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Money & duty free for Uganda

Currency information: 

Uganda Shilling (UGX). Notes are in denominations of UGX50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of UGX500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Credit cards: 

American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa are accepted but not widely used. Some large hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and shops in urban areas accept credit cards. ATMs are available in the larger cities.

ATM: 

ATMs are available in the larger cities.

Travellers cheques: 

Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. It is advised that travellers bring sufficient US dollars in cash in case of emergencies.

Banking hours: 

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1400, Sat 0900-1200. Forex bureaux are open until 1700 and able to do electronic transfers to and from overseas.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import of foreign currency is unlimited if declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount declared upon arrival.

Currency exchange: 

Foreign currency may be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaux.

Uganda duty free

The following items may be imported into Uganda by visitors over 17 years without incurring customs duty (except from Kenya and Tanzania):

• 200 cigarettes or 227g of tobacco or a combination thereof.
• One bottle of spirits or wine.
• 500mL of perfume.

Note: A special permit is required to export game trophies.

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