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Find the best way to send money to Tanzania

Learn how to send money to Tanzania from the US in our step-by-step guide.

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Looking for the best way to send money from the United States to family, friends or businesses in Tanzania (or even to your own overseas bank account)?

Don't head straight to your American bank – compare specialist money transfer services instead. They nearly always offer better TZS exchange rates and lower fees, so for the same amount of US dollars you send, your recipient will receive more Tanzanian shillings.

Of the companies we've compared, MoneyGram is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Wise (TransferWise) can get money to your recipient in Tanzania within minutes.

Best ways to send money to Tanzania from the US

The best way to send money to Tanzania depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive.
  • Online money transfer provider. When buying US dollars or Tanzanian shillings , money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a local bank.
  • Bank transfer. Bank transfers are an easy way to send money to Tanzania, but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower than other methods. US banks generally add a 3% to 6% markup onto exchange rates.
  • Cash pickup. If you need your money to arrive fast, cash pickup gives your recipient instant access to the money you've sent when they collect it from their agent location in Tanzania.
  • Mobile wallet. Essentially an electronic wallet service, mobile wallets allow users to store, send and receive eligible currencies using their phone, often with fees attached.
  • Home delivery. If your recipient may struggle to get to a cash pickup location, you may be able to opt for door-to-door cash delivery.

Compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Tanzania

Use our table to compare the best money transfer companies to send money to Tanzania. You can compare deposit and receiving options, fees and transfer speeds, then click the "Go to site" button when you've found the best one to get your money to Tanzania.
1 - 6 of 6
Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Airwallex
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
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Cheapest way to send money to Tanzania

Bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to Tanzania. MoneyGram and Instarem have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

When you're hunting down the cheapest ways to send money to Tanzania, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer. This has a couple of elements:

  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your American bank, some money transfer services charge either a fixed or percentage-based fee for making your transfer.
  • Exchange rates. Another way money transfer providers make money is to add a margin to the mid-market USD/TZS exchange rate.

Some providers may charge the mid-market rate but add fees on top. Others may have very low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many Tanzanian shillings your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to Tanzania

Many online providers can offer transfers to Tanzania within minutes, although you're likely to pay a premium for the convenience.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to Tanzania:
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes
  • MoneyGram — within minutes
  • Instarem — within 24hours

Actual transfer times from the United States to Tanzania can depend on several several factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Safest way to send money to Tanzania

The safest way to get your money to Tanzania is to use a provider registered with the United States's industry regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All the companies we've compared in our table are overseen by a local regulator and comply with the relevant laws and regulations in both the United States and Tanzania.

A great way to dive deeper is by reading our extended reviews of each transfer service and researching first-hand customer feedback on Trustpilot and similar platforms.

Large money transfers to Tanzania

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to Tanzania, consider using a provider such as OFX to benefit from its expertise in handling larger transfer amounts.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to Tanzania may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on the IRS's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange (forex) tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the TZS exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can help and advise you on your transfer needs.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as Instarem and Wise (TransferWise) can give you support over the phone.

How to send money to Tanzania from the US

To send money to Tanzania, you'll need the necessary documentation, your recipient's details and a way to pay.

  1. Compare your options.
    Use our table to find a money transfer provider that sends funds to Tanzania. One may be better for cash pickups, while another may suit a bank transfer. Once you've found the best one for your requirements, click "Go to site".
  2. Create an account.
    You'll need to give your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and method of payment.
  3. Provide your recipient's details.
    Enter your recipient's name and contact information. If you're sending straight to their Tanzanian bank account, you'll need the account number, SWIFT or IBAN plus their bank branch's address.
  4. Enter your transfer amount.
    Make sure you're happy with the fees, exchange rates and transfer speed, then enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the total Tanzanian shillings your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to Tanzania. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it, too.

Example: Muhammad sends money to Tanzania

Muhammad is working in the United States as a doctor and he regularly contacts his elderly parents back home in Tanzania. His parents need some funds to help pay off a mortgage, so Muhammad plans to send them $2,000 from the United States.

He decides to compare a bank and a money transfer specialist to see which one can save the most money on his transaction.

Bank Money transfer company
Exchange rate 1 USD = 0.00 TZS 1 USD = 0.00 TZS
Transfer fee $10 $2.50
Transfer method Bank account deposit Bank account deposit
Processing time 2 - 5 working days Next day
Amount received 0.00 TZS 0.00 TZS

The money transfer company enables Muhammad to send an extra TSh0.00, which is transferred straight to his parents' CRDB Bank account.

