Comparing the two payments apps to help you pick the right one for Tanzania.
| M-Pesa | Tigo Pesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | The backbone of Tanzania's economy. This mobile money platform by Vodacom lets you pay for goods, transfer money, and settle bills using your phone number. You will encounter M-Pesa everywhere, from roadside fruit stands to city restaurants. | A competing mobile money service from Tigo (now MIC Tanzania). Less dominant than M-Pesa but still widely accepted, especially in certain regions. |
| Essential? | Yes | No |
| Pro Tip | Register for M-Pesa at any Vodacom shop with your passport and a local SIM card. Load cash at an M-Pesa agent (they are on every block), and you are set. Many places offer small discounts for M-Pesa payments. | - |
| App Store | Download | - |
| Play Store | Download | Download |
We recommend M-Pesa for payments in Tanzania. Register for M-Pesa at any Vodacom shop with your passport and a local SIM card. Load cash at an M-Pesa agent (they are on every block), and you are set. Many places offer small discounts for M-Pesa payments.
