If someone abroad is sending you money, or you are paying a supplier outside Tanzania, the bank will ask for a SWIFT code. For Absa Bank Tanzania the code is BARCTZTZ. This guide explains what the code means, when to use the 8- or 11-character version, and what other details an international transfer needs.
The code still starts with “BARC” because Absa Bank Tanzania was called Barclays Bank Tanzania until it adopted the Absa name in February 2020. The change of name did not change the code.
What a SWIFT Code Is
A SWIFT code, also called a BIC (Business Identifier Code), identifies a bank in the international payments network. The format is set by the ISO 9362 standard: four letters for the bank, two for the country, two for the location and, optionally, three for a branch.
It is not the same as a local bank or branch code. Within Tanzania, transfers between banks use local clearing systems and bank codes, while SWIFT is used when money crosses borders. Our guide to the sort code for CRDB Bank explains the local side.
The Absa Bank Tanzania SWIFT Code Explained
The Absa Bank Tanzania SWIFT code breaks down as follows:
- BARC – the bank (inherited from Barclays);
- TZ – Tanzania;
- TZ – the location code;
- XXX – the optional branch part, which points to the head office.
Most senders can use the 8-character code BARCTZTZ. If a payment form insists on 11 characters, BARCTZTZXXX is the head-office version. Absa Bank Tanzania payments are processed centrally, so you do not normally need a separate code for your branch, but confirm with the bank if the sender’s bank asks for one.
Details You Need to Receive Money
Give the sender all of the following, exactly as they appear on your account:
- your full account name;
- your Absa account number;
- bank name: Absa Bank Tanzania Limited;
- bank address: Absa House, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam;
- SWIFT code: BARCTZTZ;
- the currency of your account (TZS, USD or another currency).
For some currencies the sender’s bank may route the payment through a correspondent (intermediary) bank. If the sender is asked for intermediary details, ask Absa for the current correspondent bank for that currency rather than copying details from an old website.
Spelling mistakes in the account name or number are the most common reason transfers are delayed or returned, so double-check everything before the money is sent.
Fees, Timing and Exchange Rates
International transfers usually take one to several working days, depending on the currency, the banks involved and compliance checks. Both the sending bank and the receiving bank may charge fees, and a correspondent bank can deduct a charge along the way.
If you receive foreign currency into a shilling account, the money is converted at the bank’s rate on the day. Keeping a foreign currency account can avoid an unwanted conversion. Our guide to international money transfers to Tanzania compares bank transfers with money transfer services and mobile options.
Staying Safe With International Payments
Fraudsters sometimes send fake invoices with changed bank details. Before paying a new supplier, confirm their account details by phone using a number you already trust, not one written on the invoice.
If you are unsure about a payment, contact Absa through the official Absa Tanzania contact page (+255 746 882 000 or toll-free 0800 750 078). More background on the bank, its history and its services is in our Absa Bank Tanzania profile, and the CRDB Bank SWIFT code guide covers another major Tanzanian bank.
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