Traveling to Uganda is not difficult anymore as most services are available in Uganda.

Entry Visas:

Visas into Uganda are available at entry point (Entebbe Airport) at a cost of 50 USD. Getting the visas from your country of residences is possible but attracts another $30 in mailing charges. Generally it is better to get your visa on arrival.

Money in Uganda:

The US dollar is the preferred foreign currency in Uganda and the easiest to convert to local cash. Always make your money changes at a local forex bureau instead of paying in at hotels and restaurants in foreign cash because the rates are inflated.

Forex Bureaux prefer US dollar notes of 2003 and newer denominations of $ 50 and above. The smaller denominations attract a lower exchange rate.

Banks in Uganda like Barclays and Standard Chartered accept Travelers’ Cheques and but only in Kampala city and not upcountry.

Internet Services:

These are available in most parts of Kampala. Several internet cafes in Kampala and wireless broadband internet in some areas of Kampala and now hotels have wireless broadband internet hotspots.

Blackberry services are also available in Uganda and communication has become a lot easier.

Banking Service:

The services are fairly modern in Uganda and most services can be done locally. The biggest international banks are Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic Bank. Visa credit cards can be used in the local ATM machines with a limit of up to 800,000 Uganda shillings or $ 400 per day.

Public Transport:

This is also easy in Kampala. Several commuter vans ply Kampala city and many buses are available going upcountry and can be boarded anytime of the day. In between commuter vans and buses are the motorcycles (boda bodas) which are very risky but get you there fast. It is recommended to wear a helmet before you ride one. Metered cabs are also available 24 hours a day and can get you by safely at a relatively higher cost compared to the earlier mentioned means.

Night life:

Kampala’s night life is moderate and fun. Several night clubs and restaurants open 24 hours or till late. It is recommended to hire a cab driver to take you around in the night as opposed to other means of transport. Kampala is generally safe to move about at night but its always important to be vigilant about your personal security.