Kilimanjaro International Airport check in

Were checked in at the KIA. Finally. First the car at the orphanage didnt start so the guys had to push it. Then we stopped at an ATM in Tengeru to get cash for our second night at Peace Matunda. 


Then the police stopped our driver for routine licence/insurance checks. 


We arrived early at the airport, but had a major scare as we saw people paying a new "departure tax" at the check in counter, 10USD for domestic flights and 40USD for international flights. Whaaat! We only had 60 each, reserved for our Ugandan visas! And although KIA has an exchange bureau, it doesnt have an ATM! The Barclays ATM that used to be here is just a hole in the wall. So wed have no way to get cash, USD or TSH. 


I was prepared to get into a taxi to go to an ATM. I thought I was gonna cry. 


However, we were relieved to be told by the check-in lady that we didnt have to pay the tax. Apparently, since we bought our ticket after July 1st the charge was included in the ticket price. Phew. Bloody arbitrary random taxes! Cash is king! Well, now were going through security.