Tanzania offers a rich mix of ways to receive money — from M-Pesa and other mobile wallets to bank deposits and cash pickup — and the cheapest option genuinely depends on how much you send and how your recipient wants it. Here is how to navigate the choices in 2026.
For bank transfers, Wise (low ~0.33% markup) and OFX ($0 fee, small margin) lead. For small sends, NALA and Sendwave are often cheapest. For mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa, EzyPesa), Remitly and WorldRemit deliver in seconds to minutes. Compare on the shillings received. Fund from a bank account or card to stay exempt from the new 1% US remittance tax.
Tanzania’s currency: the shilling (TZS)
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling, written TSh and coded TZS. Your money is converted into shillings for delivery, so what your recipient gets reflects both the fee and the exchange rate. Because provider pricing varies a lot by amount and method here, always benchmark against the mid-market rate on our live USD to TZS converter.
Best options for sending money to Tanzania
| Provider | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Bank transfers, transparency | Low mid-market markup (~0.33%); best for larger bank-to-bank sends |
| OFX | Larger transfers | Often $0 fee with a small margin; good for bigger amounts |
| NALA / Sendwave | Small sends | Frequently cheapest under a few hundred dollars; fast to wallets |
| Remitly / WorldRemit | Mobile money & family | M-Pesa, Airtel, Tigo Pesa, EzyPesa; cash pickup; instant options |
Mobile money in Tanzania
Mobile wallets are central to daily life in Tanzania. M-Pesa is the best known, alongside Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa and EzyPesa. Sending straight to a wallet with Remitly or WorldRemit is fast — often seconds to minutes — and low-cost, and lets the recipient spend, pay bills, or cash out at an agent. For everyday family support, this is usually the most convenient route.
Matching the provider to your transfer
Tanzania rewards picking the right tool for the size of your send. For larger bank-to-bank transfers, Wise’s low markup and OFX’s zero fee shine. For smaller amounts, NALA and Sendwave frequently come out cheapest. For instant mobile-money delivery to family, Remitly and WorldRemit are hard to beat. Because the “cheapest” answer shifts with amount and method, comparing the shillings received on your specific transfer is the reliable way to decide.
The 1% US remittance tax
Since January 1, 2026, a 1% US federal excise tax applies to outbound remittances funded with cash or a money order. Transfers funded from a US bank account or with a debit or credit card are exempt. Sending online from your bank gets the best rate and avoids this tax entirely.
How to get the best deal
Decide the delivery method and note your amount, then compare on the shillings received: Wise or OFX for larger bank transfers, NALA or Sendwave for small sends, Remitly or WorldRemit for mobile money. Fund electronically, and you will keep more of every transfer.
Check today’s USD to TZS rate
The shilling rate moves daily. See the real mid-market USD to TZS rate before you send so you can judge each provider’s markup.