Here's how to send a quick, affordable and secure money transfer to Tanzania.
A handful of Tanzanian-born people, mainly skilled migrants, arrived in Australia shortly before and after Tanzania’s independence from Britain in 1964. From 2005 to 2010, an increase in Tanzanian-born people arriving in Australia included children born in Tanzanian refugee camps, to Burundian and Congolese refugees.
The 2011 Australian Census reported that 3,437 Tanzanian-born people lived in Australia, which was an increase of almost 50% from their numbers in the 2006 Census. More than 60% of the Tanzanian-born employed people in Australia were in skilled managerial, trade or professional occupations.
Relations between Australia and Tanzania are cordial. While Australia has a consulate in Dar es Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania has a consulate in Melbourne.
While sending money to Tanzania from Australia is not particularly common, you can find different ways to do so. Go through this guide to find out which method will work best for you.
Banks vs money transfer companies
Neema Bilal arrived in Australia as a student. She did not return to Tanzania at the end of her education because she got a job in Australia that permitted her to continue living here. However, her parents still live in Tanzania. While her father makes enough money to sustain their livelihood, Neema feels it is time she starts adding to their coffer so they can lead a more comfortable life. She figures she can afford to send around $1,000 every two months.
First, she checks if she can use her bank for the transfer. Since it does not deal in exotic currencies, she cannot. She then turns online to compare money transfer companies, and this is what she finds.
| Money transfer service 1 | Money transfer service 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1 = TZS1,493.45 | $1 = TZS1,500.50742 |
| Transfer fee | $0 | $13.99 |
| Amount received for $1,000 | TZS1,493,450 | TZS1,479,515 |
| Transfer time | 1 day | 1 day |
| Transfer options | Bank account | Bank account, cash pickup |
| Difference of | TZS13,935 |
While the second service provider offers a better exchange rate when compared to the first, it also charges a fee. As a result, Neema uses the first service provider, through which her parents stand to receive more money. Since she wishes to transfer the money directly into her father’s bank account, the first service provider not offering cash pickup as an option is not a concern.
How do I compare transfer companies when transferring and receiving money via Tanzania?
Comparing banks and money transfer companies is not difficult, provided you know what aspects to address.
- Fees and exchange rates. Some service providers may offer fee-free services, but they can make up for the same by offering unfavourable exchange rates. Similarly, paying exorbitant fees to get a seemingly great rate does not make sense. An easy way to pick the better deal is to compare the money the recipient stands to receive.
- Ways to send money. Banks that offer fund transfer services to Tanzania can let you go through the process online, over the phone or in person. Sending money in person is also an option if you choose a suitable money transfer company. There are numerous money transfer companies that operate in the online world. Some of these let you send money over the phone as well.
- Ways to receive money. If you have the recipient’s bank account details, you can transfer funds directly into a Tanzanian account. Collecting transferred funds from a cash pickup centre is also an option.
- Transfer options. Some money transfer companies let you schedule regular payments as per your convenience. This takes away the need to go through the entire process every time you wish to send money. Some let you purchase market orders and forward contracts as well, which can be useful if you hope to benefit through fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.
- Using the same bank. You can benefit by using a bank for the transfer, provided both you and the recipient have accounts with the same institution. Benefits can come in the form of a quicker turnaround time and reduced fees.
- Minimum limits. Some service providers have minimum transfer amounts in place, which can be $500 or even $1,000.
- Customer service. You never know when you may need to contact a company representative. You should ideally be able to do so over the phone, via chat and via email.
How do I send money to Tanzania from Australia?
Sending money to this African nation gives you multiple options.
- Banks. There are banks in Australia that let you send money to Tanzanian bank accounts, which you can do in person, online or over the phone. You can also think about mailing a bank-issued cheque, draft or money order.
- Non-banks. Money transfer companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram let you transfer funds to Tanzanian bank accounts. You can use their services to send money to cash pickup centres in Tanzania as well. Using PayPal is also an option, as long as you and the recipient have accounts with this service provider. You can open a new PayPal account for free, in little time.
How do I receive money from Tanzania in Australia?
You can receive money from Tanzania in Australia through different means.
