Money & Payments in Kampala (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Cash is king in Kampala for most day-to-day transactions; always carry UGX shillings
Withdraw cash in Kampala or Entebbe where ATM options are best; fees vary widely by bank (DTB is free, others charge 3,400-12,100 UGX)
Do not rely on cards at small vendors, markets, or local restaurants; card surcharges of 3-5% are common
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; tip in cash only—credit card tipping is rare and awkward
Use newer US dollar bills (2009 or newer) if exchanging USD; bring small denominations ($1-$20) for tips and small payments
For security, use ATMs during bank hours and prefer ATMs at bank branches with visible security
Many establishments display prices in USD, especially tourist venues, but local currency (UGX) is preferable to minimize exchange-rate exposure

ATM Access

Availability: ATMs widely available in Kampala at bank branches, shopping centers, and public places
Daily Withdrawal Limits: UGX 1,000,000
Typical limit ranges 700,000 - 1,000,000 UGX; can be increased via bank branch request
Safety Notes: Use ATMs at bank branches during business hours; avoid standalone ATMs at night; check ATM screen carefully for tamper signs; armed guards often present at major bank ATMs

ATM Fees By Bank

Free
Bank
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)
UBA Bank Uganda
Fee USD
1
Fee Local
3400
Fee Currency
UGX
I&M Bank Uganda
Fee USD
2
Fee Local
5750
Fee Currency
UGX
EcoBank
Fee USD
3
Fee Local
12100
Fee Currency
UGX

Tipping Norms

Cash Only: Yes
Etiquette: Give tips discreetly (in envelope or folded), never openly; hand directly to recipient; small notes (USD 1, 5, 10, 20) most useful; avoid foreign coins
Mandatory: No
Appreciated: Yes
Preferred Currency: Ugandan Shillings (UGX) for local interactions; US Dollars for safari/guide contexts
Credit Card Tipping: Uncommon and rarely accepted at point of sale

Tipping Contexts

Restaurant servers
Note
Service charges rarely included in bill; cash tip after paying is customary
Guides and drivers
Note
Preferred in USD for safari/tour guides; cash tips directly or in envelope
Hotel staff and porters
Note
Tips at checkout or departure, often via tip envelope left with manager
Taxi drivers and local services
Note
Small amount in UGX is appropriate; round up or add modest tip

Cash Needs

Essential For

Markets and street food
Local transport and taxis
Tips for guides and service staff
Small purchases and informal vendors
Local restaurants without card terminals

Bill Requirements

Note: US dollar bills must be from 2009 or newer, in good condition, unfolded for acceptance; denominations of 50 and 100 get better exchange rates

Mobile Money

Note: Uganda has a well-developed mobile money system (MTN MoMo, others), but visitors typically do not need this; requires a local phone number to set up

Card Acceptance

Summary: Cards are accepted in upscale establishments in Kampala but not universally. Success varies by venue type.
Card Surcharges: UGX 3.5
Surcharges for card transactions typically range 3.5-5% above the listed price; some merchants charge additional fees when you use cards

Where Cards Work

Large supermarkets and shopping malls
Hotels, lodges, and upscale restaurants
Some tourist attractions
Airlines and airports

Most Accepted Cards

Visa
Mastercard

Where Cash Required

Markets and street vendors
Small shops and local restaurants
Taxis and local transport
Small bars and local establishments

Currency Exchange

Rate Sources: Check The Monitor and New Vision newspapers for daily published rates
Local Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Exchange Services: Forex bureaus easily accessible in Kampala city center; quick service, display rates outside

Best Places To Exchange

Forex bureaus in central Kampala
Bank branches
Airports (rates typically less favorable)

Banking

Overview: Kampala hosts the headquarters of major Ugandan and international banks, with strong banking infrastructure regulated by the Bank of Uganda. As of 2021, Equity Bank Uganda had 21 branches in Kampala. Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited is a major commercial bank licensed by the Bank of Uganda.
Online Account Opening: Opening an account online is now faster and more convenient, with the whole process taking just 10 minutes directly from your preferred branch.

Major Banks

Stanbic Bank Uganda
Equity Bank Uganda Limited
Bank of Baroda Uganda
Absa Bank Uganda Limited
Cairo Bank Uganda
Exim Bank
Bank of India (Uganda)

Account Opening For Businesses

Processing: Banks conduct enhanced compliance checks and verification of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners
Requirements Summary: Certified copies of documents including Certificate of Incorporation, Company Form 7 or Latest Annual Returns, Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association, Certified Copy of Directors' Resolution to Open Account, Current Trading License, TIN Certificate, and Company Letterhead are required.
Regulatory Note: Given Uganda's strict AML, KYC, and beneficial ownership regulations, professional advisory support significantly improves onboarding success for foreign-owned companies and international investors entering the Ugandan market.

Account Opening For Individuals

Documents Needed: Valid passport (foreign nationals), proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or landlord verification)
Personal Account Requirements: Foreign nationals need a valid passport and for all other directors if not a sole proprietorship a valid email address and phone number.

Minimum Deposit

Kampala: UGX 200,000
Notes: Minimum initial deposit is UGX 200,000 for Kampala.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed September 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Kampala

Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Kampala