Home FAQ Planning & logistics

Can I use cards in Uganda?

Direct answer

Visa and Mastercard work at upscale Entebbe and Kampala hotels, supermarkets, and some restaurants; ATMs are reliable in cities. Bwindi lodges, park headquarters, porter payments, and rural craft markets require cash (USD or UGX). Gorilla permits (USD 800) are paid to UWA through your operator in advance — not by card on trek morning.

Overview

Uganda combines mountain gorilla trekking, classic savannah game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, birding, and cultural experiences in a compact circuit. The right answer depends on your dates, fitness, budget, and whether you travel with a licensed operator who handles permits, road logistics, and park regulations.

Browse related questions in our Uganda safari FAQ hub or request a tailored itinerary from Uganda Safari Tours.

Quick facts

  • Full expanded guidance for this topic is updated regularly by our safari planners.
  • Gorilla and chimp permits should be secured early in peak season.
  • Licensed safari operators handle park fees, guides, and in-country support.
  • Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

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