Information for Travelers
This information is provided as a service to travelers by the Chabad Center in Uganda - without any responsibility whatsoever.
General Information
The time in Uganda is identical to Israel's time in the summer and one hour ahead of Israel's time in the winter. The electricity voltage is 240 volts, 50 hertz (same as in Israel). The socket structure is slightly different but mostly compatible with Israeli standard plugs if inserted into the upper slot of the socket. However, it's best to bring a universal socket adapter. Such adapters are available in Uganda, particularly in Kampala.
Payment Methods in Uganda
The currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. As of 2024, the approximate exchange rate is 1000 Shillings to 1 Israeli Shekel. You can exchange any currency through banks or money changers. In many attractions and services in the country, US dollars are also accepted. Note that as of 2024, US dollars printed before 2013 are almost not accepted, so it's important to ensure you have dollars from 2013 onwards.
Credit Cards - Most official tourist sites and large stores accept credit cards for manual processing (not via number), and cash can also be withdrawn from ATMs located throughout the country. There are banks with lower withdrawal fees, and it's advisable to inquire about this in WhatsApp groups for travelers in Uganda. A good tip: before traveling abroad, request to convert your credit card to international status to lower the service fee from the credit card company in your country.
Mobile Money - In Uganda, there's a mobile payment service via phone top-up: by inserting a SIM card from local communication companies MTN/Airtel, you can charge/load money onto your phone and pay for services, attractions, and private individuals. This service is available throughout the country and is also used for phone calls and internet access. Managing money this way is highly recommended due to its availability and popularity without the need for physical cash in your pocket like notes.
There's an application called World Remit that allows you to link your account worldwide to your mobile money account on your phone by entering a phone number and a few additional identification details.
Western Union / MoneyGram services are available in Uganda.
In general, it's recommended in the country to carry as little cash as possible (due to theft concerns) and always be capable of withdrawing money as needed.
Weather
The climate in Uganda is defined as tropical. This means relatively similar weather throughout the year, including sun and rain, with mornings that are cool and then warm and vice versa. There's a period defined in Uganda as a rainier season, although experience shows that each season can mix. The weather in the country varies slightly by region and altitude, with cooler temperatures in higher areas.
Recommended clothing for the weather includes both summer and transitional season clothes (long sleeves), and it's advisable to bring warm clothing (sweaters and raincoats) for higher places where the weather can be cool to cold.
Visas
A visa is required for entry into Uganda, costing $50. In the past, it was possible to obtain a visa upon entry, but the laws have changed recently, and now the only way to purchase a visa is through the internet link: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. Be sure to use this link and not other links, as there are fake links that do nothing but take your money.
It's important to emphasize that it's mandatory to receive a visa confirmation in a PDF file along with a confirmation email. Airlines do not allow passengers on flights without showing a visa confirmation! It's also possible to apply via phone. When filling out the form, request a tourist visa for three months.
Currently, visas are usually not issued immediately, and the process can take several days or even weeks, so it's advisable to start the application process as early as possible (a month before traveling).
It's important to note that even if you receive a visa for three months, the visa is single entry. This means that if you leave the country, the visa is no longer valid, and you need to go through the process again. However, if you plan to enter and exit several times, there's an option for a multiple-entry visa, which allows entry and exit for one year without renewing the visa. Currently, the cost of such a visa is $100.
There's an additional visa intended primarily for tourists who wish to visit two or three of the following countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, or enter and exit one country multiple times. This visa is called the East African Visa, and its cost is $100.
Vaccinations and Health in Uganda
Uganda requires a yellow fever vaccination for travelers from all countries.
Travelers to Uganda and the African continent in general are advised to consult with a travel clinic regarding the need for additional vaccinations and preventive care. It's advisable to vaccinate at least six weeks before the travel date, as the vaccination is required when submitting documents for obtaining a visa.
The decision to provide a vaccine, complete vaccinations, or preventive treatment is made individually based on the traveler's immunization status, travel conditions, and length of stay in the travel destination.
Malaria
It is advisable, before arriving in Uganda, to receive clear instructions from a travelers' clinic or a private physician regarding malaria preventive pills and additional information about the disease.
Our life-saving recommendation is that if you feel unwell while in Uganda, with a persistent high fever, weakness, or body tremors, go immediately for a malaria test. It is recommended to visit well-known, reputable clinics. The test is a short and inexpensive blood test that can save lives! The earlier malaria is detected, the easier the treatment and the quicker the recovery. Malaria is a dangerous disease that should not be taken lightly.
Another important recommendation (without responsibility but from experience) is to equip yourself with anti-malaria pills before leaving the country, to be used in case of virus exposure. Sometimes malaria outbreaks occur after some time, when you are no longer in the country, and the required treatment might not be available in every country. It's worth having these pills in your pocket despite their cost.
Tap Water Usage
In Uganda, the guidance is not to drink tap water. Boil water before drinking, and it is most recommended to drink mineral water. This is because tap water is not suitable for drinking without boiling.
Medical Facilities in Uganda
It is highly recommended to arrange good medical insurance before leaving. Such insurance should cover complex treatments and flights.
In case of needing medical treatment, it is highly recommended to go to Kampala, as there are many more options for Western and professional treatments.
Major Hospitals in Kampala
Nakasero Hospital
Phone: 08-00200035
Address: Plot 14 Akii Bua Rd, Kampala
The Surgery Uganda
Phone: 0772 756003
Address: Naguru Dr, Kampala
Website: https://thesurgeryuganda.org
C-Care IHK
Phone: 031 2200400
Address: Plot 4686 Barnabas Rd, Kampala
Website: https://c-care.com/ug/
Emergency Contacts
In case of any emergency, you can contact Rabbi Moshe privately at +256783989938, also available on WhatsApp.
