Tanapa bans cash transactions for services in parks

THE Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has banned all cash transactions for entry fees and services within game parks across the country, according to an official statement from the Arusha-based headquarters of the authority and signed by its Director General.

According to the release, the decision has been taken following the successful implementation of payment of fees and revenue collection by electronic systems. “TANAPA would like to inform the general public that from now on, cash money will not be accepted for payments of all park services and all fees should be paid using electronic systems,” read part of the statement.

It seems from the statement that effective January 2016, all tourism and related services and park fees within the 16 national parks spread across the country will be conducted using electronic payments systems. Apparently, all transactions will now be effected using all VISA and related bank cards that are compatible with TANAPA Points of Sales (POS).

According to the national parks body, all people without VISA cards can make payments using TANAPA Prepaid Cards that can be obtained from all CRDB Bank branches available countrywide as well as from the National Park offices found within the Northern Circuit.

It was also reported that TANAPA Prepaid cards are also available at all Exim Bank branches. Already, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has initiated the electronic payment system, having previously abolished cash transaction and the management says it has highly helped to curb loss of revenue.

Even tour companies prefer the electronic payment system as it helps curb theft and attacks along highways since their drivers no longer have to carry cash money with them.syste.”