Can I access my ATM on my tour to Kibale? This is a common question asked by visitors heading to Kibale National Park. Uganda is a growing country that keeps improving with new ideas, which is why in every city and big town, you will find an ATM machine ready to use.
Many of them accept Visa, credit, and debit cards, with a withdrawal fee charged depending on the bank you use. Before the money is given, the machine will show the fee. Note that Uganda is a cash-based country, so even when heading to Kibale, you are advised to change your money to Uganda shillings or carry small dollar notes.
The money withdrawn from the ATM can be used to give tips, buy art and crafts, and pay for other things you may need on your journey. Kibale is located in a rural area, so make sure to withdraw money while still in Fort Portal town, Kasese town, or even in Kampala or Entebbe.
Do not be afraid to use your cards, because some lodges, hotels, and high-end restaurants in big cities accept them. Uganda mainly uses Visa and Mastercard, and only a few places accept American Express and Discover cards.
All of them come with an extra charge ranging from 3.5% to 6%, or sometimes more. If you want to change your money to Uganda shillings, avoid dollar bills printed before 2017, as many places do not accept them.
Also, smaller notes like 20 USD and below usually get a lower exchange rate than 50 USD or 100 USD. That is why you should ask for bigger bills when collecting your money.
It’s also crucial to be prepared for health considerations, including important information about malaria prevention and awareness before your trip.
Before heading to Kibale, pass through Entebbe or Kampala, as the currency exchange process is easier there. At private forex bureaus, transactions usually take only a minute or two and do not require a passport or other documents.
At banks, however, these documents may be needed. Forex bureaus open early and usually close by 21:00 hours. If you arrive on a Sunday, your best option is to visit Garden City Shopping Mall, which is open seven days a week. Even in Entebbe, if you do not want to go through Kampala, there are forex bureaus and banks that stay open late to serve customers.
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