How to choose the best money transfer companies to send money to Tanzania

When choosing a money transfer provider to send money from the United States to Tanzania, it's important to consider the cost, how you want your recipient to receive the funds and the turnaround time. Here are other features to review:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. It is the best rate you can get. However, not all money transfer providers offer you this mid-market rate so compare the TZS you're offered to the mid-market rate and look for the smallest difference.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer amount? For example, a provider offering to transfer your money to Tanzania for a flat or low fee might work out better if you plan to send a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have a Tanzanian bank account or is cash or cell phone top-up a better option? Each transfer type has different fees. For example, instant cash pickups tend to be more expensive than bank transfers .
  • Transfer speed. If you need your transfer to arrive quickly, you can pay for an express delivery. Companies such as MoneyGram offer instant cash pickups but may charge more. If you're not in a rush, online money transfer services offer the best value and get your money to Tanzania faster and cheaper than banks.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, MoneyGram has a transfer limit of $25,000 while Instarem allows unlimited transfers.
  • Discounts. Some providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may offer a discount if you transfer more than a specific amount of Tanzanian shillings.

Frequently asked questions

Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
WorldRemit - 4free
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
PayPal (business)
Within minutes
$0
Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 40 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
PayPal
Within minutes
From $0
Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
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16 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    EvansDecember 11, 2019

    Where do you get money in Tanzania meant with bank person will go to get money after send? Send me more information. We know when we use western union service where will get money. How about your services?

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoDecember 12, 2019

      Hi Evans,

      Thanks for your comment, hope you are well.

      Money transfer providers assist in transferring money from one point to another. The receiver can either, get money at their agent’s location or have the money deposited to their account. Our page shows the money transfers you can use to send money to Tanzania. To get started comparing your options, read through the providers above by transfer speed, fees, currency exchange and money received.

      When sending money – it’s important to check the exchange rate beforehand to maximize the funds to be exchanged.

      Also, read through the transfer process of the provider such as transfer fees, transfer options and transfer speed to set expectations for the receiver. Take note of any reference or tracking numbers should any transaction delays come up during the transit. A friendly reminder, exchange rates vary on a daily basis, the rate today may differ from the rate tomorrow. Observe the fluctuations of exchange rates more frequently days before you exchange your money.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    josephJanuary 28, 2019

    whats the best way to transfer money from china Wenzhou to Kenya.

      AvatarFinder
      johnbasanesJanuary 29, 2019Finder

      Hi Joseph,

      Thank you for reaching out to finder.

      Based on our comparison website of money sending companies on this guide, you may want to check up on RIA, WorldRemit or XE money transfer. Please note that sending money to Kenya would require your recipient to physically go to the agent location to receive the amount. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

    Default Gravatar
    NurdinDecember 5, 2018

    Someone in India wants to send me money in Tanzania via my Vodacom M-Pesa account! which will the best way do it?

    Where can get a WorldRemit branch in India?

    is WorldRemit work in India?

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaDecember 9, 2018Finder

      Hi Nurdin,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      We currently don’t have a page that lists providers who specifically send money from India to Tanzania. However, you can start your search using this page. Above, you could see a list of providers that could help you. Once you find the right provider, click on its “Go to site” green button. From there, you can then check if they handle transfers from India to Tanzania.

      Regarding the Vodacom M-Pesa account, yes, it is possible to use this to make a transfer. With this method, you can receive money from abroad via Moneygram international transfer, directly into their M-Pesa accounts. However, please note that we are not permitted to provide specific recommendations and so, I can’t tell you which one is the best choice for you. What you can do is compare fees and see which provider offers the best rates.

      Regarding WorldRemit, transfers are done online. You can visit their website to initiate your money transfer.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    CarolynNovember 29, 2018

    I have been told that paypal does not allow payments to be received in Tanzania. Please clarify

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoDecember 6, 2018

      Hi Carolyn,

      Thanks for reaching out to us! Upon checking, users are unable to receive payments with PayPal for Tanzania. That feature is blocked because of intl banking rules and regulations. You may find other ways to send money to Tanzania using the information above. Hope this helps and feel free to reach out again, we’re standing by.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    JuliusOctober 13, 2018

    Does world first work as payoneer for I want to be paid online from platforms such as clickbank and am looking for an alternative to payoneer can this work for I am in Tanzania

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaOctober 17, 2018Finder

      Hi Julius,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      WorldFirst and Payoneer aren’t the same and they provide different services and feature. If you want to get paid online, you would need to ask your payer if WorldFirst could be one of their payment methods.

      Regarding Clickbank, I checked and WorldFirst isn’t specifically mentioned as one of the payment methods. Their page mentioned you can get paid through direct deposit, wire transfer, check, and Payoneer. However, there’s an option where you can contact ClickBank Accounting department to inquire about the WorldFirst and check if it is possible.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

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