You can also contact the Israeli Embassy at any time, 24/7 (there is no physical Israeli embassy in Uganda, and it is under the umbrella of the Israeli embassy in Kenya).
Here are the contact details for the Israeli embassy in Kenya in emergency situations:
Mobile - 254110150031+ also available on WhatsApp
Main phone - 254204927500+ after reaching the main menu, press 1 after hearing the recorded message
If for any reason you cannot reach the embassy representatives at the above numbers, or if you are unable to call abroad, please call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Room at +97225303155+ and relay your report.
If you are unable to contact by phone, please send an email to: [email protected]
For your convenience and use in case of need, here are local emergency phone numbers:
Police/Firefighters/Ambulance - 999 from a landline
Police/Firefighters/Ambulance - 112 from a mobile phone
Rescue Teams
If you encounter a medical or security situation that requires the intervention of a rescue plane, we recommend the bar sos rescue service, a subsidiary of Magen David Adom Israel, which provides rescue and flight services and rents emergency phones with emergency buttons to places without reception and the like.
To contact Magen David Adom - bar sos:
John - +256760021683
Samuel - +256779918703
Public Transportation and Mobility Aids
Public Transportation
In Kampala, there are four main types of public transportation: Matatu (minibus taxis), Boda Boda (motorcycles), private taxis, and buses.
Matatu - Local minibus service called Matatu is available throughout the country for intercity or intra-city travel.
Boda Boda - This is a motorcycle taxi, a common means of transport within the city. While it is cheap and avoids traffic (especially within the city), it is not the safest and can be dangerous at times (many road accidents and sometimes thefts during travel). Therefore, if you decide to use Boda Boda, make sure to wear a helmet while traveling and order Boda Boda through various applications (uber/bolt/safe boda) rather than randomly selecting available drivers on the street.
Private Taxis - Uber and Bolt applications operate efficient and safe taxi booking services. You just need to download the app and use it.
Buses - Mainly for intercity travel or from Kampala to neighboring countries.
Here is a link to a website with information on the top 10 bus companies operating in Uganda:
https://guide2uganda.ug/top-10-bus-companies-operating-in-uganda/
Taxis at the Airport - Upon exiting Entebbe Airport, you can find several taxi companies. The current price for traveling to Kampala ranges between 120,000-140,000 Ugandan shillings.
It is also possible and recommended to arrange a ride from Entebbe to Kampala before your arrival in Uganda. It is advisable to join local WhatsApp groups and receive recommendations for reliable drivers.
Car Rental in Uganda
You can rent a car in Uganda and drive with an international Israeli license.
The steering wheel and driver's seat are on the right side (opposite to Israel), similar to London, for example. Personally, we recommend that tourists do not drive independently in the country, both because of unfamiliarity with the roads and unclear directions, and because sometimes the attitude towards a white person is tougher and can lead to crime. If you still choose to drive, it is appropriate and correct to travel during daylight hours when there is light outside, and to choose a good car preferably a Jeep, from a well-known and safe rental company. It is definitely not nice to get stuck on the roads with problems, and sometimes it can be dangerous.
We recommend the car rental service of:
car hiring services- deep end safaris
+256779918703- Samuel
Tell them you came through the Chabad Uganda website :)
Attractions and Entertainment Places in Uganda
Uganda is blessed with beautiful places and breathtaking nature reserves that include wildlife of all kinds, waterfalls, rafting, special villas, trekking, and more.
We highly recommend joining the WhatsApp group of "Mzungu Uganda" through the link on the website: https://www.mzungu-articles.com/phone to Facebook groups, and of course visiting the site: "Mzungu Africa Safari in Israel" where there are maps for download, information about all recommended attractions, with field comments, consultations and tips among travelers, and of course special discounts for group members to various attractions in the country.
Of course, it is advisable and recommended to include visits to Chabad houses in your travel experiences, especially on weekends when community members and many travelers gather for a particularly uplifting experience, undoubtedly one of the most recommended attractions in the country (ask those who were there..)
Kosher Safari in Uganda
For those interested in an organized safari trip with a company that includes a vehicle that will take care of the pick-up at the airport and escort you throughout the trip, build the trip according to your favorite attractions and of course arrange accommodation and high-quality kosher food, you are welcome to contact Africa Kosher Travel
To book a kosher safari in Uganda, click on the link:
https://www.africakoshertravel.com/?lang=he
or contact by WhatsApp/Email: 972587708485+
We would be glad if you said that you came through the Chabad Uganda website.
Accommodation / Hotels / Guesthouses in Uganda
Uganda in general and Kampala in particular are full of accommodation and hospitality places - hotels and guesthouses mostly, at all levels and types. We highly recommend to all types of visitors to go to well-known and recommended places, even if sometimes it costs more, that way there is more chance that your belongings will be preserved properly. This recommendation is written from several years of experience dealing with travelers who, because of the desire to save a few shillings on accommodation, remained without a wallet, passport, and phone, and sometimes even worse than that.
Water Sources
Throughout Uganda there is concern about Bilharzia - (worms found in standing water and entering the body of a person bathing in them and laying eggs in his body) This disease is not pleasant at all and is even dangerous, so the prevailing recommendation for travelers in the country is absolutely not to enter and bathe in any water source (sea, lake, river, spring, and the like) even if the view of the scenery is amazing, it is not worth the price that may be required for the medical treatment that is needed to deal with the disease afterwards.
We are happy to receive any information from travelers, comments, and suggestions for the benefit of our visitors.
For those who observe tradition, please refer to the website regarding kosher food and Shabbat and holiday services at Chabad House.
Have a fun and safe trip!