Money in Uganda
Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- UGXUgandan shilling
- Symbol
- USh
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Uganda
Notes carry large numbers. Gorilla permits and park fees are often quoted in US dollars.
- Cards
- Limited
- Cash
- Most expenses outside upmarket hotels and restaurants are paid in cash, and many lodges and campsites do not take foreign cards. Mobile money (MTN, Airtel) is widely used locally, including for park entrance fees (Road Trip Africa).
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available but foreign cards have limited daily withdrawal amounts, and towns generally take Visa only. Kabiza reports each withdrawal can cost about US$9 (34,000 UGX) in combined fees.
- Foreign currency
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, park entry and eco-lodge bookings are priced in US dollars (Kabiza), and euros and pounds are also recognised.
- Exchanging money
- Use licensed forex bureaux, which are in most provincial towns, and compare rates in Kampala and Entebbe. Avoid hotel desks, remote lodges and street changers.
- Watch out for
- US dollar note rules differ by source: Road Trip Africa says 2006 or earlier are not accepted, Monkey Travel says 2009 or later, and Kabiza says 2021 or later with older notes taking a lower rate. Kabiza reports lodge card payments often carry a surcharge of at least 5%.
Tipping in Uganda
Tip guides, trackers and porters on gorilla and wildlife trips. Around 10% in restaurants.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Road Trip Africa, Monkey Travel, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, Jacada Travel, East African Trails, Gorilla Tracking Uganda.
Convert to and from UGX
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4,277 UGX | 4,791 UGX | 5,739 UGX |
| 10 | 42,768 UGX | 47,913 UGX | 57,389 UGX |
| 50 | 213,841 UGX | 239,564 UGX | 286,946 UGX |
| 100 | 427,681 UGX | 479,128 UGX | 573,892 UGX |
| 500 | 2,138,405 UGX | 2,395,639 UGX | 2,869,460 UGX |
What each amount is worth in UGX. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Uganda use?
Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling (UGX).
Do you need to tip in Uganda?
Expected. Tip guides, trackers and porters on gorilla and wildlife trips. Around 10% in restaurants.
Can you pay by card in Uganda?
Limited. Most expenses outside upmarket hotels and restaurants are paid in cash, and many lodges and campsites do not take foreign cards. Mobile money (MTN, Airtel) is widely used locally, including for park entrance fees (Road Trip Africa).
Are there ATMs in Uganda?
ATMs are widely available but foreign cards have limited daily withdrawal amounts, and towns generally take Visa only. Kabiza reports each withdrawal can cost about US$9 (34,000 UGX) in combined fees.