£1 UGX 4,955
Today
5:51 am
+3h from you
Weather in Uganda
Uganda
25°
Thunderstorm
Fri
19
25
Sat
19
25
Sun
18
28
Mon
18
27
Tue
20
27
SPF level in Uganda
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Uganda
Tipping in Uganda
Tipping is not obligatory in Uganda, but is becoming increasingly common, particularly in tourist-oriented establishments. It is always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Round up or a small tip for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
1,000-2,000 UGX per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1,000-2,000 UGX per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost, or 10,000-20,000 UGX per day
Safety in Uganda
Tips for British travellers
Uganda is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Officials may stop you and ask for ID, so always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport.
You can be fined or imprisoned for smoking in public places, workplaces, transport, or outdoors within 50 metres of a public building.
Do not accept food and drink from strangers, as travellers have been drugged and robbed on public transport and in bars.
To reduce the risk of pickpocketing or mugging, do not carry large amounts of cash, avoid wearing expensive-looking jewellery, and do not walk after dark.
It is illegal to take photos of military, official, or diplomatic sites, and you should ask permission before taking photographs of people.
Bonus tips:
Avoid using matatu minibus taxis and boda-boda motorbike taxis as they are often in poor condition, badly driven and accidents are common.
Do not get on a ferry if it appears overloaded or unseaworthy and learn the emergency procedures on board.
Driving in Uganda
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Uganda
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Uganda uses Type G plugs, which are the same as in the UK. Therefore, British travelers do not need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit card acceptance is limited, especially outside of major cities and tourist areas. Visa is the most widely accepted card.
Visa
High
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Uganda
ATMs are available in major cities and towns, particularly in Kampala and tourist areas. Availability is limited in rural areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
You can usually find ATMs in urban areas. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled.
Mobile & roaming
UK mobile users will not benefit from EU roaming agreements post-Brexit. Check with your mobile provider for international roaming charges in Uganda. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
5GB for 25,000 UGX (~£5)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Lycamobile Uganda
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, primarily in urban centers. Coverage can be unreliable in rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
WiFi is available in cities and tourist areas. Mobile data is a viable alternative. Speeds can be limited.
Health & vaccinations in Uganda
It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in. While GHIC/EHIC is useful in Europe, it is not applicable in Uganda.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever (certificate required for entry)
Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food from street vendors. Avoid swimming in fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia. Medical facilities in major cities are adequate for routine treatments, but serious conditions may require evacuation.
Calling Uganda
Country code
+256
To call Uganda from the UK, dial 00 256 followed by the local number (without the leading zero, if applicable).
To call the British High Commission in Kampala from the UK, you would dial 00 256 312 312 000.
The country code for Uganda is 256. When calling Uganda from abroad, you need to dial your country's exit code, followed by 256, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Uganda
British High Commission Kampala
British High Commission, 4 Windsor Loop, Kololo, Kampala
Airport in Uganda
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.