Hello,
1)
I'm off to Kenya for a safari, my tour company wants payment in US Dollars.
Should i bring general spending money -food, drinks, taxis in US Dollars also(i understand its often cheaper to use local currency, but iT maY be easier to keep to one currency) - what do you think?
2)
I will be getting a bus from Nairobi Backpackers(as i have arranges to stay there) to Kampala, Uganda, does anyone have any info on this service, i.e. cost, time taken, departure/arrival times, quality of bus!
3)
What's the border crossing Kenya to Uganda service like? I understand this is a 30$ USD charge?
4)
Again, for Uganda, my safari/gorilla tour company have requested payment in US Dollars - will there be somewhere to withdraw Dollars in Kampala/Entebbe? As i do not want to carry all this money during my time in Kenya and then all the way to Uganda.
5)
What is the best currency to use for general purpose in Uganda, USD $?
a. small US notes are not very welcomed in either country. So I recommend you to uise local currency called shilling in both countries. it is easy to make exchange in the airports.
b. I don't know which company NBP recommends. personnally I always use AKAMBA. I feel safe with them. There are many companies - many on ABTT use Scandinavian - but I think it is not working so well these days.
3. It is easy crossing as other borders well organised. And your udnerstanding is correct.
have a nice time
Mike
No company can compel you to pay cash in USD. Either you pay USD with a credit card, either they want cash and you can perfectly pay in the local currency.
1) Kenyan shillings are by far the easiest currency for general spending
2) Took me 14 hours from Nakuru to Jinja (with 3hrs break down!), Nairobi to Kampala uses the same route but starts earlier and finishes later, would guess around 18 hrs maybe altogether.
3) Yes there is a $30 charge. Busia border crossing is hectic and it is quite easy to lose your bus!!! People will push in line quite forcefully so just push them out the way
4) There will be ATMs in Kampala
5) Ugandan shillings for sure
I'd use Akamba NBO-KLA. Leaves about 0700 and arrives around 2100 (14 hours). Skip NBP and book yourself in the office downtown. Probably will save some money and you can pick the seat yourself - I'd suggest the first row if you want leg room and with Akamba, one side only has one seat (which is nice you are solo). Decent quality with stops along the way.
Border crossing is fine. Fill out the right cards, exit stamp in Kenya, entry stamp in Uganda. Take note of your bus description as it will drive through and wait on the other side as you clear immigration.
I'd ask if your tour company will accept Travelers checks at face value. I had no problem with accessing the ATMs for USH but not sure about USD. Ask what their dollar to shilling rate is before going through this hassel of searching for USD.
Hey,
Take USD. You can change at good rates at the borders/Banks and any major campsites in the areas.
Red Chilli great in Kampala.
The Gorilla permits do need to be paid in USD only. You will not be able to pay in UGS. They will just refuse to take you.
$30 Ausies/Kiwi's for border crossing depends on your nationallity? I cross regullarly at Malabar.
Barclays in Kampala definatley changes UG Shillings into USD but you get rolled on the rate.
Depending on where your treking you may also be able to pay in USD T/C's
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