Money Tips

Keep a good supply of cash in low value notes (1000 and 5000 shillings). Public transport, a drink or two, simple food and purchases will rarely require anything of higher value. At the time of writing, a typical bodaboda (back of a motor scooter) ride covering several miles will cost you between 1000 and 4000 shillings . Bodaboda drivers rarely have change - don't even think of paying with a 10,000 shilling note (about £3.00) .

The lowest value note is 1000 Shillings. At time of writing that is worth 29p in the UK or 59 cents in the USA . There are coins of lower value (50, 100, 200 and 500 Shillings) but you will only see them if you get change. At the time of writing the 50 shilling coin is worth just over one penny (GB) or 3 cents (USA). Keep coins for short trips on public transport, and pool tables at hotels (often 500 or 200 Shilling coins). You are unlikely to find any other use for them.

The majority of notes look worn and dirty; no great surprise when you consider how much of their life is spent surrounded by red dust and dirt floors. In poor condition the 1000 Shilling and 10,000 Shilling notes look remarkably similar. Check change with care as the confusion often works to the vendor's advantage!

Remember that almost every price in a market or stall is negotiable. Haggling is expected and perfectly normal. There is often an assumption that being white equals being wealthy, and the starting prices will sometimes reflect this. Don't be afraid to hold out for a good price as doing so can both save you money and help you get into the Ugandan way of life. Enter negotiations with determination and humour, but do remember that you are trying to get a fair price, not drive the seller out of business. Read our guide to haggling for more tips on face to face negotiating.

 

Safety

Uganda is as safe as any other country if you use common sense and follow some simple rules. Essentially, act as you would in any large city where you were a hundred times more wealthy than the people around you. Would you really go to London or New York and walk around with £1000 in crisp £50 notes hanging out of a back pocket, or show off your gold watch and jewellery as you wander down a dingy back alley at 3am? No, well don't do it abroad either.

Remember that for many Ugandans your monthly salary is close to, or greater than, their annual income. What you consider to be an 'average' sum may be a small fortune to others. Bear this in mind when you carry cash with you, especially if you are thumbing through a wad of notes in, for example a crowded and busy market place.

Don't keep all your money in the same place. During the day, spread cash throughout a few pockets, keeping low value notes in one place and your high value reserves elsewhere. This limits the damage if you fall victim to an opportunist pick pocket, and allows you to safely pull out a handful of notes and change without accidentally flashing high values notes.

Keep money in pockets that are either inside a shirt / trousers, or can be fastened. Breast pockets on a shirt are good as they often have a button fastening and it's a harder challenge for pickpockets than a trouser back pocket. (TIP: If your favourite shorts don't have a fastening pocket, buy sew on velcro or similar rip fastening and add it to a pocket. It seals easily and makes plenty of noise if it's opened).

Keep travelers' cheques and your passport well away from each other. Without a passport your travelers' cheques are worthless.

When traveling on public transport don't leave cash in unsecured trouser pockets - the roads are often bumpy, the vehicles crowded, and your cash can fall out all too easily.

If you leave cash and travelers' cheques in a rucksack or hotel room, remember you are NOT AT HOME. Rooms and their contents should never be assumed to be safe, secure or private. Most hotels and hostels will have a safe or secure box for valuables. Consider using it.If you're worried about people seeing how much you've got, place your cash etc in a sealed container like an envelope or money belt, and watch as it is placed in the safe.