Currency
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda or doing business with the people there, it’s super important to know about their money. The money used in Uganda is called the Ugandan Shilling, and you can see it written as UGX. In this page, we’ll dive into the history, how the currency works, and what’s happening with it today, plus some helpful tips for travelers and people living there.
The Ugandan Shilling was introduced in 1966 to take the place of the East African Shilling, which was used by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania before that. Over time, the Ugandan Shilling has changed a lot to help stabilize the economy and deal with new economic problems. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Uganda faced hyperinflation, which really hurt the economy and the value of its currency. To fix this, the Bank of Uganda made several changes to the currency, which helped stabilize the Shilling. Since then, the Shilling has become an important part of Uganda’s economy.
Banknotes:
The banknotes that we use in Uganda is available in these different amounts:
- 1,000 UGX
- 2,000 UGX
- 5,000 UGX
- 10,000 UGX
- 20,000 UGX
- 50,000 UGX
Every banknote shows pictures and symbols that highlight Uganda’s amazing culture and history, like famous people, important places, and unique animals.
Coins:
Coins are still used, but people tend to use them less than notes, especially when making bigger purchases.
- 100 UGX
- 200 UGX
- 500 UGX
- 1,000 UGX
Currency Advice
Dealing with money in Uganda can be easy if you follow these helpful tips:
Currency Exchange: It’s a good idea to exchange your money at official banks, exchange offices, or the airport to get better rates. Try to avoid changing money on the street to stay safe from scams or fake bills.
Cash Transactions: Even though mobile money services like Airtel Mobile Money are becoming more popular, cash is still widely used. Make sure to have enough cash on you, especially when you go to rural areas where electronic payments might not work.
Understanding Prices: Get to know how much the Ugandan Shilling is worth compared to your own currency. This will help you figure out if prices are fair and prevent you from being overcharged.
Keep Change: Having small coins and bills can be useful for tips, buying small items, or using public transport.
Plan Ahead: Some places might not have ATMs or banks, especially in remote areas, so it’s smart to think ahead about how much cash you will need.