Are there enough ATMs, or is it better to bring cash when traveling around Uganda? Planning to take either a guided or Uganda self drive tour, and you are wondering whether to carry your ATM card with you or cash? Here we’re gonna help you figure out whether to have an ATM or cash while traveling in Uganda. Using ATMs or carrying cash are all available transaction options you should expect if you plan to visit Uganda for a vacation. Access to ATMs is possible in urban centers, cities, and towns. Multiple ATMs are distributed across the country, and you can use credit cards, debit cards, master cards, and Visa to transact. However, using ATMs may come at a cost. The charge when using ATMs may vary depending on the bank you intend to use.
Uganda is a cash-based nation with the Uganda shilling (UGX} being the common local currency used for transactions. UGX is used not only for shopping but also when paying for transport fares in taxis and buses, and when buying something in a restaurant or hotel/lodge.
Debit and credit cards are currently acceptable in most hotels and lodges, as well as top restaurants in developed towns or cities. The use of Visa, Master Cards, and American Express has also become common. But be aware that using these modes for transactions comes with an extra surcharge.
In case you plan to go to track mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, Big game safaris, and others, then prepare to use UGX or US dollars. Travelers’ Cheques are not allowed as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Payments to the Uganda Wildlife Authority are all cashless.
Currency Exchange Tips
For those who will need shillings for transactions in the country, please visit the nearby forex bureau or any bank around you but the bureaus give the best exchange rate.
Take note that most of the forex bureaus are distributed around Kampala, the capital city, and other developed cities. You may not get such a service when in some far districts or towns, and yet you may need cash to use for local transactions.
Ensure that you depart from Kampala/Entebbe when you have your US Dollars or Pounds and any currency converted to Uganda shillings so as to make transactions, especially with the locals in markets, craft shops, and others.
Using ATMs while in Uganda
The majority of the banks in big towns or cities have ATMs. However, ensure that you still remember the PIN for your Visa ATM card. Before you embark on a road trip with any card, find out if the available bank ATMs serve the card you have.
Important tip: Do not depend on the ATMs for payment. The network may fail at any time of the day. Travel when you have some cash to spend when on a tour in Uganda.
Be aware of the withdrawal limit that the ATMs allow. Usually, most ATMs accept clients to withdraw about 1 million UGX or up to 3 million. Get in touch with your bank to ascertain how much you can get from your card using an ATM.
ATM points in Uganda
The main towns/cities with multiple ATMs in Uganda include Kampala, Entebbe, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Mbale, Mbarara, Soroti, Kasese, Fort Portal, Masindi, and many others. Some of the towns or cities are situated close to main tourist sites, for instance, Fort Portal Tourism City, which is a short drive away from Kibale National Park, for you to engage in a trek to see chimpanzees.
Kasese, where you can easily connect to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mbarara, which is close to Lake Mburo National Park and Mbale city, where you can drive to Mount Elgon National Park. Visitors who are enthusiastic about adrenaline adventures such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, and kayaking can have a great time in Jinja city.
The different cities or towns have multiple ATMs for the various banks in Uganda, including Centenary Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Absa.
Why carry cash for your safari in Uganda?
Having cash and cards while traveling around Uganda is essential. Cash makes it easier or more convenient for visitors to carry out transactions in the local markets or when in the town/local community for their activities. Tipping guides/drivers/residents is easier when you have ready cash. But make sure that you keep your money when in the city or urban areas. Carry the amount you intend to use on a particular day and leave the rest in the hotel room.
