You can exchange money at banks and Forex Bureaus in Kampala and other towns and cities. However, be aware that the exchange rates may vary, so it is best to compare them before making a transaction.
Additionally, the exchange rate depends on the value of the note. For example, you will get a better rate for $100 and $50 bills than for smaller amounts like $20, $10, $5, $2, and $1.
Please note that US dollar bills should not be older than 2001 and must be clean and undamaged. This is important because older notes may have a lower exchange rate due to concerns about counterfeit money in Uganda.
We do not accept any bills that are older than 2010.
Traveler’s checks can be exchanged in Kampala, but the exchange rate is usually not as good as when exchanging cash. If you have a large amount of money to exchange, you can ask to speak with the bank or forex manager to avoid drawing attention to the cash you are carrying.
Please be careful with your money, as theft is common in Kampala.
Related Article: Travel Insurance for Uganda – Essential Coverage for a Safe Safari Adventure
How to Get Money
You can withdraw money using a Visa card at ATMs in the city, especially those from Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered, and Barclays Bank, as they usually accept most cards.
If you need to withdraw up to USD 700, you may need to go inside the bank and use the counter service.
Check with your local bank to find out if there are any fees for using your debit card in Uganda. Also, inform your bank before traveling, as some cards may be frozen when used in a new location.
Cash
The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is the local currency in Uganda Safari, and you can exchange money upon arrival. US dollars, euros, and British pounds can be exchanged at banks and Forex Bureaus.
If you bring US dollars, make sure they were issued after 2001 and are in denominations of $50 or higher, as these get better exchange rates.
Bank/Credit Cards
Before traveling, check with your bank to confirm if your card will work in Uganda. Power outages can happen, so it is not advisable to rely only on credit cards. ATMs are available in major cities, and most of them accept Visa and MasterCard. Larger stores also accept these cards.
However, AMEX and Diners cards are generally not accepted in Uganda.
Before leaving your home country, inform your bank of your travel plans. If your bank does not know you are traveling, they may freeze your account when they see foreign transactions.
Traveler’s Checks
Traveler’s checks are difficult to cash in Uganda, so we do not recommend using them.
