Exchanging money is usually done in urban areas. Before you drive toward Kibale, make sure you have already exchanged your money either in Fort Portal, Kampala, or Entebbe town.
There are different places where you can exchange money, including banks such as Stanbic, Centenary, Equity, and Standard Chartered. You are advised to carry your passport and check international withdrawal fees before making any transactions.
Forex bureaus are also available and mostly deal with currency exchange. Make sure to use licensed bureaus. The last option is exchanging money at hotels or lodges, but this is not highly recommended because their rates may be lower and card transaction fees can range between 3.5% and 5%. Always compare rates before exchanging.
Make sure to exchange enough money for your immediate needs so you do not face a different rate the next day. Use only authorized services like banks or forex bureaus to avoid fraud. Keep your transaction receipts in case you need them later.
When managing your funds for a safari, remember that information on accessing cash and using ATMs is available for convenience in urban areas.
Not everyone you meet can be trusted, as there are scammers in towns. Always walk with your tour guide or tour operator for proper support.
Uganda’s currency is the shilling (UGX). Banknotes include one thousand (1,000), two thousand (2,000), five thousand (5,000), ten thousand (10,000), and fifty thousand (50,000) shillings.
Coins include fifty (50), one hundred (100), two hundred (200), five hundred (500), and one thousand (1,000) shillings.
US dollars are easier to carry, and national parks also accept them. However, you are advised to carry small notes for tipping. Other accepted currencies are Euros and UK pounds. The cards accepted are Visa and MasterCard. Very few places accept American Express, so make sure to check before traveling to Uganda.
Cash is mostly used in local shops, where some people have never seen foreign money. In such cases, Uganda shillings are better. The same applies to taxis and rural villages, especially if you wish to leave them with a bottle of water or something small.
Avoid using cheques, as they are not widely accepted and take a long time to process. Some people may not understand what a cheque is and may think it is fake or feel disrespected. So take note of all these things before your trip.
Keep your money away from public view. Not everyone is your friend, even in Kibale National Park.
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