Money is an essential factor when it comes to any holiday. Explore more about money matters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tips, guide to currency and Banks. If it is first time you plan to visit Bwindi National Park, first, you must know the currency to be used when spending or paying for your safari holiday.
Like the rest of the destinations in Uganda, the official currency used countrywide is the Uganda shilling. However, when it comes to tourism, the US Dollar is usually used. Visitors’ itineraries (tour packages) are quoted in US Dollars. Other currencies are also considered including Pounds, French Francs, Kenya shillings, and more.
In case of local transactions in the city markets, we recommend that you have your foreign currency converted to local currency which is Uganda shilling. Luckily, there are multiple forex bureaus in the heart of the city to exchange your dollars or other currencies to Uganda shilling.
US Dollars & Forex Bureaus
The US Dollar is the most acceptable currency by majority of safari companies or tour operators in Uganda. The dollar is acceptable currency choice in the tourism sector. It is acceptable by tour operators or companies, hotels, National Parks, and other destinations. Exchanging your currency to dollars is essential to ease payment for the service you need on a safari in Uganda.
When exchanging your currency to US Dollar, it is always important to be keen enough on the exchange rates. The forex bureau exchange rates often fluctuate and the best is to seek guidance from the local expert on the best forex bureaus with better exchange rates. The beauty about of dealing with the local expert is that experts are often updated with the latest exchange rates. Some of the local experts also transact with most of them regularly.
Dealing with the right Forex bureau won’t only earn you good rates, but also guarantees you ultimate safety. Take note that small denominations attract small exchange rates. You can carry the small denominations for tipping and if you plan to pay for a safari cost, then consider the bigger values.
Where to Exchange Dollar
Visit the Forex Bureaus in the heart of Entebbe or Kampala. This is the safest way to exchange your dollar or any currency to local currency. Multiple Forex Bureaus are available in the business centre in Kampala or Entebbe city compared to the upcountry urban centres. You can also exchange your foreign currency in the banks. But first, be certain about the exchange rate to avoid being cheated by low exchange rates by some Forex Bureaus.
Around Kabale, you may visit some of the top hotels or banks in Kabale town to exchange your currency.
Banks around Kabale
There are no banks inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The available banks in Kabale include Stanbic bank Kabale branch, Centenary Bank, DFCU Bank, and Post Bank, etc. Most of the banks have ATM points where you can withdraw money. When making any transaction, ensure that you don’t expose your pin. Always withdraw money from the ATM point where you are assured of security. Your driver guide can be in position to guide you appropriately on the areas to safely withdraw the money.
Credit Cards in Uganda
Use of credit cards is open to some high-end hospitality facilities. Be aware that not credit cards can’t be used anywhere in the country. Before visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to enjoy your preferred activities, inquire if you can use a credit card to make payment or do any essential transaction.
What to use when purchasing items in Uganda?
Using Uganda shilling is without doubt the safest and easiest way to purchase items in the local market on Uganda safaris whether in Bwindi or anywhere else. The Uganda shilling makes it easier the items especially craft products of your preference rather than using a dollar. This is especially where you need to get balance from what you have paid for. A Uganda shilling is largely used in the local markets and luckily, you can convert your dollar or pounds before the actual date of traveling to your destination.
Safety Tips
While on a safari, ensure that you have your money safely kept. Avoid as much as you can not to expose your cash or wallet. Exposing your wallet/money puts you at the risk of being attacked by robbers.
Ensure that you wear a money belt and let it not be exposed to the public. Make copies of all essential documents. Keep safe the airline tickets and passports in the hotel.
Other Money Tips
Money advice for your Safari in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R Congo: How much is needed per day,how to exchange to local currencies and how to withdraw Cash during your trip.
Tourists coming to spend their safaris in Uganda and Rwanda need to know these are Cash based travel destinations. Currently most of the growing tourist numbers come to these destinations on topmost notch of the great wildlife trails while trekking to the mountain gorilla. As you look forward to that life time trip in Uganda and Rwanda, you need to have local knowledge on the form of the region’s currency and the fore bureau market. The Ugandan currency referred to as Uganda shillings abbreviated as Ugx and for Rwanda it’s called Rwandese Francs.
