Withdrawing money in Uganda (Credit Card vs Debit Card vs Pre paid Visa)

Hi all,

I was wondering if any one could help me out?

How do you take money out to Uganda?

Carry currency out with you?
Or do you withdraw it from a bank if thats easiest. How would you recommend I do it? Credit Card's Debit Card vs Pre Paid Visa.
Is debit to risky?
Credit Card you have to pay intrest instantly so price goes up.
Will Pre Paid Visa work?

I am truly confused.

Last time I went out I transfered money out to friends but unfortunatly I can't this time.

Any advise is welcome I just can't decide how to do it.

Cheers Sam

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I prefer to travel with cash and took crisp new £50 notes with me.
It was quick and easy to change them to shillings in banks or forex bureaux, but if you do this, note that the exchange rates were significantly higher in Kampala than elsewhere in the country. The best rate I got was in the forex bureau inside the main PO. The rate at the airport in particular was dreadful - don't change any money there unless you have to.
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It was also easy to use debit cards, there are cash machines at most banks and although I only used a card once, in Barclays in Kabale, I saw many other tourists using them. The rate I got using the card was a fair bit lower than I got for cash in Kampala, plus there was a small commission charge. However, if carrying lots of cash concerns you, this would be the way to go.

Park entry fees and so on work out cheaper if you have some american dollars, you can pay in other currencies (including Ugandan shillings) but prices are quoted in dollars and converted at rotten rates!

Hi There,

My Advise is Move with Some cash than Relying on Ugandan ATM Machines,this Machines are not reliable at all,We have Many Banks around the Country you can Change your pound,dollars or Euros instead of Risking with our ATM's.

But Again you have to Que in the Banks Computers are a bit slow to serve you in time.

Safari go.

I always carried a bit of cash with me, but only for emergency funds -$500 USD. I would just withdraw money weekly form an ATM with either my debit/credit card. I really didn't like the idea of carrying large amounts of foreign cash, incase something happens it's all gone - i prefer taking the hit on poor exchange rates. I never once had a problem with ATM's in Africa.

what you can do is bring american express traveller's cheques. The exchange rate is a bit better than ATM fees, and they're safer: they're linked directly to your passport and if they're lost/stolen, they'r ensured, so you can get new ones without a problem.

Also, i would suggest bringing $100 USD notes, if you can. the higher and newer the bill, the better the value. Don't bring any foreign currency that was printed prior to 2004.

Edited by: kasenyee

I find it strange that anyone should recommend travellers cheques, they've never been much use in Africa, even in the 'olden days' before cash points.

Many banks won't accept them at all and those that do may only accept a particular type (eg, they'll change Barclays, but not AmEx, or vice versa. Came across a bank once where they'd only change TCs if they had 'specimen' printed on them, like the example in their procedure manual!)

Banks take a very long time to deal with TCs - you may need to set aside a whole morning to complete your business - and they often charge a commission, sometimes for each cheque. Worst I've found was in Mali, at 7%, this is particularly bad, but it's often 2 or 3%.

Cash can be changed quickly, and even when the banks are shut, you will always find somewhere to change, forex bureaux, larger shops, hotels.....I'd strongly advise against taking TCs.

Very few places accept MasterCard so bring Visa if you can.

If you pay by credit card, e.g. at a Lodge or for a tour, you will pay a hefty surcharge of between 5% and 9%.

I would strongly suggest bringing dollars.

I'm sorry but i disagree; from my experience, about 1/2 banks/ forex trade them. i would change $500 USD at a time and it took only 10 min, no problem what so ever. just show your passport, sign a paper and there goes your cash.
Yes, it does cost a bit more, but 2 or 3% is a small price to pay for safety andy security. I'd rather spend twice the mount of time and lose bait in conversion then take the chance of losing large sums of money, or even just worrying about having the large sum of money in my pocket.

I am now in Kampala at the end of a 5 week East African volunteer & travel experience. I came prepared - master card (credit and debit) and a visa debit and cash (US). Can someone please explain why Ugandan Banks do not accept Master Card debit cards. I have had not problems in Kenya or Tanzania - but here in UG they don't work. I will take it up with my bank back home in Oz next week but just be warned.