- Banks. One way is to get the sender to transfer the funds in your Australian bank account directly. Fort this to happen, you’ll have to provide your account details to the sender first. The sender can then use the services of a bank or a money transfer company. Alternatively, you can receive a check, money order or draft by mail.
- Non-banks. Businesses such as Western Union and MoneyGram have a significant presence across Australia. If you wish to collect money in person, you can do so by visiting any of these centres. PayPal also allows transfers from Tanzania to Australia.
Emergency cash transfers in Tanzania
If you find yourself in Tanzania without your wallet, report your debit and credit cards as lost or stolen as soon as you can. Consider reporting the matter to the local police as well. Once that’s out of the way, you can think about getting some emergency money in these ways.
- Cash pickup. Is there a friend or family member who can send you some money through a money transfer company? If so, locate a cash pickup centre in your vicinity and pass the details to the sender.
- Credit card cash advance. Existing American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit card holders can think about getting money in the form of a cash advance, even if they don’t have possession of their cards. To get money this way you’ll have to visit a local participating bank.
- Travel insurance. The right kind of travel insurance can come in handy when dealing with unexpected medical expenses, flight delays and cancellations as well as lost or misplaced baggage.
Western Union / MoneyGram branches in Tanzania
Western Union and MoneyGram have numerous cash pickup centres spread across Tanzania. If you’re visiting any of these centres to collect cash, make sure you take a valid reference number as well as an acceptable form of ID such as your passport or driver’s license along. If you’re collecting a large sum, call ahead of time to confirm availability of funds. Here are some cash pickup locations in Tanzania.
Western Union
Dar es Salaam
Advans Bank Tanzania Manzese
Plot No 137 Opposite Temeke Co
P O Box 34459
Dar es Salaam
+255-22-2114210
Open 8:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12:30pm Saturday, closed on Sunday
Amana Bank Main Branch
PSPF-Golden Jubilee Tower
Ohio Street
Dar es Salaam
+255-22-2112386
Open 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Saturday,
9am to 2pm Sunday
Mwanza
Advans Bank Mwanza Branch
Lumumba Road Near Mayi Hotel
P.o.box 11142
Mwanza
+255-22-2114210
Open 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday,
9am to 1pm Saturday, closed on Sunday
Bugando Post Office
Bugando Hospital Building
Mwanza
+255-22-2132821
Open 8am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday,
9am to 12pm Saturday, closed on Sunday
MoneyGram
Dar es Salaam
Twiga Bancorp - Mlimani City
Sam Njoma Road
Dar es Salaam
+255-22-241181
Open 8:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday
10am to 3pm Sunday
Tanzania Posts Corporation - University
Dar es Salaam University
Dar es Salaam
+255-22-2112816
Open 8am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday,
8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday, closed on Sunday
Mwanza
Azania Bank
Nkrumah Street
Mwanza
+255-28-2501107
Open 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday,
8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday,
9:30am to 1:30pm Sunday
Twiga Bancorp
Liberty St Off Nyerere
Mwanza
+255-28-2502946
Open 8:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday,
8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday, closed on Sunday
Tips for picking up cash in Tanzania
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians to exercise a high degree of caution when in Tanzania. Petty theft accompanied by violence and armed robberies are common in Tanzania, especially in Dar es Salaam.
Instances of bag snatching from moving vehicles are common. As a result, when you’re driving make sure you keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed. Exercise vigilance in isolated areas and refrain from travelling to such areas alone or after dark.
Remain vigilant when travelling on public transport, as well as at places of tourist interest and bus stations. Stick to using registered taxis. Don’t accept food or drink from strangers as it may be spiked.
What are the steps to send money to Tanzania?
The steps involved in sending money to Tanzania from Australia depend on the method you choose.
- Transfer to bank account. If you’re sending money through your bank you’ll have to provide the recipient’s name, account number, bank’s name and the bank’s SWIFT code. If you’re using another bank or a money transfer company, you’ll have to provide details of your bank account, debit card or credit card as well. You should get a reference number once you initiate the transfer. You can use it to track the progress of the transfer at any time.
- Cash pickup. You’ll have to provide the recipient’s name and a desired cash pickup centre along with details of your bank account, debit card or credit card. You get a reference number, which the recipient needs to collect the transferred money.
