How to Send Money to Tanzania From the US

Sending money from the United States to Tanzania is common for supporting family, business, or gifts. Understanding available methods and required information ensures secure and efficient international transfers. This guide clarifies the steps involved.

Common Money Transfer Options

Several services facilitate money transfers from the United States to Tanzania, varying in speed, cost, and convenience. Online money transfer services use digital platforms via websites or mobile apps. Senders can fund transfers using bank transfers, debit, or credit cards. Recipients can receive funds through mobile money accounts, cash pickup locations, or direct bank deposits, often with competitive exchange rates and lower fees.

Traditional bank transfers, or wire transfers, are an established international method through financial institutions. Though secure via banking networks, they generally involve higher fees and longer processing times, typically two to five business days. Funds move between banks using the SWIFT network, a standardized global communication system for financial transactions.

Mobile money services are prevalent in Tanzania, offering a convenient way for recipients to access funds directly on their mobile phones. While direct US-to-Tanzania mobile money transfers are less common, many online services facilitate payouts to Tanzanian mobile money wallets like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, or Airtel Money. This method is convenient for recipients, allowing immediate access to funds.

Cash pickup services allow recipients to collect physical currency at designated agent locations across Tanzania. These services are favored for their speed, with funds often available within minutes. While offering rapid access, they might involve higher fees, especially for smaller transfer amounts, and require the recipient to travel to a specific location during operating hours.

Information Required for Sending

Before initiating any money transfer, gather necessary personal and financial details for both the sender and recipient. Senders must provide their full legal name, current address, and phone number. US financial regulations require submission of government-issued identification, like a passport or driver’s license, along with a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Recipient details vary based on the chosen receiving method in Tanzania. For bank deposits, the recipient’s full legal name, bank name, account number, and the bank’s SWIFT/BIC are necessary. If funds are for a mobile money account, the recipient’s full legal name, mobile money account number (typically their phone number), and the specific mobile money provider (e.g., M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) are required.

For cash pickup services, the recipient’s full legal name, exactly as it appears on their official identification, is essential for claiming funds. The sender also provides details for their chosen payment method, including bank account information (routing and account numbers for direct debits) or full card details (number, expiration date, and CVV for debit or credit card payments). Accuracy in providing all details is paramount to prevent delays or complications.

Completing Your Transfer

Once all required information is collected, the money transfer process can begin. First, select a money transfer provider based on fees, exchange rates, and delivery speed. After choosing, the sender typically needs to create an account or log in through the provider’s website or mobile application.

Initiate a new transfer by inputting your personal details. Then, enter the recipient information, including their full legal name, address, and specific banking or mobile money details. Specify the amount to send and select the desired currency for the recipient, typically Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), noting the current exchange rate.

Select and confirm your chosen payment method. Before finalizing, review all transfer details: the sent amount, applicable fees, exchange rate, and recipient information. Confirming the transfer initiates the transaction, generating a unique reference or tracking code. This code allows the sender to monitor progress, with delivery times varying from minutes for cash pickup and mobile money to several business days for bank transfers.

Receiving Money in Tanzania

Upon successful initiation of a money transfer from the United States, the recipient in Tanzania follows specific procedures to access funds, depending on the chosen delivery method. For cash pickup, the recipient must visit a designated agent location. They need to present valid identification, such as a Tanzanian National ID, passport, or driver’s license, and provide the unique reference number. After verifying identity and transaction details, the recipient signs for the funds before receiving cash in Tanzanian Shillings.

When funds are sent to a mobile money account, the money is typically deposited directly into the recipient’s mobile wallet. The recipient usually receives an SMS notification confirming arrival. They can then access these funds through their mobile money application for purposes such as withdrawing cash from a mobile money agent, paying bills, or sending money to other mobile money users within Tanzania. Major mobile money services like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money are widely used.

For bank deposits, transferred funds appear directly in the recipient’s bank account in Tanzania. The recipient’s bank may send a notification via SMS or email once funds are credited. Access to these funds can be managed through standard banking channels, including ATM withdrawals, in-branch transactions, or online banking services. Recipients should also be aware of any potential receiving fees that local financial institutions might levy or any local tax regulations that could apply.