Cash Payments and US Dollar Guidelines

For guests travelling with us in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, safari balances can be settled using the payment method agreed upon during booking. If you choose to pay your remaining balance in cash on arrival, please carefully follow the US dollar requirements below.

IMPORTANT PAYMENT NOTE

Your safari balance must be fully settled on or before arrival, according to the payment arrangement confirmed with us.

If you have arranged to pay your remaining balance in cash on arrival, payment should be made to your authorised safari representative at the beginning of your trip.

Please prepare the correct amount in advance. For cash payments, we strongly recommend US $100 bills wherever possible, followed by $50 bills.

Cash US Dollar Requirements

US dollar notes presented for payment must be:

1. Newer than 2007
2. Clean and in very good condition
3. Not torn or damaged
4. Not stamped
5. Free from ink, handwriting or other markings
6. Not washed, faded or discoloured
7. Not excessively worn
8. Not badly folded or damaged around the edges
9. Clearly readable and genuine

Please check every dollar note before leaving your home country. A genuine note may still be refused locally because of its age or physical condition.

We reserve the right to decline notes that do not meet these requirements.

Card Payment Alternative

If you prefer not to travel with a large amount of cash, card payment is also available.

We accept major cards, including:

1. Visa
2. Mastercard

Card payments are convenient for guests who would rather settle their safari balance electronically instead of carrying substantial amounts of cash.

Please note: Card transactions may attract an approximately 3.5% processing fee. Your bank or card issuer may also apply its own international transaction or currency-conversion charges.

We recommend informing your bank before travelling to East Africa, particularly when making a large international card transaction, to reduce the possibility of the payment being blocked for security reasons.

Choosing Your Payment Method

For your outstanding safari balance, you may therefore choose the payment arrangement confirmed with us:

Cash on arrival: Pay in acceptable US dollar notes, preferably $100 and $50 bills.

Card payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted, subject to the applicable processing fee.

For security and proper accounting, always make safari payments through the payment instructions provided by our authorised office or representative.

Bring Large Dollar Bills Where Possible

For substantial cash payments, we recommend carrying your money primarily in:

$100 bills — strongly preferred

$50 bills — also recommended

Smaller denominations such as $20, $10, $5 and $1 notes can be useful for tips and incidental expenses, but they may receive a less favourable exchange rate when converted into local currency.

For your main safari balance, bring large, clean and newer US dollar bills whenever possible.

Uganda

US dollars are widely accepted throughout Uganda’s tourism industry, particularly at safari lodges, hotels and tourism businesses.

However, Uganda’s official currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX), and not every business operates in US dollars.

We recommend carrying some Uganda shillings for:

1. Small shops and supermarkets
2. Local restaurants and cafés
3. Markets and craft purchases
4. Small towns and villages
5. Roadside stops
6. Tips and small payments
7. Personal purchases

Your guide can assist you in identifying reputable places to exchange money when necessary.

Rwanda

US dollars are useful within Rwanda’s tourism industry, particularly for larger tourism-related expenses.

However, Rwanda’s official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF).

We recommend carrying some Rwandan francs for small purchases, local restaurants, markets, shops, tips and everyday expenses.

Do not assume that every small business or local vendor will accept US dollars.

Tanzania

US dollars are commonly used within Tanzania’s tourism industry, particularly for safari-related payments, hotels, lodges and other tourism services.

However, Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), and we recommend carrying some Tanzanian shillings for everyday spending.

Tanzanian shillings are useful for:

1. Local shops and supermarkets
2. Restaurants and cafés
3. Markets and craft purchases
4. Small towns and villages
5. Roadside purchases
6. Tips and small payments
7. Personal expenses and local services

While US dollars are convenient for many larger tourism-related payments, do not rely entirely on dollars for everyday purchases in Tanzania.

Travelling Through Multiple East African Countries

If your safari combines Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, there is generally no need to arrive carrying large amounts of each country’s local currency.

If cash payment has been agreed, your main safari balance can be carried in acceptable US dollar notes. You can then obtain reasonable amounts of local currency for personal expenses during your journey.

The three main local currencies are:

Uganda — Uganda Shilling (UGX)

Rwanda — Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Tanzania — Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Your safari guide can advise you on suitable exchange options during your journey.

Before Leaving Home

If you intend to settle your safari balance in cash, tell your bank or foreign-exchange bureau that you require:

Clean, undamaged US dollar notes, preferably $100 bills, issued after 2007.

Before accepting the cash, personally check every note for writing, ink, stamps, tears, stains, fading, excessive wear or other damage.

Final Payment Reminder

To avoid delays at the beginning of your safari:

Cash: Bring the agreed balance in clean, acceptable US dollars, preferably $100 bills.

Card: Visa and Mastercard are available as an alternative, with an approximately 3.5% processing fee.

Local spending: Keep some local currency for smaller purchases and places where US dollars or cards may not be practical.

Security: Keep your safari payment, passport, cards and other valuables securely in your hand luggage. Never place large amounts of cash in checked baggage.

Preparing your payment method before departure will help ensure a smooth start to your safari and allow you to focus on enjoying your journey through East Africa.