Travel Guide
Welcome To The Pearl!
GETTING AROUND
- Transfer to the city/ your hotel. – Thanks to reliable internet at the airport, it’s possible for you to order an Uber ride to your next destination in Kampala or Entebbe. If you are in a hurry, you can take advantage of the availability of the many cabs at the airport whose drivers are always stationed at the arrival’s terminal, ready for a win -win bargain with Travellers.
- Visa. – Visitors to Uganda must have a valid visa in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities, Uganda visas can now be obtained online at Welcome to Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System (immigration.go.ug) Alternatively, you may obtain the visa at Uganda’s missions abroad or on arrival at the spots of entry around the country’s borders. The cost of visa are as follows: single entry $50 per individual, multiple entry visa 6-12 months $100 and East African tourist visa cost $50. Accompany your application documents with a valid yellow fever certificate. For more information, Visit Welcome to Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System (immigration.go.ug)
- Nationals who don’t need visas. – Nationals of the following countries don’t need visas when visiting Uganda: COMESA (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Botswana), Eat Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi), others (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Ghana, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vicent – Tonga and Ireland)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Voltage.
In Uganda the power plug sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz..
Laptops and gadgets in general have chargers that are already compatible with 100-240 volts. If yours is higher or lower, you will need a simple plug adapter.
Security
Uganda’s towns are safe to visit any time of the year. This development has been achieved through effective collaboration of the different security organs like the army (Uganda People’s Defense Forces), Uganda Police and Tourism Police. That said, like any other city, Kampala too has its share of troublemakers. It is thus not advisable to walk alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
Water
It is safe to drink boiled or bottled water. The average price of bottled water is ugx1,000 per 500ml.
Transport
The easiest and fastest way to get around cities is boda-boda rides, a motorbike mode of transportation that offers taxi services – each is limited to carrying one passenger. The most professional service provider in this case is Uber Boda, Safe Boda and Taxify now Bolt, all of which can be accessed via their mobile phone applications.
If you prefer using vehicles/cabs and wish to avoid traffic, the recommended time for travel is 6am to 8am, 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm.
Language
Uganda is home to over 50 ethnic groups, the majority of whom speak the national language, English. If you wish to get interpreters of foreign languages, visit the website of your country’s high commission/ embassy in Kampala.
Financial transactions
The most used currency is Uganda shillings, the national currency. Tourist areas and facilities accept foreign currencies too, Particularly US dollars. Cash is the preferred means of transaction in Uganda. Credit cards are less dependable because of unreliable internet connection in some areas.
Forex
The foreign exchange rates at forex bureaus are more favorable than those at banks. The main streets of most towns is where you will find the highest concertation of forex bureaus, In Kampala go to Jinja-Kampala Road.
Bank and office hours
Most commercial banks and corporate offices operate from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. Most don’t open on Sundays.