Budgeting on Vacation in Tanzania: How You Can Enjoy a Trip That Doesn’t Hurt Your Pocket

Often when you start planning a vacation, the first thing that comes to mind is if you even have the budget for it. Because well, can you even go on planning, if you’re not sure if it even fits your finances? But don’t worry too much, because here is a guide on how you can manage your money in Tanzania, and still manage to have a wonderful trip. Tanzania is generally not considered a low budget destination, but there are plenty of ways you can manage your finances well if you are somewhat mindful of your expenses.

Budgeting in Tanzania:

The most apt way to begin this discussion might be to ask the question- how much money does it cost to go to Tanzania? Well, on an average it would cost a  single person somewhere around US $650 to travel to Tanzania for a week long trip. Of course this amount can vary to some extent based on how you manage your overall expenditure throughout the trip. While Tanzania travel cost is not particularly low, it also doesn’t have to be extremely high if you follow some budgeting tips. Here is how you can save up some money on your trip, while booking transportation, accommodation, dining and shopping.

Saving up on Transportation:

Though air travel is the fastest way to commute, it might not be the most pocket friendly route. When you’re thinking of your Tanzania trip cost, a large portion of it is likely to be transportation costs, and you can easily cut down on those by option for buses for traveling within the territory of Tanzania. You can easily book buses online, or find some great service operators that allow you to book your ride in a bus, and get around the country easily. Moreover, you also get to interact with the local people, get to know more about their lives and culture, and along with cutting down your Tanzania trip cost, you can also have a lot more fun.

Dining and Eating Out:

Tanzania offers quite a wonderful treat for any foodies, but keep in mind not to spend too much unwisely on what or where you eat. These choices also significantly impact your Tanzanian travel cost, so you can explore a bit before you decide on  aplace to eat. Fine dining options are always available, but some local Tanzanian delicacies are also equally amazing. Some tourists recommend cooking a meal or two a day by yourself sometimes, but if you do not wish to do that, you can always try eating at a cheaper place instead of always visiting a high end restaurant or cafe. You also get a fresh and wonderful abundance of fruits in Tanzania, and you can always make a fruit salad, whip up a smoothie, or make a green bowl if you’d like to cut down on some food expenses and keep your money in Tanzania within check.

Cutting down expenses on Accommodation:

If you start drooling at the mention of a luxurious pristine hotel, bathed with extravagance and dripping of opulence, then now is the time to stop. Your Tanzania travel cost is significantly affected by your choice of accommodation, and while luxury hotels do seem quite attractive, there are also plenty of other options available, that are relatively cheaper, and are safe, clean, equipped with all facilities and quite comfortable. You can also consider sleeping in a tented camp, but you must be a little careful while choosing one.

(Don’t) shop till you Drop:

Again, if you’re generally a shopaholic, then that might not be the right attitude if you’re planning to cut down your Tanzania travel cost. Do not immediately go to supermarkets, because a lot of the products there are  imported, and that kills the purpose of shopping in a foreign land. Instead, buy the local products that have been produced or manufactured . Do not shop at the malls either, instead, shop at the local markets. In addition to being open to bargains, they are also what will truly make you live the experience of being in a country like Tanzania, and get to know the culture and craftsmanship of its people. So if you’re really planning on managing your money well in Tanzania, give your shopping desires a little bit of thought before you give in.

Some Tips on Cutting Down Budget and Managing your Money in Tanzania:

• If you’re wondering what is the best currency to carry in Tanzania, then the answer is probably the local currency in Tanzania- that is Tanzanian shillings. Though USD is accepted in most places, it is best to have other options as well. Some currencies like the AUD are also not accepted at certain places.
• You may want to carry a Visa over Mastercard. Though Mastercard is generally not refused, a visa is considered the better option for making online payments in Tanzania.
• The hype of luxury hotels and  accommodation is quite understandable, but if you wish to cut down on your Tanzania travel cost, an option worth considering is camping. As long as the location is safe, camping should not be a problem for anyone visiting Tanzania and also planning to manage their money in Tanzania well.
• The time you choose for your visit is essential to the ultimate expense drop in your trip. Try to travel during the low season, when hotel rates are also significantly low, and you’ll clearly be able to see the difference it makes in the total expense of your trip.

In Conclusion:

Traveling to Tanzania is not the most affordable activity in the world, but you can definitely manage it within a budget. Follow these tips and you can have all the fun without really overspending!