Uganda Currency Guide: Everything you need to know about the money of Uganda (2025)

Planning a trip to Uganda? Understanding the currency of Uganda is essential for a smooth visit. The money of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), and this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Ugandan money, including denominations, exchange rates and practical money tips for tourists visiting Uganda in 2025.

What is the money of Uganda?

The official currency of Uganda is the Uganda shilling abbreviated as UGX. If you’re asking “What is the name of Ugandan money?” OR “What type of money does Uganda use?”, the answer is simple, Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling as its official currency.

The money of Uganda comes in both paper notes and coins, with various denominations used to perform transactions of different sizes.

Ugandan Currency denominations

Paper Currency (Ugandan Shilling Notes)

The money of Uganda includes six paper note denominations. Uganda’s Highest currency note is the 50,000 Uganda shillings note, while Uganda’s lowest currency note is the 1,000 Uganda shillings note. Here are all the paper denominations:

Uganda’s Highest Currency Note: 50,000 Uganda Shillings Note

The yellow 50,000 Uganda shillings note is the highest currency note used in Uganda. It has significant purchasing power and should be used carefully.

20,000 Uganda Shilling Note

The red 20,000 shilling note is commonly used for larger transactions throughout Uganda.

10,000 Uganda Shilling Note

The purple 10,000 shilling note is one of the most practical denominations of Ugandan currency for everyday use such as purchasing groceries, paying for fuel at gas stations, paying for meals in restaurants etc.

5,000 Uganda Shilling Note

The green 5,000 shilling note is ideal for moderate purchases.

2,000 Uganda Shilling Note

The blue 2,000 shilling note is perfect for smaller transactions and tipping.

Uganda’s Lowest Currency note: 1,000 Uganda Shillings Note

The brown 1,000 Uganda shillings note is the lowest currency note used in Uganda.

Coin Currency (Ugandan Shilling Coins)

In addition to paper money, the Ugandan currency system includes five coin denominations:

Uganda’s Highest Currency Coin: 1,000 Uganda Shillings Coin

The highest currency value coin used in Uganda is the 1000 Uganda shillings coin equal in value to the 1,000 Uganda shillings note.

500 Shillings Coin

200 Shillings Coin

100 Shillings Coin

Uganda’s Lowest Currency Coin: 50 Uganda Shillings Coin

The lowest currency value coin used in Uganda is the 50 Uganda shillings coin

Ugandan Money Exchange Rates

While exchange rates fluctuate regularly, here are the typical conversion rates for Ugandan currency at the time of writing:

• 1 US Dollar (USD) = 3,700 Ugandan Shillings
• 1 British Pound (GBP) = 4,650 Ugandan Shillings
• 1 Euro (EUR) = 3,800 Ugandan Shillings
• 1 Kenyan Shilling (KES) = 28 Ugandan Shillings
• 1 Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) = 1.4 Ugandan Shillings
• 1 Japanese Yen (JPY) = 24.5 Ugandan Shillings

Before exchanging money of any currency to Ugandan Shillings, always check current exchange rates as they fluctuate on a daily basis.

Essential Money Tips for Tourists in Uganda

Mobile Money: The Primary Digital Payment Method

Throughout Uganda, most transactions are conducted using mobile money services. As a tourist handling Ugandan currency, you should:

• Get a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport
• Register for mobile money with either Airtel or MTN (the two most popular telecom providers)
• Use your passport and visa to register the SIM card
• Ensure that your visa is not expired. When your visa expires, your SIM card will be disconnected unless you apply for renewal. To renew your visa, check out our Everything you need to know when applying/ renewing your Ugandan visa article to guide you through the process.

Mobile money is essential because most places in Uganda don’t accept debit or credit cards. This system allows you to transact with Ugandan currency digitally, making payments easier and safer.

Cash: What Ugandan Currency Notes To Carry

When carrying Ugandan Money in cash:

Do carry:

• 10,000 shilling notes (purple) - Perfect for tips and medium purchases
• 5,000 shilling notes (green) - Great for souvenirs and small transactions
• Smaller denominations for everyday expenses

Avoid carrying:

• 50,000 shilling notes - Makes you a target for theft
• 20,000 shilling notes - Also draws unwanted attention
• Large amounts of Ugandan currency when walking around

Foreign Money: What Currencies to bring into Uganda

Best foreign currency to bring:

• US Dollars (USD) - Most widely accepted
• Bring newer bills (2013 or later) - Old(older than 2006) or worn bills are often rejected
• $50 and $100 bills get better exchange rates than smaller denominations
• $10 and $20 bills are easier to exchange in smaller towns

Avoid:

• Old, torn, or stained USD bills
• Euros and British Pounds (less favorable rates outside Kampala)

Where To Exchange Foreign Money for Ugandan Money

At Entebbe Airport:

• Convenient but offers slightly less favorable rates
• Good for getting initial Ugandan currency for transport in case you did not arrange for airport pickup

