chipmunkexpeditions@gmail.com
+255 628 030 877
Financial Peace of Mind
We understand that paying for a large international trip can be the most stressful part of the planning process. That's why at Chipmunk Expeditions, we have invested in the most secure, modern payment gateways available in the Tanzanian market.
Whether you prefer the ease of a credit card or the lower fees of an international wire transfer, we have simple options for you. Below is a detailed breakdown of how we handle your funds safely.
Option A: Secure Credit Card (Online)
We use the Direct Pay Online (DPO) system, the leading payment gateway in Africa. This allows you to pay with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express from the comfort of your home. It supports 3D Secure 2.0 and is fully PCI DSS Level 1 compliant.
*Note: A standard 3.5% processing fee applies to credit card transactions.
Option B: International Wire Transfer
For larger balances, we recommend a wire transfer to our official USD account at Absa Bank Tanzania. This avoids the 3.5% credit card fee. We provide full IBAN and SWIFT details once your booking deposit is confirmed.
*Note: Wire transfers can take 3 to 5 business days to clear in Arusha.
1. Deposit and Installment Policy
We don't expect you to pay for your entire vacation at once.
- Booking Deposit: To secure your lodges and vehicle for the specified dates, we require a 30% non-refundable deposit.
- Final Balance: The remaining 70% is due no later than 45 days before your safari start date.
- Flexible Payments: If you are booking far in advance, we can arrange monthly installment plans at no extra cost to help you manage your travel budget.
2. Cancellation and Refund Safeguards
Life happens, and plans change. While our deposits are typically non-refundable (as they are paid immediately to the national parks and lodges), we pride ourselves on being flexible.
COVID-19 & EMERGENCY PROTECTION:
If your trip is disrupted by government travel bans or medical emergencies, we guarantee to hold 100% of your paid balance as a Travel Credit valid for up to 24 months, with no rescheduling fees from our side.
3. Local Currency (Tanzanian Shilling - TZS)
While we quote all our safaris in USD, you will likely want to have some local currency for small souvenirs, markets, and local tips in Arusha or Zanzibar.
- Exchange: Our guides can take you to a local Bureau de Change in Arusha or Stone Town where you will get the best local rates. Never exchange money at the airport unless you lack small funds for a taxi.
- ATMs: Major towns like Arusha and Stone Town have ATMs (Exim Bank, Absa, Stanbic) that accept international Visa cards and dispense TZS. We recommend withdrawing no more than 400,000 TZS (approx $150 USD) at a time for safety.
4. Final Receipt and Invoicing
Once your payment is received, our finance team will issue a formal Digital Receipt with an official Tanzanian revenue stamp. This document is essential if you need to make a claim on your travel insurance later.
Feeling ready with the logistics? It's time to learn the language! Read our guide on Learn Basic Swahili.
Questions on Billing?
Our billing team in Arusha can answer your specific questions about currency conversions and wire transfer Tracking.
CONTACT OUR FINANCE DEP