Uganda is largely a cash society, but it is also a mobile-money pioneer, and knowing how to mix the two will make your trip smoother and cheaper. This guide covers the local currency, when to use US dollars, where to draw cash, how mobile money works, and the tipping customs that visitors most often ask us about.
The Ugandan shilling
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX). Notes come in denominations from 1,000 up to 50,000 shillings, and you will quickly get used to counting in thousands. Prices for everyday things — a bottle of water, a boda-boda ride, a plate of local food — are always in shillings, so it pays to carry a mix of small and large notes. Breaking a 50,000 note for a small purchase can be tricky, so keep smaller denominations for markets and transport.
Using US dollars
US dollars are widely accepted for larger tourist expenses — gorilla permits, safari lodges, tour packages and some hotels are often priced in USD. Two important quirks: notes must be crisp, undamaged and printed after 2013 (older or torn notes are frequently refused), and larger denominations (USD 50 and 100) get noticeably better exchange rates than small bills. Bring dollars for big-ticket, pre-arranged costs, and shillings for daily life.
ATMs and cards
ATMs are plentiful in Entebbe, Kampala and larger towns, and most accept Visa; Mastercard is accepted but less universal, so a Visa card is the safer bet. Withdrawals are dispensed in shillings, usually with a per-transaction limit, so you may need more than one withdrawal for a big cash need. Card payment is accepted at upmarket hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but assume smaller businesses, markets and rural areas are cash-only. Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked, and always choose to be charged in local currency to avoid poor "dynamic conversion" rates.
Mobile money: how locals pay
Uganda runs on mobile money. The two big networks, MTN MoMo and Airtel Money, let people send cash, pay bills and buy airtime straight from a basic phone. If you buy a local SIM (easy to do at the airport or any phone shop with your passport), you can register for mobile money and use the ubiquitous agent kiosks — marked with bright yellow or red umbrellas — to deposit and withdraw cash. For a longer stay it is genuinely convenient; for a short visit, cash and card will do fine.
Changing money in Entebbe
Forex bureaus generally offer better rates than banks or the airport, and there are reliable ones in Entebbe town and at the airport arrivals hall for your first shillings. Count your money before leaving the counter, keep the receipt, and avoid anyone offering to change money on the street. Our front desk is always happy to point guests toward a trustworthy bureau.
Tipping in Uganda
Tipping is appreciated but not rigidly expected. As a rough guide: in restaurants, 5–10% is generous if a service charge is not already included; for safari guides and drivers, USD 10–20 per day is a common range; for gorilla-trek porters, USD 10–15 is kind and well earned; and a few thousand shillings for hotel porters or housekeeping is a warm gesture. Tip in cash, in either shillings or dollars, and give it directly to the person who helped you.
A quick money checklist
Bring some post-2013 US dollars in good condition for big pre-booked costs. Draw shillings from an ATM or forex bureau for daily spending. Carry a Visa card and notify your bank. Keep small notes for transport and markets. Consider a local SIM with mobile money for longer stays. Budget a little extra cash for tips.
Stay with us in Entebbe
Airport View Hotel Entebbe accepts card and cash, sits minutes from the airport's ATMs and forex counters, and our 24-hour reception can help with any money questions when you arrive. Browse our rooms from $85 including breakfast or get in touch to plan your stay. New to the country? Start with our visa and entry guide.