The Ugandan shilling (UGX) (sometimes spelled Ush or Shs) is the country’s currency. This indication (5,000/-) will also appear. UGX50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, and 1000 bank notes, as well as 500, 200, 100, and 50 shilling coins, are available (10, 5, and 1 shilling coins exist but are rarely used).
Some larger hotels and restaurants take US currency, while safaris and rafting excursions (like as Red Chillis in Kampala) are often billed in US dollars. These activities may be paid with UGX, although the conversion rate is often provided at a disadvantage. In addition, using credit cards often incurs an additional charge (usually about 5%). As a result, bringing USD to cover these expenses may be advantageous. The apparent disadvantage is that one must carry a significant quantity of USD with them at all times.
Throughout the nation, ATMs accept debit and credit cards. Most ATMs accept Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards. The finest ATMs to use are those from Stanbic Bank, Ecobank, Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, GT Bank, and I&M Bank. Different ATMs allow for withdrawals ranging from UGX400,000 to UGX2,000,000, but the typical limit is UGX1000,000. Because it is difficult to purchase Ugandan shillings outside of Uganda and in neighboring countries, withdrawing shillings from airport ATMs is the most convenient alternative. In Kampala, only Standard Chartered bank ATMs accept Master and Union pay cards. Outside of Kampala, there are just three Standard Chartered ATMs that accept Visa cards.
For Overseas bank cards, Barclays Bank charges a hefty fee at all of its ATMs. However, Stanbic Bank and Equity Bank charge no cost for Overseas Bank cards at their ATMs.
Due to a shortage of funds or system issues, ATMs may shut. Visa and Master cards may now be used to withdraw money from ATMs throughout Uganda. Pickpockets follow visitors from one bank’s ATM to another in Kampala when their cards aren’t accepted.
Credit cards are accepted at a variety of establishments, including bigger hotels, airlines, supermarkets, and stores in shopping malls.
Your American Express, Union Pay, JCB, Diners Club, Maestro, and Discovercards may be used at any Equity bank ATM to withdraw cash. There are a lot of them all across Uganda.
Travelers’ checks are difficult to cash in Uganda, so don’t bother carrying them.