Taking rifles to Tanzania as gift

[r5bales]

My son is on a Tanzanian Safari crew. My husband is going to visit him in 7 days. Son wants Husband to bring a couple of rifles as a gift for the professional hunters he has worked with. Is Husband able to take guns into Tanzania and leave them there?

 

[James.Grage]

Wow...

You would have to send passport pictures and have a rifle permits filled out. (i think i had to send 8 passport pictures months early for my paperwork to be in place) this is usually done prior to your traveling to Tanzania. You usually are met at the luggage area by some one from the hunting outfitters to help you through customs and to have your paperwork completed. Ammo is also closely monitored as you will pre-pay for each round you will bring in to Tanzania.

I am not sure what your hubby will say when he is at the airport and getting ready to leaving the country and government wants to check his rifles prior to departure. Usually a 2 room deal, wanting to go over over all paperwork and check you out of the country. and ammo is also checked to see what you are taking home.

I am not saying your hubby is unable to do this, i am not sure how to do it above board and keep him out of jail. and Tanzania is not a place that you would want to be in jail.

 

[enysse]

cwhack: I'm sure James is right, Tanzania is no picnic to bring guns or ammo over to, especially if you are leaving it as a gift. It's a :nailbiter: if you don't follow the rules exactly. Maybe one of the travel specialist know someone that can hook you up yet, but I'm sure it's too late. Preplanning essential in Africa!

 

[sestoppelman]

I hunted TZ many years ago and I am sure its not easier now than it was. I would not attempt such a thing on such short notice. Not worth the risks.

 

[r5bales]

Thanks guys. You are the best. We were a little overwhelmed when we started reading about the requirements. Son is a bit of a scatterbrain and comes up with these great ideas on a whim. I will tell him that we would rather have Hubster stay out of jail.

 

[r5bales]

One more question. When we went to Equador a while back, they wanted us to bring brand new $20 bills because they used American $$ and the bills get really worn out. This was how they infused new bills into their system. Should he do the same thing with Tanzania? Or should he not bother.

 

[James.Grage]

Tanzania likes "NEW" USD

They have to newer than 2006.

All bill will have to be with out any worn edges or rips.
Plus they will not take bills with marking on the bills.

Banks and business will not take older bills or bill with markings or worn edges. Older bill are absolutely worthless in Tanzania. I know, as i exchanges some older bill for the camp staff that had received them as tips.

This takes time and a trip to the bank to go through stack of bills to pick the new ones that you will take with you. or if you have a good banker they will sort bill for you. However i have found you will need to go through the stack to double check and return older and worn bills for correct ones.

They like bills greater that are greater than $50 to get the best exchange rate at the bank.
Right now a new $100.00 USD will get you about $160,600 Tanzania shilling's.
Any bill less than a new $100 will receive a less exchange rate. as the bills become smaller the exchange rate goes down.
I suggest you look at taking $100 first then 50 with a few 20's - 10's & 5's (like 10 of each) thrown in for tips at the airport and hotel. At camp, As a tip, I gave the camp staff a 50 for each man with more to the trackers and skinners. there were about 14 persons involved.

I know that this is too late, however, you should have check with your bank weeks or months ago to have some Tanzanian bill's in hand when traveling.

One more question. When we went to Equador a while back, they wanted us to bring brand new $20 bills because they used American $$ and the bills get really worn out. This was how they infused new bills into their system. Should he do the same thing with Tanzania? Or should he not bother.