Need cash when I land, best place in Uganda? Airport or places in the city?
Airport counters are convenient but overpriced. I always tell visiting friends to exchange $20-40 at Entebbe Airport, just to get into the city, then use ATMs in Kampala. DTB and Equity Bank machines are reliable and usually don’t add surprise fees. Avoid the random forex shops in tourist-heavy spots - their rates aren’t great. If you’ve got time, go to a proper forex office downtown. Always decline ATM conversion if asked - it’s a trap.
I didn’t bring Ugandan shillings when I landed and had to use the exchange at Entebbe Airport - not the end of the world, but I definitely got a worse rate than I saw later in Kampala. I used a Centenary Bank ATM near my hostel in Kampala and the rate was solid. Didn’t try the airport ATM, but friends said it works fine if it’s not empty. So yeah - get just enough at the airport for your taxi, then hit a bank in town.
Don’t do all your exchange at the airport - the rates are worse. I usually change about $20-30 on arrival in Entebbe for the ride into Kampala. Once in the city, I head to Shumuk Forex or Crane Forex in central Kampala - better rates and no drama. Also had no issues withdrawing UGX from Absa ATMs with my UK card, though some machines do charge small fees. Airport is okay for a buffer, but the city is where you’ll get the best exchange rate.
I landed at Entebbe Airport and changed just $40 at the counter near arrivals - rate wasn’t great, but I needed cash for the taxi. The exchange booths in the city gave me a much better rate (like 5-7% better). There’s also a Stanbic ATM just outside the arrivals area, which worked with my Wise card and gave a fair rate. If you're asking best place to get cash in Uganda, change a bit at the airport, then do the rest in town or use a proper bank ATM.