There are several banks and ATMs located along Boma Road leading from the Clock tower and the major bank, NBC (http://www.nbctz.com/moshi.htm), is located directly opposite the Clock tower, however NBC usually has long lineups and frequent power outages. They all accept international debit cards accredited with the plus logo, and accept VISA credit cards. Make sure your card issuer is aware you are travelling in Tanzania as your card may be blocked for security measures. reliable ATMs are by Aleems on Boma Road and Standard Chartered next to Bristol Cottages. They deal in local currency, the Tanzanian Shilling TSH. For approximate exchange rate see the Tanzania main listing. To convert currencies there are several foreign exchange offices near the banks.
As of August 2009, don't expect to be able to take US dollar traveller's cheques and easily change them to US cash in Moshi. All the banks in town Stanbic, NBC, Exim, etc., as well as most forex offices, flat out refuse to do it. If you're desperate, the only place that would do it is Executive Change Bureau, on Boma Rd., but they charge 10% that's right, TEN percent commission - ironically they also have signs everywhere in their office saying "God Hates Corruption" but opportunism is OK?. If you're going to Moshi, better bring US cash, or verify in writing that the places you are planning to deal with will accept US traveller's cheques and what the fee is, if any if you plan to carry them.
For souvenirs, Downtown Moshi is probably cheaper than the big 'out-of-town' places for tourists, which hideously overprice things. Even better, with a 15 minute walk from town on the Dar Road, you will find a community of artists who create the wood carvings and paintings that sell in town. They will sell direct to you at a far better price than can be found in shops. There are lots of fabric shops up and down the main street, as well as tourist shops selling carvings and paintings. If you do get hassled by street sellers, do not be afraid!! Their only interest is to take you to a shop where you might buy something and they receive commission for taking you there they are not the artists themselves!. Generally speaking there isn't a lot buy, but a lot to look at. If you've just been up Kili, the 'Just done it' t-shirts are probably worth a look! Or if you've spent a lot of time drinking, you might want to pick up a Safari or Kilimanjaro Lager tshirt! Tanzanite is sold in several shops.
Cats souvenir Shop
Offers souveniers, including a selection of t-shirts. They print their own.
The market is fantastic, and should be thoroughly explored. It consists of many narrow alleyways selling fruit, vegetables, meat, dried fish, general household stuffs, tapes, clothes, and of course the cheapest souvenirs A drum costing TS30,000 in the main streets would cost TS5,000 here.
Go see Mama Lymo who makes fantastic clothes for men and women. Choose your material and style.
There are several bookstores but most deal primarily with school and religious texts. There are many stationary shops with everything you could need.
Make sure to pick up some cassettes or CD's of local music, though you'll probably appreciate them more once you're back home.