Wondering how to send or receive British pounds (GBP) in Tanzania? It’s entirely possible, and with the right approach, it can be fast, affordable, and hassle-free. Tanzania is home to a growing community of freelancers, remote workers, international students, and global business operators. For many individuals, sending and receiving British pounds (GBP) is essential, whether for freelance payments, tuition fees, business transactions, or family remittances.

With various options like traditional banks, digital payment platforms, and money pickup services, opting for the best option can be complicated. Navigating currency restrictions, transfer fees, and processing times can be challenging without the right information.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including what to consider when choosing a platform and the best services for sending and receiving GBP in Tanzania.

Also read: How to open a foreign bank account in Tanzania for free

Top options for sending and receiving GBP in Tanzania

Here are some of the most reliable payment solutions for managing GBP transactions in Tanzania, and how to use them.

1. Grey (recommended)

Grey is a leading digital payment solution available in Tanzania. It offers GBP accounts for seamless British pounds transactions. With low fees, competitive exchange rates, and fast processing, it’s ideal for freelancers, businesses, and students handling international payments.

Why choose Grey?

• GBP account with sort code and account number.
• Send GBP abroad or receive payments effortlessly.
• Quick account setup via app or website.
• Multi-currency support (GBP, USD, EUR) in one dashboard.
• Low and transparent transaction costs.
• Favourable exchange rates.

How to use: Sign up on Grey’s website or app, verify your identity (ID, selfie, proof of address), request GBP account details, share them for receiving funds, or use them to send GBP. Convert to TZS or withdraw to local banks.

Also read: How freelancers in Tanzania can receive payments from the US, UK & EU clients

2. M-Pesa

M-Pesa, operated by Vodacom Tanzania, is the country’s most popular mobile money service, with over 5 million users. It supports GBP transfers through international partners like Western Union or WorldRemit, making it perfect for cash pickups or mobile wallet deposits in TZS.

How to use:

• Register for M-Pesa at a Vodacom agent or via USSD (15000#).
• Receiving money: Senders use a partner service (e.g., WorldRemit) to deposit TZS into your M-Pesa wallet.
• Sending money: Link M-Pesa to a partner platform or withdraw TZS to a bank for SWIFT transfers.
• Access funds at M-Pesa agents (e.g., shops, kiosks) or banks like CRDB.

However, M-Pesa accounts have limits (e.g., 5 million TZS balance cap, 3 million TZS per transfer). You should review these limits before making large transactions.

3. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a trusted platform for sending GBP to Tanzania, offering fast transfers to mobile wallets (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel) or bank accounts. It’s a favourite for remittances due to low fees and speedy delivery (often within minutes).

How to use:

• Sign up on WorldRemit’s website or app.
• Receiving money: Provide the sender with the name you used to register on M-Pesa and your mobile number.
• Sending money: Enter recipient details, choose mobile money or bank deposit (e.g., NMB, Exim Bank), and pay via card or bank transfer.
• You will get the money in TZS.

Also read: How to receive payments from Guru in Tanzania in 2025

4. NALA

NALA is a fintech company that provides international money transfer services, focusing on enabling transfers to and from Tanzania. The platform supports GBP transfers to mobile wallets and banks for the diaspora and locals. It’s gaining popularity for its low fees (e.g., $0.99 for some transfers) and local bank integrations.

How to use:

• Download the NALA app or visit NALA’s website.
• To receive: Share your M-Pesa or bank details.
• To send: Enter recipient details, select GBP, and pay via card or bank transfer.
• Funds are deposited in TZS into mobile wallets or local banks.

5. Remitly

Remitly offers fast and affordable GBP transfers to Tanzania, with options for bank deposits (e.g., CRDB, NMB), cash pickups, or mobile money (M-Pesa). It’s known for competitive rates and first-transfer discounts.

How to use:

• Create a Remitly account on their website or app.
• Receiving money: Provide your bank account and M-Pesa number, or choose a cash pickup location.
• Sending money: Input recipient details, select delivery method, and pay via card or bank.
• Funds arrive in TZS, often same-day for cash pickups.

6. MoneyGram

MoneyGram facilitates GBP transfers for cash pickup in TZS at agents like Posta Tanzania or DTB Bank. It’s ideal for urgent transfers or recipients without bank accounts. However, the fees can be higher than those of digital platforms.

How to use:

• To receive: Senders transfer GBP via MoneyGram’s app, website, or agent and are provided with a reference number. Visit an agent with ID and the number to collect TZS.
• To send: Use MoneyGram’s platform, enter recipient details, and send GBP for pickup or bank deposit (e.g., Stanbic Bank).

7. Bank wire (SWIFT)

Big Tanzanian banks like CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, and Absa Bank support GBP transfers via SWIFT. This method might be slow and costly, but it is ideal for large transactions.

How to use:

• Review bank’s requirements and open an account.
• Receiving money: Share your bank’s SWIFT code (e.g., CORUTZTZ for CRDB) and account details.
• Sending money: Visit your bank (e.g., NMB’s NMB Mkononi app) or use online banking to initiate a GBP transfer with the recipient's SWIFT details.

Key considerations for GBP transactions in Tanzania

Before opting for an international payment platform, look into these factors to ensure cost-effective and efficient transfers:

• Exchange rates: Converting GBP to Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) can vary significantly. Look for platforms offering rates close to the mid-market rate to get the most value.
• Fees: Check for transfer fees, conversion charges, or withdrawal costs. Transparent, low-fee providers save you money, especially for frequent transactions.
• Transfer speed: Some platforms deliver funds in minutes, while others take days. Prioritise faster services for urgent needs, like paying suppliers or tuition.
• Accessibility: Ensure the service has a user-friendly app and readily available or cash pickup options nearby.
• Regulatory compliance: The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) regulates foreign currency transactions, often requiring documentation for large transfers (e.g., proof of purpose). Choose platforms that comply with BoT rules to avoid delays.

How to send and receive GBP with Grey in Tanzania

Grey simplifies affordable and seamless GBP transactions with a UK account. Follow these quick steps to get started, and your account will be ready within minutes.

• Register on Grey’s website or app.
• Verify your identity with a Tanzanian ID (e.g., NIDA card), selfie, and proof of address (e.g., utility bill).
• Request GBP account details (UK sort code and number).
• Share details to receive GBP or use them to send GBP to international accounts.
• Convert funds to TZS or withdraw to local banks at competitive rates.

Also read: 13 essential tools and resources for digital nomads in Tanzania

Streamline GBP transfers in Tanzania with Grey

Managing GBP in Tanzania is easy with the right platform. Whether you’re a freelancer in Dar es Salaam, an expat in Arusha, a student in Dodoma, or a business owner in Mwanza, Grey offers a fast, affordable way to send and receive British pounds.

Start with Grey today to simplify your GBP transfers in Tanzania.

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