The central bank of Tanzania prohibits using foreign currency for domestic transactions

Tanzania’s central bank announced in a statement on Friday, May 2, that it has banned the use of foreign currency for local transactions and payments.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) announced that, according to regulations established by the government in 2025, all pricing and payments for goods and services within the country are required to be conducted in Tanzanian shillings.

The statement, endorsed by central bank governor Emmanuel Tutuba, indicated that the regulations also outline the transactions that are allowed to be carried out in foreign currency.

Foreigners, including tourists, must exchange foreign currency at commercial banks or exchange bureaus in Tanzania. Payment can still be made using bank cards or various digital methods.

The BoT encouraged the public to report any breaches of these regulations to the central bank via the Financial Intelligence Unit, the police, or any other law enforcement agency for suitable action.