Money/Currency Issues

Cash is the best way to travel in Uganda. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted in the majority of places, the major exception being large banks in Kampala, and credit cards are unheard of in most places you’ll be traveling. 

A variety of foreign currencies may be exchanged in Uganda for Ugandan Shillings, but typically people carry Un ited States Dollars or Euros (European Union) to exchange in Uganda, with US Dollars receiving the highest rates of exchange. In some rare places you may also be able to purchase items directly with USD as well. To find the best rate it is necessary to go to different ForEx (Foreign Exchange) Bureaus and banks, but typically ForEx bureaus offer a better rate than banks. A big exception is the ForEx Bureau at Entebbe Airport, where the rates are poor. Try to exchange no more than necessary at the airport and wait until you reach Kampala for the majority of your exchanges. Rates in Kampala are good, but in rural areas, such as the nearest large town  Masaka, the rates are very poor. Try to exchange everything you need while in Kampala. Be sure to note that Ugandan public holidays, Sundays, and Saturday afternoons might find banks and other bureaus closed. Thus to ensure good rates of exchange and immediate availability of monies, it is best not to arrive late on a Saturday night!

Something to note as well is that Ugandan Exchange Bureaus are particularly sensitive to older currencies and small denominations. For example, with US Dollars, you’ll receive a lower exchange rate for anything lower than a $50 bill. Some places will give lower rates for anything less than a $100 bill. In addition, if the date on the bill is less than 2003, you will receive a lower rate and nothing before 1993 is accepted. Bringing currencies in high denominations and with most recent dates will serve you well throughout Uganda.