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Uganda FAQ

Is tipping customary in Uganda?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Uganda but considering that most Ugandans earn little, tips will be appreciated. As a guide, adding 10% in cafes and restaurants is acceptable, although not necessary.

What is the internet access like in Uganda?

Travellers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the internet cafes of Uganda’s capital and large cities, but limited to no access should be expected in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Uganda?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Uganda’s large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

What are the toilets like in Uganda?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Uganda, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as these are rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Can of soft drink = 1,500 UGX
Bottle of beer = 2,500 UGX
Street snack = 3,000-4,000 UGX
Meal at a cafe = 10,000-20,000 UGX

Can I drink the water in Uganda?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Uganda. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Uganda?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants (particularly in the cities) but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Uganda?

ATMs are easily found in large cities and tourist areas, but are rarer in small towns, rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the city, as ATMs aren't always an option.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Uganda?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Uganda?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 26 Liberation Day
Mar 8 International Women’s Day
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
Jun 3 Martyrs’ Day
Jun 9 National Heroes’ Day
Aug 8 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Oct 9 Independence Day
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Uganda/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Uganda?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • UGANDA:
    Visas are required by most nationalities, including the EU, US and Australia. Visas are available at point of entry to most nationalities. Some nationalities are required to obtain visas in advance - you MUST check before departure. If you plan to purchase your visas on arrival, you will need new (post 2003), clean American dollars cash and the cost is around US$50. When on one of our gorilla itineraries visiting Rwanda, you may require a double entry visa to Uganda. This is dependent on the border guard of the day and can be easily purchased on re entry from Rwanda for nationalities which qualify for visa on arrival. Please allow US$50.
  • UGANDA:
    Die Angehörigen der meisten Staaten benötigen für eine Einreise nach Uganda ein Visum, darunter Angehörige der EU Länder, US Amerikaner und Australier. Visa sind für die meisten Staatsangehörigen bei Einreise erhältlich. Manche Staatsangehörigen müssen hingegen im Voraus ein solches Visum beantragen und erhalten. Welcher Fall auf Sie zutrifft, MÜSSEN Sie vor Beginn der Reise in Erfahrung bringen. Für die Visumbeantragung bei Einreise benötigen Sie neue (nach 2003 ausgestellte), saubere US Dollar in bar. Die Kosten für ein Visum belaufen sich auf ca. USD50. Sollten wir laut Reiseprogramm die Gorillas in Uganda besuchen, benötigen Sie ein Visum mit zweifacher Einreise für Uganda. Dies hängt vom Ermessen des Grenzbeamten ab. Staatsangehörige, die berechtigt sind bei Einreise ein Visum zu beantragen, können am Grenzübergang ein Visum für die erneute Einreise beantragen. Dieses Visum kostet ca. USD50.

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Uganda at a glance

  • 24
  • Kampala (population 773,463)
  • 34.6 million
  • Swahili, English, Ganda
  • UGX
  • (GMT+03:00) Nairobi
  • Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +256

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