Money Matters

CURRENCY: The unit of currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGS). There are coins in the following denominations: 50, 100, 200, 500 in circulation concurrently in with notes of similar denominations. Eventually, notes of 50 to 500 will be phased out and replaced by coins. There are bank notes in denominations of 1000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000.

In preparation for your journey, you may want to calculate the exchange rate from the US dollar to local currencies. There are several websites that offer a conversion engine. You can also check the Wall Street Journal for currency rate information.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
http://www.xe.net/ucc
http://www.x-rates.com

CREDIT CARDS, CASH AND ATMS: Some major credit cards are accepted only in Kampala, Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe and the Mweya Safari Lodge. ATMs are NOT available. Traveler's checks can be changed for local Uganda shillings at the airport upon arrival. For the most part, only cash can be changed once on safari and larger bills attract a better rate of exchange. U.S. dollars MUST be dated 1995 or newer and must be in pristine condition and not torn. Uganda shillings can be changed back into U.S. dollars at the airport upon departure. Tipping to your guides, drivers and lodge/camp staff should be in local Uganda shillings.

TIPPING: Tips for hotel and lodge personnel are usually included in your tour price; however you should be prepared to tip the staff on safari. Tips to your driver and naturalist guides are also at your discretion. A suggested detailed tipping chart will be sent to you with your final documents prior to departure.

SHOPPING: Uganda is not necessarily known for its shopping, but some local handicrafts are available, including musical instruments, wood carvings, woven goods and pottery. The best selections are found in Kampala. If you see something you like, buy it - you may not see it again anywhere else. A note of warning: If you intend to ship any of your purchases back home to the United States from your journey, it is highly recommended that you negotiate the shipping charges with the local vendor/mailing service on premises ahead of time. Do not be saddly surprised when your shipment arrives in the U.S. with a large cost attached as sometimes shipping charges can cost more than the actual item. Save yourself a headache (and a hit to your wallet) and negotiate these charges when you send off your prized purchases.

DEPARTURE TAXES: Information specific to your itinerary will be outlined in the final documents/instructions.