Carrying Money While On Safari in Uganda

Does Uganda have a currency of its own? Uganda is a sovereign state, and therefore has its own currency, the Uganda shilling. It is legal tender and can be used for any transaction within Uganda. You can get groceries from the store or supermarket, buy meals at restaurants and hotels, purchase things from the markets, pay your hotel bill and so much more, using Uganda shillings. The Uganda shilling is the official currency in Uganda, but there are other currencies that can be used every once in a while like Kenya shilling, Euros, and the dollar. [caption id="attachment_8365" align="alignright" width="423"] Issues of currency…..[/caption]

Is there an alternative unofficial currency?

There is an alternative unofficial currency in Uganda and that is the US Dollar. The US dollar is an unofficial currency in most of East Africa. It can be used to pay for lodging and accommodation in hotels and lodges and guesthouses. You can pay for a number of other things in dollars depending on the preference of the seller or service provider. Most safari companies accept payment in dollars for their services, permits such as gorilla permits for gorilla trekking can also be paid for in dollars. You can of course exchange your dollars for Uganda shillings when you arrive in Uganda, but you will lose out on the exchange rate. The good news is that most things concerning tourism are paid for in dollars or charged in dollars. So lodging, permits, park entrance fees, all these can be paid for in dollars.

So what currency should I carry to Uganda?

Travel with US Dollars, preferably 2003, or newer bills with no tears. That is the most convenient currency for you. If you need to make transactions in Uganda shillings are foreign exchange bureaus everywhere you look, or you could go to a bank. Be sure to choose one with favorable rates, and you will get Uganda shillings to use for your day to day transactions. We advice that you stick to banks and official Foreign exchange bureaus for currency exchanges, whether its UK Pounds, Euros, US dollars, Kenya Shillings, etc. They usually offer the best rates. So now you know, on your safari to Uganda, the convenient currency to carry is the US Dollar, and you can exchange that for Uganda shillings. So you can carry out necessary transactions in either currency and enjoy your stay in Uganda.]]>