
| Merchant surcharge | Many businesses add 3–5% for credit card payments |
| Currency conversion fee | Charged by your bank when paying in Tanzanian Shillings |
| ATM withdrawal fee | Applies when withdrawing cash using foreign cards |
| Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) | Choose Tanzanian Shillings instead of your home currency for better exchange rates |
Before travelling, check with your bank about international transaction fees and notify them of your travel dates to help prevent unexpected card blocks.
ATMs in Zanzibar
ATMs are available in Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, and around many larger resorts, dispensing Tanzanian Shillings.
Withdrawal limits can be relatively low, meaning larger cash requirements may require multiple transactions. Whenever possible, use ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres, as they generally offer greater security than standalone street machines.
Choosing luxury accommodation in Zanzibar with reliable card payment facilities can make your holiday considerably more convenient.
At Azao Resort & Spa, guests can comfortably settle accommodation, dining, spa treatments, and selected resort services using internationally accepted credit cards. This reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash while allowing visitors to enjoy a seamless holiday experience from check-in to checkout.
Planning your trip? Book your hotel room in Zanzibar at Azao Resort & Spa and enjoy comfortable accommodation, convenient credit card payments, and a relaxing island getaway.
Final Thoughts
Zanzibar isn’t a cash-only destination, but it isn’t entirely cashless either. While hotels, resorts, larger restaurants, and many tourist businesses readily accept Visa and Mastercard, much of everyday island life—including markets, taxis, and smaller eateries—still operates primarily with Tanzanian Shillings.
Travelling with both a reliable credit card and sufficient local cash ensures you’ll be prepared wherever your Zanzibar adventure takes you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw cash with my credit card in Zanzibar?
Yes. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard and dispense Tanzanian Shillings. Keep in mind that ATM and cash advance fees may apply.
Should I pay in Tanzanian Shillings or my home currency?
Always choose Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) when given the option to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which usually results in a poorer exchange rate.
Do I need to notify my bank before travelling?
Yes. Informing your bank of your travel dates helps reduce the likelihood of your card being flagged for unusual overseas activity.
Can I use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless payments in Zanzibar?
Some hotels, restaurants, and larger retailers support contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, availability is still limited, so carrying a physical Visa or Mastercard is strongly recommended.
How much cash should I carry?
Carry enough Tanzanian Shillings to cover taxis, local restaurants, markets, tips, and small purchases where card payments may not be accepted.
What should I do if my card is lost or declined?
Carry a backup card from a different provider whenever possible. If your primary card is lost or blocked, contact your card issuer immediately and use your alternative payment method.
Can I pay for tours and activities with a credit card?
Many established tour operators accept card payments for advance bookings, while smaller local operators often prefer cash. Always confirm the accepted payment method before your tour.
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