In Kampala:

• Better exchange rates at forex bureaus(bureaux de change)
• More competitive rates for converting to the Ugandan Money
• Always compare rates at multiple forex bureaus before deciding on which one to use

When exchanging your money to Uganda shillings, it is recommended that you request smaller banknotes because you may find it difficult to obtain change for larger notes in some places. Plus, smaller notes make it easier for tipping

Using Credit Cards and ATM’s in Uganda

Credit cards:

• Accepted at tourist areas like national parks and upscale hotels
• VISA cards are more widely accepted than other cards
• Always ask beforehand as most places prefer cash and mobile money

ATM withdrawals:

• Available throughout Uganda at VISA/Mastercard affiliated ATMs
• Withdraw during daytime for safety
• Make smaller withdrawals to avoid becoming a target for theft
• Keep some Ugandan currency cash on hand as backup
• Beware the daily cash limit when withdrawing
• Use ATM’s that offer privacy and protect your PIN number as you punch it in
• Don’t accept assistance from volunteers at an ATM as they may be local scammers
• Ensure that you don’t run out of cash

How To Spot Counterfeit Ugandan Money

Uganda uses an advanced optical security feature known as SPARK which is meant to protect against counterfeiting.

Other security features which can help you spot a counterfeit Ugandan shilling note include:

• Ugandan paper money is manufactured using high quality paper that is difficult to reproduce
• Watermark image of the crested crane(Uganda’s emblem) with the denomination below its beak
• Special thread woven into the paper which changes color when tilted
• Foiled images on each denomination which change patterns ar different angles
• See through section that displays symbols from the back and front sides simultaneously when held towards light
• Advanced optical security feature(SPARK)

Currency Declaration requirements

To prevent money laundering, Uganda requires you to:

• Declare amounts over $5,000 USD at the airport to the Uganda Revenue Authority
• Fill out declaration forms stating the source and intended use of funds
• Provide evidence of the source of funds

Bargaining and Local Prices

For longer stays in Uganda:

• Learn to bargain - Foreigners are often charged more than locals
• Learn basic Luganda phrases - Helps with negotiations and shows respect
• Ask locals for price guidance when buying everyday items
• Check out our guide on what language they speak in Uganda to teach you the basics of the Luganda language

Frequently Asked Questions About Ugandan Money

What is the money of Uganda called?

The official money of Uganda is called the Ugandan Shilling, abbreviated as UGX.

What is Uganda’s highest currency note?

Uganda’s highest currency note is the 50,000 Uganda Shillings note.

What is Uganda’s lowest currency note?

Uganda’s lowest currency note is the 1,000 Uganda Shillings note.

What currency should I bring to Uganda?

Bring US Dollars (USD) in newer bills. $50 and $100 denominations typically get better exchange rates when converting to Ugandan currency.

Can I use US dollars in Uganda?

Some tourist establishments accept USD, but most places require Ugandan currency (shillings) or mobile money payments.

Is Uganda currency stable?

The Ugandan currency experiences normal fluctuations against major currencies. It’s relatively stable compared to other East African currencies.

Where can I get Ugandan shillings?

You can exchange foreign currency for money of Uganda at the airport, forex bureaus in major cities, banks, or withdraw from ATMs using VISA/Mastercard.

What is the Sign and Code for Ugandan Shillings?

The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. The Sign for Ugandan shillings is Ush while the Code for Ugandan Shillings is UGX

Should You Use Traveller’s Cheques in Uganda?

With the exception of major international banks such as Standard Chartered, Barclays and Stanbic, you’re advised not to use traveller’s checques as most places will not accept them or will exchange them at very low rates sometimes even with extra charges.

What is the best currency to take to Uganda?

US Dollars (USD) offer the best exchange rates and are widely accepted when converting to Ugandan money.

Can I use mobile money as a tourist?

Yes! Getting a local SIM card with mobile money is highly recommended for tourists, as it’s the most common way to handle Ugandan currency transactions.

How much money should I bring to Uganda?

Budget approximately $30-50 USD per day for budget travelers, $50-100 for mid-range, and $150+ for luxury experiences. Exchange to Ugandan currency as needed.

Uganda’s official currency, the Ugandan Shilling is very straightforward to use once you understand the denominations and payment systems.

For more essential travel information, check out our other travel guides:

• Everything You Need to Know When Applying for the Ugandan Travel Visa
• Where is Uganda Located in Africa
• What Language Do They Speak in Uganda
• History, Design and Meaning behind the Uganda Flag
• History, Design and Symbolism behind the Uganda Coat of Arms
• A Guide to the Composition and Structure of the Uganda Nationa Anthem
• Complete Guide to Ugandan Time, Timezone and comparison with major cities around the world

Planning Your Trip to Uganda?

Now that you understand all there is to know about the currency of Uganda, the Ugandan Shilling, you’re better suited for a visit to Uganda. Browse our itineraries or contact us to start planning your adventure to Uganda.