When embarking on a journey to Uganda or Rwanda, carrying cash in US Dollars is the most favored choice.
When you find yourself in Uganda or Rwanda, we recommend exchanging a portion of your dollars into the local currency. This will come in handy for your adventures, whether it is for refreshing drinks or unique souvenirs along the way. We recommend bringing a mix of smaller denomination notes (USD 1, 5, 10, 50) along with USD 100 bills. Ensure that they are from the series issued after 2006, as typically only these newer notes are accepted in Uganda and feature the ‘large heads’. The older notes, which show various senators with ‘smaller heads’, may seem a bit puzzling at first, but comparing them will clarify things. Kindly make sure that all USD bills are in excellent condition, meaning they should be free from rips, tears, and any markings. Keep in mind that although it is easier to switch currencies and avoid lugging around large sums of local cash, there is usually an extra fee for exchanging smaller denominations. Hold onto your slips; you can exchange any extra local currency for cash when departing the country, provided you have proof of purchase.
Traveler’s cheques can be quite a challenge to exchange, often accompanied by unfavorable rates. Cashing them can prove to be a real adventure, particularly in larger towns, and it becomes even trickier during weekends and after hours. Across the nation, altering TC’s is nearly unfeasible.
Credit Cards:
In Kampala, there are just a handful of banks that are permitted to provide cash advances on credit cards. Visa cards typically work well, but MasterCard may face challenges and will only be processed if they pass specific internal security checks. Withdrawals are restricted to certain amounts and can only be made during banking hours. Exchange rates might not be favorable, and there could be significant service fees involved.
In certain locations, you can only use a VISA card or MASTERCARD to pay for services with a credit card. Typically, only sizable hotels will accommodate this method of payment, and they often impose an additional charge of at least 5% on any bills. So the bottom line is to reserve your credit card for unexpected situations only.
Cash Dispensers
ATM machines can be quite unreliable, yet there are a few scattered throughout Entebbe, Kampala, and some larger towns in the countryside. They only accept LOCAL MONEY, and the client requires an international use PIN code to withdraw funds, which can only be done with specific cards. Up to Ush2 million daily (approximately USD1200), though this can vary based on the client’s unique banking arrangements, so it might be lower.
Be prepared for the bustling traffic in and out of Kampala, as a trip to the bank can turn into an hour-long adventure just waiting in the city’s lively congestion.
Rwanda – Much like Uganda, as mentioned earlier. In both countries, cash reigns supreme!
Budgeting for your journey – anticipate expenses for beverages, souvenirs, gratuities, and more – around USD 20-40 per day per person, along with occasional dinners not covered (please check your itinerary for details).
