Credit card or cash?
Both are common in Uganda. For many Ugandan, daily life still largely revolves around cash.
However, in the places you are most likely to visit as a tourist, such as lodges and hotels, paying by credit card is common. Still, it is useful to have some shillings (the Ugandan currency) with you – for instance, for tipping or buying something while you are on the go.
ATMs are becoming available in more and more places across Uganda, so you can withdraw shillings during your trip. At most banks, you can withdraw up to 2,000,000 shillings (around USD 530) per day. Transaction fees are generally reasonable, often no more than about USD 10.
Keep in mind, however, that ATMs can sometimes be out of service or may not accept certain cards. So, when you are on safari, it is best not to rely on finding an ATM when you need one.
Should I Bring USD or Euros?
We recommend bringing enough US dollars and Euros in cash for your trip to Uganda. Euros can be exchanged for Ugandan shillings in larger cities and at exchange offices, but they are rarely accepted for direct payment. US dollars are much more widely used in tourism.
Many safari lodges, hotels and tour operators accept payment in US dollars, and some prices are quoted directly in USD. US dollars can also be used for tips.
If you bring US dollars, make sure the banknotes are clean, undamaged and preferably new. Older, heavily worn or damaged bills may not be accepted or may be exchanged at a less favourable rate. It is also a good idea to bring some smaller USD bills. They are especially useful for tips and smaller expenses, as change is not always readily available.
Exchanging money in Uganda
Currency exchange is available at the airport, as well as in Kampala and other major cities. Exchanging money at the airport is convenient when you first arrive, but the rates may be less favorable than at exchange bureaus in the city.
During a guided tour, your guide or driver can recommend a reputable exchange bureau. If possible, compare the exchange rates and carefully count the money you receive before leaving.
US dollars and Euros can easily be exchanged for Ugandan shillings, so you can arrive with either currency and change some money when you need it.
Debit Card, GeoControl & Activation
Before you leave, check that your debit and credit cards are activated for use in Uganda, including payments and cash withdrawals outside Europe. Some banks – particularly those offering Austrian debit cards – may restrict cash withdrawals outside Europe by default through security settings such as GeoControl. Depending on your bank, you can usually change these settings through online or mobile banking, or by contacting your bank directly.
It is also a good idea to let your bank know about your trip. This can help prevent unusual transactions from Uganda from being blocked automatically for security reasons.
Security for card payments
As with any trip, it is wise to take a few precautions when paying by card in Uganda. Use your card at reputable hotels, lodges, restaurants, banks and well-known businesses. When paying, keep an eye on your card and make sure it is not taken out of your sight.
We pay for your trip in advance
If we organize your tour of Uganda, we pay for most of your trip in advance. This includes your accommodation, transfers, many meals, national park fees and activities. Your driver also makes sure that the fruit basket in the car is always stocked.
This means you will not need to carry large amounts of cash during your trip. If you want to buy something extra at your accommodation, such as a drink, you can usually pay by credit card.
You will mainly need cash for drinks, tips, souvenirs, personal purchases and services that are not included in your trip. There is no need to carry large amounts of cash with you. If possible, keep your extra cash safely in the safe at your accommodation.
What is a Ugandan shilling worth?
To give you an idea, it is useful to compare the Ugandan shilling with the US dollar. USD 1 is currently worth around UGX 3,750 (2026), although exchange rates change regularly.
For example, UGX 3,700 can still give you an idea of everyday spending in Uganda. In a local shop, it may be enough for a few cold sodas.
You can find the current exchange rate for the Ugandan shilling here.
Our recommendation for your Uganda trip
The easiest way to travel is to have a combination of different payment methods:
- Bring enough US dollars in cash as a reserve and for exchanging into Ugandan shillings.
- Exchange some money into Ugandan shillings when you arrive. They are useful for smaller expenses, local markets, shops and tips.
- Keep some smaller US dollar bills with you. They are useful for tips and other small expenses.
- Use your credit card at hotels, lodges and other places where cards are accepted, especially for larger payments.
- Activate your debit and credit cards for use in Uganda before your trip.
- Do not rely entirely on ATMs. They can sometimes be out of service or may not accept your card.
- Keep your cash and cards separate so you still have a backup if one is lost or stolen.
