Photography:
No photographs of, or near, military buildings or soldiers is allowed. It is only polite to ask people before taking photographs.
Film and other photograhic equipment/supplies are available in Uganda. Fast film (400-1600 ASA) is recommended for gorilla tracking and forest walking. For digital photography, we recommended you bring extra batteries and a car charger. If you have special requirements, then we strongly suggest that you come with the necessary equipment.
Most accommodation will have facilities for recharging batteries used by audio/visual equipment. Feel free to confirm in advance.
Telephone/Internet:
International telephone communication is good from Kampala but more difficult in some rural areas. Uganda has a good mobile phone network throughout most of the country and local SIM cards can be purchased throughout the Country. International roaming facilities are available.
Internet services are widely available in Kampala through internet cafes, and most major towns will have access, although the quality and speed of the connection varies.
All our drivers/guides have cell phones and maintain contact with the Head Office throughout safaris. Airtime can be purchased for your use or the driver/guides' mobile phones if necessary.
Electricity:
Uganda: 240 volts. 3-pin (square) sockets. It is recommended that you bring your own adaptor. Most hotels, lodges or camps can make arrangements for recharging batteries. Please ask us on booking if you have specific requirements.
Alcohol:
Several brands of local and international beer are available, including leading local beers: Bell, Club, Pilsner and Nile Special beers. Most spirits and wines are imported and are readily available.
Drinking and driving is prohibited and purchase of alcohol under the age of 18 years is also illegal.
Currency:
The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling. It is issued in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Uganda Shillings notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 cents.
US dollar, GB Pounds and EUROs are readily exchangeable. Large US dollar bills attract the best exchange rates. Currency exchange rates vary and are posted at all banks and forex bureaus around Kampala and in the local newspapers. The rate as of Oct 2007 was US$1 = 1740 Uganda Shillings and GBP1 = 3340 Uganda Shillings. There are no restrictions on other international currencies.
It is recommended that you change money in Kampala prior to safari where more favorable rates are offered. Attempting to change money upcountry can be frustrating and the rates are not good.
ATM machines are available in Kampala and most offer access to international banks/cards. You may need to have your PIN number, so do not forgert.
NB: US Dollar bills pre-2000 are most often not accepted in Uganda or are exchanged at a less favorable rate. Poor quality foreign currency notes may be rejected. Please ensure you bring with you new or notes in excellent condition with no stains or tears.
Travelers Cheques:
TCs are accepted in Kampala, but at a less favourable rate than cash. Most lodges and hotels up Country will accept TCs although rates are generally poor.
Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel Limited will accept TC's for services but there is a USD $20 surcharge for each transaction.
Credit Cards:
AMEX, VISA and MASTERCARD may be accepted at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some up-country hotels and lodges. Kindly note that credit cards are not widely accepted and most organizations reserve the right to levy a surcharge on credit card transactions, usually 7 - 9% on top of the original cost.
Banking:
Several international banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and Citi Bank. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays.
There are no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible.
Begging/Donations:
We do not recommend clients give money to beggars or street children as this only lends to the culture of begging and dependency. Donations can be made to established international and local charities that work with the homeless, street children or orphans.
We can arrange visits to local projects or institutions on request. If personal donations are preferred, we would suggest exercise books, pens or pencils are useful gifts.
Gratuities:
Ugandans tip according to level of service and there are no fixed or assumed rates. Culturally people may not feel it appropriate to outwardly show their appreciation for money given, however salaries are generally low in Uganda compared to neighboring tourism destinations and all tips will be greatly appreciated.
On average tips are in the region of: 5-10% in restaurants; US$5-10 per day, per client for safari driver/guides and US$5-10 per client, per day for Ranger Guides; US$5 per day for porters on mountaineering/hiking safaris and US$3-5 for Forest Walk guides.
Tips are very personal and this is only a guide. Feel free to ask management for advice.
