Uganda Money Information and Tips

When you think of a trip to Africa, think not beyond Uganda. Uganda is dubbed the pearl of Africa for many reasons and it is of no doubt that it features among the very few unique safari destinations in the world.

Compared to the most destinations, there is no place like the pearl of Africa. Where else can you find all that Africa has to offer for the world if not in Uganda? Think of lifetime trips and think about spending your next holiday in this magical country and you won’t regret in life.

While here, you have opportunity to explore its endless tourist attractions and also a chance to discover what its neighborhoods have in offer and at end of it all, you will have the best of African memories. But what makes up these lasting memories, a number of factors have to be put into consideration.

Most importantly, for any trip to be successful, money is involved and we believe that these travel tips will guide you appropriately as you plan your trip to Uganda.

uganda money

Uganda like most African states is largely a cash based nation and Uganda shilling is its official currency. However, regardless of this fact, Uganda safaris are very flexible in that other currencies are also accepted and for this case, the US dollar as it is mostly used in the tourism sector.

As well, credit card-Visa cards are accepted though not widely used and normally, you may incur about 5-6 percent surcharge for using your card. This comes from fees merchants incur in banks.

This means that you need cash if you are to transact well in Uganda. You realize that most hotels, airlines, safari/tour companies, national parks and Uganda Wildlife Authority will also ask for US dollar if you are to obtain a gorilla permit or chimpanzee permit. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $600 per person and $1500 for gorilla habituation experience.

However, the Uganda shilling is widely accepted and traveler cheques usually come with challenges when it comes to exchanging them into cash and also if there is need for additional fees in banks. Besides US Dollar, other currencies are also welcome for instance the sterling, pound and euro among others.

There are many forex bureaus in and around Kampala for you to exchange your money into Uganda shilling. Uganda’s notes range from 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 50000 while the coins come in 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. Note, exchange rate outside is more favorable than if you did it in any bank. And bills printed from 2003/2006 are considered with no tear or blemishes but others are also accepted depending on forex bureaus. Also, take note that small bills/old notes (especially those ranging between 1 and $20) tend to fetch low exchange rate compared to big bills (those that range from $50 or $100 and above) that can fetch you some good exchange rate.

Where to find forex bureaus

When searching for that one forex bureau to deal with, note that not all of them do offer the best rates and that is why we encourage our clients to always carry out some research on which one has the best exchange rates. While in Kampala, forex bureaus are all over including Grand Imperial Hotel, Kampala Casino among others.

The banks in Uganda

Uganda has the most extensive banking network, distributed in and around most towns like Kampala, Jinja, Fort Portal, Kisoro, Mbarara, Hoima, Masindi, Entebbe, Mbale and others. They include Stanbic, Barclays, Centenary, DFCU and many others.  For those with visa debit card, in most cases, it is easier to get the best rate your currency exchanged to shillings.

This may come with restrictions depending on what your home bank set per day with a chance that you can put your card in again and take out more money and this is usually up to daily limit your bank gives you at home that you can also reset. Visa ATM can be used but if you land in a bank without this kind of service then you will have challenges.

On the other hand, Master Cards shouldn’t be mistaken as Debit or Credit Card. For security and safety purposes, try as much as possible to use an ATM which offers you some privacy. Avoid the so called good Samaritans while at ATMs otherwise you will land into con artists. Get in touch with your bank and let them know that you are going to use a card to avoid it being blocked.

Usually, withdrawal may vary from bank to bank and in most cases, it ranges from 500000 to 600000 shillings each day. In case your card refuses to get out (my card has been eaten) make sure that you visit the bank perhaps the next day with a passport and they will give you back your card.

Credit card usage in Uganda

In most cases, use of Credit Cards has been associated to so many things and the UK government as well discourage its use. And this has been as a result of some other people stealing person’s card information. Well, cases of sort have ever occurred in some hotels based on the UK government website. This has happened in other African states and usually, a visa is recommended and the other is master card which is also limited to some hotels or fewer areas.

How to keep money safe

While on safari in Uganda, make sure that your money is safe and you can do so by wearing a money belt around your waist. Alternatively, get out with only the amount you wish to spend in the course of the day and the leave the rest at a hotel or lodge as well as your ticket and passport.

Or make copies of your airline tickets, passport and other important things for your safari. You can have an envelope to keep them. In case you do not have money belt then you can use pocket but again not back pocket. Do not display your money anyhow as this can easily attract wrong elements around you.

What about money transfers?

In case you need to transfer money, the best is for you to use MoneyGram or Western Union. However, you can also do it from bank to bank though this may take you some time. With Western Union, you can send money directly to another person using an MTN Phone in Uganda. Others include World Remit which is also known as PesaPal.

Conclusively, for any plans to visit Uganda, take note that it is a cash based country and Uganda shilling is mostly used as its local currency. However, other currencies are also accepted as you can exchange them into local currencies.