How much money to bring
Hello Kenya and Tanzania experts, I've seen previous very old threads about bringing lots of cash in USD for this trip. With the TD tip (not sure how much yet), other small tips, and a couple of art souvenirs, how much is advisable, per couple? Can we pay for Arusha Natl Park tour and laundry done by hotels with credit card? My travel information says laundry is paid for by cash? If so how much for a typical bag of laundry? Is there any place at all to buy personal supplies in case we forgot something or run out?
Thank you.
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When we went to the Arusha Park the first time, about 2007, it was not part of the Tauck tour, the Internet was not reliable so it was advised to take cash. The machine when we got to the park definitely did not work that day.
If you want to buy art, paintings or beadwork, of which there is a lot of different types, at the hotels or the large craft center, you can use credit cards. If you want to buy stuff from the Masai at the Village visit or by the roadside, you will need cash. As you have probably read, the notes must not be old, torn or written on. The last two times we have visited Masai villages, including one last year on the Bridges tour, they were asking very very high prices, you really have to be a very skilled negotiator to bargain successfully. They split you up into small groups and you go around with one of the men looking at the crafts, chose what you want and then they take you to the chief who will tell you the price. I was with my husband and granddaughter, my daughter and husband were with another guy, for example, I negotiated a fair price, my daughter paid a lot more, I had warned her, but like I said, you have to be very skilled. I think of it as a way of supporting them. That last visit was a disappointment compared to other visits, it was clearly a mock village. I also thought that the qualities offered had gone down, for example, some of the pieces, the metal in them was rusty. So it might be better to buy at the hotels and center where the prices are fixed and there is a huge choice, but again, prices are so very high since I first went to Kenya and Tanzania. They have clearly gotten wise to rich Americans.
I love the Masai Necklace collars and talking sticks, they make great displays. I also have some lovely oil paintings of both Masai and animals. Even, crumbs, senior moment…the fabric art with dye and wax, forget the term so early in the morning, a bit like batik.
There might be things like toothpaste in some hotels, I can’t recall, assume no, there is little like that at hand.
I don’t recall having to pay for laundry with cash, even as recent as last year, maybe it has changed. Compared to most countries it is very cheap. You are going to be staying in mostly hotels which could be anywhere, they are so westernized these days, very different from our first visits with Tauck so you can pay by credit card for anything.
Wan…. I recall from 2 years ago that we only used cash for tipping. At the bar we charge the drinks and tip in cash. Clean newer USD
Also tipped the laundry delivery person. If the laundry is left in the room I put the tip in the basket they delivered in. We use the laundry in every hotel so we can travel light. When are U going? We are booked again this October. A fun trip!!
And also……. Of course we tip the TD in pristine 50.00 USD bills. 100’s are not in vogue since rumor has it there are more of them counterfeit. Totally agree with British re Masai Villages. We now stay in and schedule a massage or just relax.
To add, even today, one person with a job may be responsible for supporting maybe ten people, family, friends etc.
we have been cautioned in the past for not over tipping people like room attendants because there is a need for people to seek further education and more skilled jobs, but if people think they can earn as much doing basic work, it puts them off bettering themselves. And never ever give children money! Begging kids should be in school.
Super helpful everyone, thanks! Being able to pay for laundry with a CC will definitely help.