As you think of a lifetime trip to Africa, plan to spend your holiday Safari in the magical pearl of Africa a home to the fascinating unique safari destinations in across the global. Upon arrival in the wonderful Uganda, grab an insight to explore the endless tourist destinations in her motherland as well as an opportunity to discover her neighborhoods. And at the end of your holiday safari, you delight in long lasting memories that reminds you about your visit to Africa. However, for the success of any safari in Uganda, numerous factors are considered which work together to enhance once a lifetime adventure experience in the pearl of Africa. It is also important to note money is one of the key factors highly considered to achieve a successful safari.

Just like any other African states, Uganda is largely a cash-based nation with Uganda Shillings as its renown official currency. In thus article, we present to you some of the basic tip about Uganda currency;

Despite the present of the Uganda official currency, the country is flexible to other currencies such as the US dollar that are commonly preferred in the tourism industry together with the credit cards or visa card where about 5-6 percent fee is charged from your bank. In some places like shopping malls or restaurants you will need some cash to meet the appropriate transaction. And places like Hotel, safari companies or airlines do prefer US dollars especially if you are purchasing a trekking permit like gorilla trekking permit that costs 700 USD per person.

You can obtain the Uganda shilling upon arrival using an ATM Machine once you own either a visa card, American Express or a master card. However, it is important to note that some cards may be limited in some places.

Forex Bureaus and Bank services

You can make use of the Forex bureaus to get Uganda shillings but the service comes with an extra charge. There are numerous Forex Bureau agents in the country. When you arrive at Entebbe international airport, grab a chance to exchange some US dollars into Uganda shillings with the Forex bureau agents at the airport. Other found in Kampala capital city and other town center in various areas of the country.

Despite the fact that US dollar shillings can be used every in Uganda, we advise that in public places like restaurants, bars, gift shops, shopping malls always carry some Uganda shillings cash to avoid to being cheated while carrying out transactions and small purchases. With out forgetting that in Uganda, most tourist services and activities are priced in US dollars such as the lodges accommodations, the park activities, trekking permits therefore keep some US dollars and use them where necessary. Remember to be careful with your cash even when exchanging into another currency. The exchange rates are usually given by the all Forex Bureau service providers.

Tour operators organizing your safari in Uganda always offer the price rates in US Dollars due to the reality that safari activities are priced in dollars including the lodges in the park.

Safety and security

To be on a safer side we advise travelers to carry small amounts of cash with in their pockets or opt for credit cards while carrying out any transaction or you are in need of the local currency. The cheques are not reliable alternatives to use on a safari since the process of getting money using cheques involves some hassle that irritates travelers though they get it in a long run.

The country relies more on cash and few individuals come out to use the banking system. Whether in town or in remote areas, most people prefer mobile money service which has been the norm in Uganda’s society and people find it easier to transfer money on phones than using banks.

Be careful with the dollars you are carrying for your safari, in Uganda we consider the latest dollar notes and these should not be below year 2009 or any damages any where on them. Further more about security for your money, avoiding exchanging money on the border of Uganda. Here expect to encounter with con men who are ready to cheat you and offer you fake money in the name of giving you change.

Always remember to use official and professional money agents like Forex Bureaus or banks while buying or exchanging your UK pounds, US dollars, Euros and be alert of the exchange rates to avoid losses. Do not be tempted to change less note since they sale them expensively.

In Uganda endeavor to carry about 50-100 US dollars for exchange note forgetting that these should be new notes. although the Forex Bureaus are airport might not have the best rates, utilize them to change some dollar money into Uganda shillings. For information regarding tips about Uganda currency, feel free to contact our reservation team to offer you assistance on the best way to go about it while planning your Uganda safari. Send us an inquiry [email protected] or call us on +256-700135510 or Tel +256-414699459