Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling (UGX). The exchange rate fluctuates but is usually approximately: $1 = 3,700 UGX £1 = 4,000 UGX €1 = 4,700 UGX

You have a few options: 1) Bring some cash. This is always a good idea in case something goes wrong with your cards. Bring $50 and $100 denominations to get the best exchange rates. Foreign Exchange Bureaus (Forexs) are common in Kampala and easy to change money at. If bringing US dollars, ensure it is no older than 2009. Make sure the money is not ripped, torn or marked in any way or the forex will either refuse to accept it or will offer only a lower price (we don't understand it either!) 2) Bring a debit card (Visa is easier). You will be able to withdraw UGX from ATMs at whatever rate the bank gives you + usually an ATM fee, depending on your bank's rules. 3) Bring a credit card. More and more places in Uganda (mostly Kampala) have POS capability and I have seen friends use credit cards (Capital One, specifically). However, this is the riskiest option and be aware that Uganda is primarily a cash-based society so you need to have cash on you for minor daily purchases and most purchases outside of Kampala where POS is not as common.

This will depend on a few things. 1) Hopefully you will have your accommodation already pre-paid for, reducing greatly on the money needed in country. 2) We will have already pre-paid for the shared transportation, again reducing money needed in country. 3) You will mostly need money for daily expenses like food, drinks, souvenirs, transportation to get around Kampala, any additional activities you want to do while here. Please visit the "estimated expenses" page for more info.

On the whole - yes! Stef has lived here for over 10 years and never been a victim of any major crime (and Solomon much longer than that!) A few things to note: 1) Petty theft is the most common occurrence in terms of crime. Be careful when using your phone on the roadside or in the car with windows down in traffic. Stef also uses only a cross-body bag to make purse snatching less likely and is generally aware of surroundings when out and about (i.e. don't put your bag down at a restaurant where you can't see it). Only carry the money you will need for the day, and keep your passport + cards you won't need locked in your suitcase in your hotel in case of any handbag theft. 2) Road accidents are a concern in Uganda as vehicles are sometimes in disrepair, roads are poor and drivers can be reckless. We will ensure that our drivers/transportation will be top-notch in terms of safety, and expect to have no issues. Again, Stef has been living in Uganda for over 10 years and has never been in any major or minor road accidents. We never drive on highways at night and we are always careful when crossing the road! 3) As in many countries, there have been isolated cases of terrorism in recent years. However, these are extremely rare and we do not expect them to affect our wedding or trip. 4) Overall, Ugandans are friendly and welcoming and mean no one any harm. There are bad actors in any society, so it's important to take precautions that you would likely take when traveling to other places you are unfamiliar with such as not walking at night, not flashing money or jewelry around in busy areas, not talking about your money and where you are keeping it, and not being careless with your purse or bag.

Yellow fever is the only vaccination required for entering the country. You will be asked to show your Yellow Fever vaccination card on arrival.

Uganda does have malaria - mostly in the areas outside of Kampala/Entebbe. You may want to consider getting a prescription for a malaria prophylaxis which you will take for a few days before arriving, every day you are in Uganda and for a few days after leaving. Common malaria prophylaxis drugs for Uganda include atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine. However, if you do not want to take prophylaxis, it likely won't be the end of the world. Stef has lived in Uganda for over 10 years and does not take prophylaxis as it's hard on the liver when taken long-term. She has never gotten malaria. However, she has known many people who have gotten malaria (foreigners and Ugandans alike). It is possible to avoid malaria by sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and pants at night, wearing bug spray, and avoiding being bitten. Please keep in mind that malaria can be difficult to diagnose and treat in first-world countries (as they are less familiar with it than Ugandan doctors), so if you get malaria and take it back home it might be challenging to diagnose and treat. Stef's advice would be to take malaria prophylaxis if at all possible to avoid any unwanted sickness while on the trip or afterwards when returning home.