Money on a Uganda Safari – Changing money in Uganda – Money tips for visitors
Money on a Uganda safari – In this post, you will learn about Uganda’s currency (shillings), banknotes and coins, exchange rates, and more. Learn how to handle your money while visiting Uganda, including ATMs and Credit cards.
Money Tips for Uganda
The official currency for Uganda is the Uganda shilling which is widely used across the country more than any other currency. While the currency of choice for Commerce and Tourism is the US Dollar, travelers who come with US dollars can exchange to Uganda shillings at any convenient Forex Bureau around the country.
Credit cards mostly Visa cards are accepted in many areas including safari lodges and hotels. Other cards that are accepted are Master cards. The use of credit cards has an overcharge of about 5% and more to cater to the extra fees incurred by the traders in banks. You may find challenging to use traveler cheques since most Forex Bureaus don’t accept them.
Areas, where you can pay by credit card, are safari lodges, hotels, supermarkets, and others. It is important to always have some cash in the local currency on you to avoid getting stuck at some points and also being over-charged. When purchasing items in markets and supermarkets, you need to have Ugandan shillings. Business entities that will accept US Dollars are safari companies, most hotels, national parks, and airlines.
There are many Forex bureaus in Kampala but they usually have different exchange rates. It is important to always find out the latest rates before exchanging since they keep changing. Some bureaus have better rates than others; therefore, ask your driver guides to take you to these areas and where there is a better exchange rate.
ATM Machines in Uganda
Visa debit cards are used at ATMs in Uganda. It is very crucial to let your bank know that you will be using your card in Uganda so that it is not blocked. You will get the best rate from your country’s currency to Uganda shillings. You have to know how much money you will need that day so that you withdraw enough or else be sure of how many times your bank allows you to use the card in a day. Using a Master card should not be so much considered.
When withdrawing money at an ATM, ensure that it is located in a safer place. Do not allow anyone outside to help you, rather go inside the bank and seek help from staff. Don’t also allow anyone to see your PIN.
Use of Credit cards in Uganda
It is risky to use credit cards in Uganda when paying for your services. This is because there have been many cases in Ugandans and other African countries of taking the information of the credit card and stealing the money. The use of credit cards is not encouraged even by the UK government. Staff working in areas like hotels and elsewhere frequented by travelers steal the information on cards.
Other than credit cards, it is better to use Visa cards or Master cards. Payment by credit card also involves an additional charge of not less than 5% when paying for your services.
Stability of the Uganda Shilling
The Uganda shilling is a stable, convertible Uganda currency that floats against foreign currency on the international market. For you as a tourist, this means that you can exchange your home currency for shillings to pay for products and services everywhere in Uganda.
Current Uganda Banknotes
50,000 shillings
20,000 shillings
10,000 shillings
5,000 shillings
2,000 shillings
1,000 shillings
Current Uganda Coins
50 shillings
100 shillings
200 shillings
500 shillings
