Uganda Currency Exchange 2025: Smart Money Tips for Your Great Lakes Adventure

Whether you are planning gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a Lake Victoria escape, or Murchison Falls safaris, getting comfortable with Uganda's money systems keeps every experience stress-free. This guide breaks down how to exchange cash, use ATMs, tap into mobile money, and budget for a seamless 2025 journey.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
2. Best Places to Exchange Money in Uganda
3. ATMs, Banks, and Cash Withdrawals
4. Cards, Mobile Money & Digital Payments
5. Avoiding Scams and Hidden Fees
6. Budget Planning & Sample Costs
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Money-Saving Uganda Travel Tips
9. Apply for Your Uganda eVisa & Start Planning

Understanding the Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

2025 Reference Rates*

• 1 USD ≈ 3,700–3,800 UGX
• 1 EUR ≈ 4,000–4,100 UGX
• 1 GBP ≈ 4,700–4,800 UGX
• 1 KES ≈ 25–26 UGX

*Rates fluctuate daily. Use the Bank of Uganda website or FX apps the day you exchange.

Denominations

• Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 UGX (coins less common, notes preferred)
• Notes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 UGX (polymer notes)

Good to Know

• Merchants rarely accept torn notes. Check bills upon receipt.
• High-value transactions (permits, luxury hotels) are quoted in USD but payable by card; everyday purchases work best in shillings.

Best Places to Exchange Money in Uganda

1. Commercial Banks – Secure & Regulated

Best for: Larger sums, receipts, and peace of mind.
Where: Kampala CBD, Entebbe Airport, major towns (Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal).

Top Banks:

• Bank of Uganda – Central bank, best for large exchanges.
• Stanbic Bank Uganda – Kampala Business District and airport counters.
• Centenary Bank, Equity Bank, KCB Bank Uganda – quick service, English-speaking staff.

Process: Present passport + visa, state the amount, sign an exchange slip, and keep receipts for reconverting unused shillings when leaving.

2. Licensed Forex Bureaus – Competitive Rates

Best for: Daily expenses, day trips, and slightly better rates than banks.
Where: Kampala Road, Garden City, Acacia Mall, major towns.

Recommended Bureaus:

• Forex Bureau (Kampala Road)
• Best Forex (Garden City)
• Mbarara Forex (Mbarara)
• Jinja Forex (Jinja)

Tips:

• Confirm the posted buy/sell rates before handing over cash.
• Always request a stamped receipt.
• Compare at least two bureaus if exchanging more than $500.

3. Entebbe International Airport (EBB)

Best for: Arrival cash for taxis, SIM cards, and snacks.
Caution: Rates trail city bureaus by 1–2% and operating hours follow flight schedules. Exchange only what you need (≈ $100).

4. Hotels & Lodges

Best for: Remote areas like Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth when banks are far.
Downside: Weak rates and occasional service fees. Use as a last resort or for emergency top-ups.

ATMs, Banks, and Cash Withdrawals

ATM Access

• Networks: Stanbic, Centenary, Equity, KCB support Visa and MasterCard. American Express works mainly at major bank branches.
• Locations: Kampala (every major neighborhood), Entebbe, Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal, and near major national parks.
• Limits: 1,000,000–2,000,000 UGX per transaction, with daily caps based on your home bank.
• Fees: Local ATMs charge 5,000–10,000 UGX (~$1.50–3). Your bank may add a foreign transaction fee.

ATM Safety Tips

• Use machines inside malls or bank lobbies with guards.
• Withdraw during daylight; decline help from bystanders.
• Opt for "no receipt" and store cash discreetly.

Banking Hours

• Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (select branches)
• Sunday/Public Holidays: Closed (airport kiosk only)

Cards, Mobile Money & Digital Payments

Credit & Debit Cards

• Widely accepted at international hotels, high-end restaurants, tour operators, and national park HQs.
• Expect a 2–4% service fee on card transactions.
• Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks.

Mobile Money

• MTN MoMo and Airtel Money dominate. You can pay ride-hailing apps, supermarkets, fuel stations, and even some national park fees.
• To use: Purchase a local SIM, register with passport, load cash at an agent, then pay via USSD or app.
• Perfect for tipping guides or splitting bills without carrying cash.

Digital Wallets

• Tap & Pay: Increasingly common in Kampala cafés and coworking hubs.
• Online Payments: Uganda Wildlife Authority and several lodges accept Visa/MasterCard gateways for permits and deposits.

Avoiding Scams and Hidden Fees

1. Counterfeit Notes: Uganda's polymer bills have transparent windows and raised ink. If anything feels off, politely switch the note.
2. Rate Switches: Confirm the total in writing before exchanging. Recount all cash at the counter.
3. Unlicensed Dealers: Street changers operate illegally. Stick to banks and registered bureaus.
4. Dynamic Currency Conversion: Decline when card terminals offer to charge you in your home currency—it adds 3–6% to the bill.
5. Phishing SMS: Ignore unsolicited texts requesting MoMo PINs or card details.

Budget Planning & Sample Costs

Item	Budget Traveler	Mid-Range	Luxury
Kampala hotel (per night)	$30–60 guesthouse	$120–200 boutique	$400–2,000 luxury lodge
Meals	$5–10 local buffet	$15–30 brasserie	$60+ fine dining
Gorilla permit	-	$800 (flat rate)	-
Murchison Falls park entry (int'l)	$40/day	$40/day	$40/day
Private 4x4 + driver	$180/day	$220/day	$300+/day
Domestic flight (Entebbe–Kasese)	$200 one-way	$200 one-way	$200 one-way
SIM + 10 GB data	$10	$10	$10

Money Management Tips

• Split cash between a money belt, hotel safe, and daypack.
• Carry small notes (5,000–10,000 UGX) for tips, boda-boda rides, and markets.
• Keep USD/EUR crisp (issued 2017+); older notes may be rejected.
• Track expenses with apps like Trail Wallet or Revolut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pay for gorilla permits in cash?
A: No. Permits are paid online or via bank transfer/card through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or licensed operators.

Q: Do taxis accept cards?
A: Standard city taxis prefer cash or MoMo. App services (SafeBoda, Uber) let you pay in-app.

Q: Is tipping expected?
A: Not mandatory but appreciated. Budget 5,000–10,000 UGX for bag porters, 10% for sit-down restaurants, and $10+ per day for guides.

Q: What about neighboring countries?
A: If you're crossing into Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda, convert leftover shillings in Kampala before departing; re-conversion options are limited at borders. Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa for multi-country trips.

Q: Can I use USD everywhere?
A: USD is accepted for permits and some hotels, but street vendors, boda-bodas, and markets expect shillings. Always carry local currency.

Money-Saving Uganda Travel Tips

• Compare exchange rates with XE or OANDA before entering a bureau.
• Use mobile money to avoid carrying large bundles of cash on multi-day trips.
• Book tours and lodges early to lock in rates before peak-season price jumps.
• Travel in shoulder months (May, October) for lodge discounts and promo park fees.
• Leverage city passes and bundled tour packages for better value.

Apply for Your Uganda eVisa & Start Planning

Once your finances are sorted, apply for your Uganda eVisa at least 2 weeks before departure through uganda-immigration.com. Our immigration assistance team double-checks forms, payments, and supporting documents so you can focus on budgeting adventures rather than paperwork. Reach out today and turn those shillings into unforgettable 2025 memories.