TOUR TRAVEL - TRAVEL TIPS
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Citizens of most countries do require visas.
Time: GMT/UTC plus three hours
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
The best time to visit Uganda is late December to late February, as the weather at this time of year is generally dry (though hot). A close second is the mid-June to mid-August period. However you can still get around outside of these dry tropical months.
Just like in any other urban city elsewhere, visitors to Kampala are advised not to make themselves obvious target and do not carry large sums of cash in the streets.
As soon as you arrive
- Check you have the address and telephone number of either Uganda Tourist Board , Uganda Investment Authority , Uganda Export Promotions Board, Uganda Manufactures Association . If not the hotel, tour operator or local police should have this information.
- Check you have made a note of the opening hours. Most British Consulates have an answer-phone service detailing office hours and arrangements for handling emergencies at other times.
- In countries outside the European Union (EU) where we do not have any British consular officers, you can get help from the Embassies and Consulates of other EU member states.
Events
Uganda celebrates many Christian holidays, including Christmas, Easter and Good Friday. The Muslim population honors Islamic holidays, which follow the Muslim calendar. Hari Raya Puasa , the sighting of the new moon, signifies the first day of the Muslim calendar and the end of Ramadan , the fasting month. Women's Day takes place throughout the country in early March. There are also several holidays associated with independence and events during the civil wars: NRM Anniversary Day is 26 January; Martyrs' Day is 3 June; Heroes' Day is 9 June; and Independence Day is 9 October. For daily event updates click here >>
Currency
Uganda shilling (USh)
Relative Costs
Meals
- Budget: US$2-8
- Mid-range: US$8-15
- Top-end: US$15 and upwards
Lodging
- Budget: US$10-20
- Mid-range: US$20-50
- Top-end: US$50 and upwards
Money Advice
Since the elimination of the black market and the introduction of foreign exchange (forex) bureaus the Ugandan shilling is now a stable, fully convertible currency, fluctuating very little from day to day. It doesn't matter too much where you change your money, though the forex bureaus generally offer better rates than the banks. You'll find forex bureaus at most border posts and in all major cities. For maximum flexibility take most of your money in travellers' cheques and the rest in cash, preferably US dollars, British pounds or South African rand. Credit cards are accepted only at larger hotels and restaurants.
You won't be expected to tip in Uganda, though feel free to do so if you've received exceptional service. Bargain when buying things from a market, street stall or craft shop
- Getting to Uganda and around Uganda >>
The places one should not miss while in Uganda
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