HEALTH/IMMUNISATION TIPS FOR UGANDA

Visitors to Uganda are required to take vaccination shots against yellow fever and cholera. A dose of anti-malaria tablets is strongly advised. For those intending to go on camping trips, a mosquito repellent is highly recommended. Bilharzia is common in some lakes and swimming is not recommended except in designated areas. Only drink bottled or boiled water, in hotels/ lodges safe drinking water is always provided. Medical facilities are easily available in all medical centres. Please note that insurance should be taken at place of origin before departure.

TIPS ON PAYMENT IN UGANDA

Large shops accept credit cards, especially in the touristy part of the town, big supermarkets and safari lodges. In small shops and markets you have to pay in cash, ensure you have the local currency in smaller denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10, 000 Uganda Shillings, for quicker and safer transactions.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN UGANDA

Shopping in Uganda is generally easy, fun and exceptionally rewarding, but the following tips are useful especially when you are a first time traveller to the East African country.
1. Fixed prices are the norm in most Super markets, department stores and a number of shops in Kampala, but at most other places, bargaining is acceptable and expected.
2. Shop around to compare prices – this is especially important with durables such as Electronic Appliances.
3. Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if it is correct and the amount matches what you have paid leaving the shop.
4. Do not let a stranger or an unfamiliar person take you to go shopping.
5. Bear in mind that the price difference especially reflects on the quality of the product. It is paramount that you consider the more pricey which is most times value-worth.
6. It is also important to take note that shops in hotel arcades pay high rents and accordingly prices tend to be higher than at street shops. So expect higher prices here.

Uganda has a number of other places to shop. Most shopping centres are second to none, and whether its clothes, computers, gems or mobile phones that you are looking for, visitors marvel at the range and quality of what’s on offer. If shopping is your thing, a visit to Uganda will very likely satisfy your passion.

SHOPPING IN UGANDA

Uganda is one of the best places in East Africa for shopping and visitors will be spoilt for choice with the huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, small shops and bustling street markets.
Overall, Shopping in Uganda is an experience to thrill and delight the most discerning of shoppers – whatever it is you’re looking for. You’ll Find Everything from Clothes to Ceramics, and Metal Work to Musical Instruments.  From the gleaming chrome and towering size of modern, air-conditioned malls, to the hustle and bustle of its famously buzzing street markets.

Most vendors and staff at the shopping Arcades in addition to being fluent in several local languages, speak good enough English. Most shops in Uganda cities and towns open by 07.00am to 10.00pm every day and night markets carry on even up to mid night.

CURRENCY IN UGANDA

The unit of currency is the Uganda Shilling which is easily convertible to United States Dollar and British Pound. The exchange rates of both units fluctuate from time. For visitors to Uganda it is safe to carry sterling pounds or US$ (travellers cheques and cash).

BANKS IN UGANDA

Commercial banks dominate the country’s financial sector and account for over 90% of the assets of the banking system. They are charged with providing banking facilities to the public and operate the payments mechanism. These include among others: the Uganda Development Bank, the African Development Bank, Centenary Bank, Stanbic Bank-Uganda, the Development Finance Company of Uganda- DFCU Bank, Housing Finance Bank, Baroda Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, East African Development Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, Barclays Bank, Crane Bank and many others.

WHAT TO WEAR IN UGANDA

Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Clients intending to engage in gorilla tracking and mountaineering in Uganda must be aware of harsh conditions. Gloves, Jackets, waterproof jeans, jumpers, sweaters, sunglasses, strong hiking boots/shoes are recommended. While on any other safaris sports shirts, slacks, light cotton dresses, skirts and tops are suitable.