Travelers to Uganda and Rwanda will find US Dollars as the common media to all their safari quotations and US Dollars are widely accepted. Your tour operator will package details of your tour and after issue an invoice which will be quoted in U.S Dollars; this is because the same amount quoted in US Dollars will be paid for your tour activities, hotel booking and transport arrangements.
With the currently improvement in the infrastructures and other forms of tourist’s social amenities, there are many ATMS branches allocated in both big and small towns available throughout the countries however a better experience will always be in the big city. As the saying goes “Far from court, far from care” it’s better to handle your financial requirements before getting off the main city and feel free to ask your safari guide in case of help. While in the capitals, the use and acceptance of Visa and Master Cards is guaranteed however this deteriorates as you enter the rural wild places.
During your inland travel experiences, some of the bigger hotels and shops will accept the payment mode of credit cards. For tourists looking forward to have their traveler’s checks exchanged, you will find this time consuming and frustrating. The credit card payment system is always prompt and taking out money on a credit card can run a surcharge of 3.5 to 6% or higher. Even though Advance safari booking is a recommendation to all tours to Uganda and Rwanda, we advise clients to bring with them cash for their personalized trip experience. This must be preferably US dollars as they are very easy to exchange, although Euros and UK pound are also fine. Tourists need to make sure that dollar bills are no older than 2006, and have no tears or blemishes.
While exchanging your favorite notes on the ground, please note dollar exchanges are based on quantity in Uganda. Here I mean the higher the bill, the higher the rates. Usually Exchange rates will be a little bit lower on smaller notes and higher with big notes, on small us dollar note category they classify notes from 1$-20$ and in big note category they consider notes of 50$ and 100$. Higher bills get better exchange rates, so we recommend bringing 100 dollar bills. There are a number of places to exchange money which your guide can direct you to. Avoid exchanging money at the airport and at borders as they exchange rate is usually lower. You should also avoid using US dollars at craft markets and restaurants, as you will get more for your money by using local currency.
How much Money to Bring on your safari to Uganda,Congo and Rwanda?
As a common question asked by at least every tourist coming for safari in Uganda and Rwanda, you will find that it’s not about how much you need to bring but it’s about what you want the money for. Most quotes for offers from tour operators on full board plan, however this doesn’t mean a client will not spend some moneys for an enriched safari experience together. On every itinerary offer, the agencies list all inclusive and there are also exceptions/exclusives for each tour as well and on such a list a client can tell if he/she is interested in an exception though not part of the general tour quote.
Depending on the duration of your itinerary, you will need to spend on certain stuffs like souvenirs, alcohol from your lodge and during the safari daily transfer, what about stopping at one of the green restaurant for the taste of the local cuisine? There are other fields you might find interesting and perhaps will need to pull out some cash. Usually on each tour category we recommend bringing around $20-$50 USD a day for personal expenditures.
Quick Money Tips
- It is inadvisable to enter or depart an African country with large sums of local currency. Travel with a sufficient number of small-denomination traveller checks to cover any incidental expenses you may have
- In cities and larger towns many establishments accept international credit cards
- Usually there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can import
- Currency exchange is legal only through authorized dealers. Most city hotels are equipped to exchange money and more often than not the official exchange rate will usually be quite favorable. It is ill-advised to try to exchange your money on the black market (for a better rate). Doing so is an unnecessary security risk, and there’s a good chance you may get ripped off.
- ATMs are usually available in most cities and towns but remember this is not America or Europe so plan accordingly
- You may tip in local currency or U.S. dollars (more likely than not most locals would prefer being tipped in dollars)
- You can change your travellers checks and dollars into local currency at airports and banks. Small denominations are preferrable. Always keep your receipt so that you can exchange any excess local currency back to dollars on your departure
- Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no larger than $20) in cash, for visas and airport departure fees (per individual)
- Be aware that only high-denomination US bills printed after year 2000 are generally accepted (something to do with counterfeit preventative measures)