BANKING

• ATMs are widely available in Uganda, especially in urban areas.
• Credit and debit cards are generally accepted at hotels, lodges, restaurants, and larger shops.
• Banking hours typically vary, but most banks are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

CURRENCY:

• Local currency: Ugandan Shilling
• Symbol: Ush
• ISO code: UGX
• Ugandan banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 Ush.
• Ugandan coins are available in denominations of 50 (rarely used), 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Ush.

By AIR

• Uganda’s only international airport, Entebbe International Airport (EBB), is located about 6 kilometres southwest of the town of Entebbe, on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. 
• A new international airport (Kabalega aka Hoima International Airport) is under construction and due to be operational in 2026.
• There are also domestic flights between major cities and charter flights to most safari camp airstrips.
• Search for flights here.

By ROAD

• Uganda has a network of paved roads, but the quality can vary, especially outside of major cities.
• Car rental is available, but driving conditions can be challenging.

By BUS & RAIL

• There are bus services connecting major cities in Uganda.
• Rail services are limited, but there are plans to expand the railway network.

By WATER

• Being a landlocked country, Uganda’s boat cruises and rides are done on Lake Victoria, River Nile and the Kazinga channel. On River Nile, the boat ride is done mainly in Murchison Falls National park, the largest game park in Uganda and at the source in Jinja.

Food and water safety:

• It is generally safe to drink bottled water in Uganda.
• Be cautious when eating street food, especially if it is not cooked thoroughly.

Local cuisine: 

• Ugandan cuisine consists of a delightful fusion of traditional African ingredients with Arab, Asian, and European influences.
• Popular dishes include Luwombo (meats steamed in banana leaves), Muchomo (Roasted / grilled meats), Kikalayi (Fried Pork), and Rolex (chapati rolled with an omelet inside).

Drinks: 

• Popular local drinks include:
• Chai – a popular drink at any time of the day Uganda.
• Waragi –  essentially a Ugandan Gin.
• Lager. Each region in Uganda have their own local beer – the most popular ones are Bell lager and Nile lager.
• Fresh Juice. Uganda has an incredible selection of locally-grown fruit.

Tipping: 

• Tipping in Uganda is not obligatory but many travellers do leave tips.
• It is customary to tip waiters, taxi drivers, and tour guides.
• 10% is usually added to the bill at restaurants.
• It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.

Seasons:

• Uganda has two rainy seasons:
  
• March to May and September to December.
• The northern region, which forms one quarter of the country lies outside the tropical belt, and hence experiences only one rainy season, March to October.
  

Climate and Weather:

• The climate in Uganda is tropical, with hot and humid weather year-round.
• The rainy season is characterized by heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Uganda and the mountain gorillas is between June and August and December and February. The lush landscapes of these forests offer an ideal canvas for gorilla trekking.

Summer Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Uganda’s hot and humid climate.
• Shorts, T-shirts, and dresses are suitable for casual wear.

Winter Clothing:

• Winter clothing is not necessary in Uganda.
• There are only 2 seasons in Uganda – wet and dry, each occurring twice a year and neither season is particularly cold.

General:

Modest clothing is generally appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

Internet Availability:

• Internet access is widely available in Uganda, especially in urban areas.
• Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

• The standard voltage in Uganda is 240 volts (50hz).
• Type G power sockets (outlets) are used in Uganda. In the United States, you have plugs A and B. You need a power plug adapter in Uganda for sockets type G.