How to Send Money to Tanzania – Complete Guide 2026
Whether you are supporting family, paying for services, or doing business, knowing how to send money to Tanzania safely and affordably is essential. Tanzania’s banking and mobile money systems make it easy to receive international and local transfers. This guide explains all the main ways to send money to Tanzania — including bank transfers, mobile wallets, online platforms, and in-person agents.
1. Overview – Sending Money to Tanzania
Tanzania has a reliable financial system that supports international remittances through banks, mobile money services, and digital platforms. Whether you are sending money from abroad or within Africa, the process is simple when you use recognized and licensed providers.
- Popular transfer channels include WorldRemit, Western Union, Remitly, and MoneyGram.
- Local transfers can be made via M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa, and HaloPesa.
- Funds can be received directly to mobile wallets or bank accounts within minutes.
2. How to Send Money to Tanzania via Bank Transfer
One of the most secure ways to send money to Tanzania is through a bank transfer. Most Tanzanian banks accept international transfers via SWIFT codes.
Steps:
- Visit your local bank or use your online banking platform.
- Enter the recipient’s full name and bank account number.
- Provide the bank’s SWIFT/BIC code (e.g., CRDB Bank: CORUTZTZ).
- Confirm the amount and currency (Tanzanian Shillings – TZS or USD).
- Submit the transfer and wait for confirmation.
Bank transfers may take 2–5 business days depending on your location and the sending bank’s policies. It’s best for larger transactions like salaries, business payments, or investments.
3. How to Send Money to Tanzania via Mobile Money
Mobile money is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to send funds to Tanzania. Mobile services like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, and HaloPesa allow instant transfers across the country and from select foreign countries.
Steps (for M-Pesa):
- Open your M-Pesa or mobile money app.
- Select “Send Money” or “International Transfer.”
- Enter the recipient’s Tanzanian mobile number (e.g., +255...).
- Enter the amount and confirm.
- The recipient will get an SMS confirmation instantly.
Mobile transfers are ideal for small to medium amounts and are widely used across Tanzania for daily payments and family support.
4. Sending Money via WorldRemit or Remitly
Online remittance platforms like WorldRemit and Remitly make it easy to send money from anywhere in the world to Tanzania within minutes.
How it Works:
- Visit WorldRemit or Remitly.
- Create an account and verify your identity.
- Select Tanzania as the destination country.
- Enter the recipient’s mobile wallet or bank account details.
- Choose your payment method (card, bank, or Apple Pay).
- Confirm and send — the recipient receives funds instantly or within a few hours.
These platforms offer competitive exchange rates and low fees, making them ideal for regular family support or personal transfers.
5. Sending Money Through Western Union or MoneyGram
For cash pickup options, Western Union and MoneyGram are widely available across Tanzania. They allow recipients to collect funds in cash from local agent locations.
Steps:
- Visit a local agent or use the Western Union or MoneyGram app.
- Enter recipient details (name as shown on ID).
- Provide the amount and payment method.
- Once processed, share the MTCN or reference number with the recipient.
- The recipient can collect the money using a valid ID from nearby branches.
Transfers are usually available within minutes, and cash collection is possible at banks or mobile money outlets.
6. How to Send Money to Tanzania from Kenya
Cross-border transfers between Kenya and Tanzania are common through M-Pesa Global and bank-to-bank connections.
- Open your M-Pesa app in Kenya.
- Go to “Send Money” → “International Transfer.”
- Select Tanzania and enter the recipient’s number.
- Confirm the amount and send.
The recipient will receive Tanzanian Shillings directly into their mobile wallet. Alternatively, you can use Equity Bank or NCBA for instant cross-border banking transfers.
7. Receiving Money in Tanzania
Recipients in Tanzania can receive money through:
- Mobile wallets (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, HaloPesa)
- Bank accounts (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic, Exim, etc.)
- Cash pickup locations via Western Union or MoneyGram
Most mobile wallets and banks notify recipients via SMS when funds arrive.
8. Tips for Sending Money to Tanzania
- Always confirm the recipient’s name and mobile number before sending.
- Compare exchange rates across platforms to get the best deal.
- Use official channels to avoid scams or delayed payments.
- Save receipts or transaction IDs for tracking purposes.
9. Average Fees and Exchange Rates
Transaction costs vary depending on the platform:
- Mobile Money: 1%–3% of the amount
- WorldRemit/Remitly: $1–$5 per transaction
- Western Union: $5–$10 for cash pickup
- Bank Transfers: Around $10–$20, depending on the bank
Always check the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) exchange rate before sending.
10. Summary – How to Send Money to Tanzania
In summary, there are multiple safe and affordable ways to send money to Tanzania. You can use:
- Banks – for large or business transfers.
- Mobile Money – for fast and local transfers.
- WorldRemit/Remitly – for international online transfers.
- Western Union/MoneyGram – for cash pickups.
Tanzania’s mobile money and banking networks make it one of the easiest countries in East Africa to send and receive funds. Always use trusted providers, confirm recipient details, and keep records for transparency.
For more guides on Tanzania travel, banking, and online services, visit www.jaynevytours.com.