East Africa currencies : When people are planning to visit the East African region, among other things they plan for, is the currency they will use on their visit to the region. So, its not surprising that one of the most common questions we get from our guest is which currency do I need, which currency do I carry? Etc.

In this article we want to break down the currencies used in East Africa to help you Plan your safari well. But right off the butt you should know that most safari places and tourist services entities plus business centers in the East African region will accept US dollars (USD), Euros (EUR) and British pounds (GBP), very few accept the YEN.

So, when you are coming to the region, make sure you have one of those currencies, especially the USD, you will be fine.

No that, that is out of the way, the East African region has about 10 countries, each with its own currency, but in this article, we shall consider the four that commonly visited by tourists and these countries are: –

  • Uganda: Ugandan shilling (UGX)
  • Kenya: Kenyan shilling (KES)
  • Tanzania: Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
  • Rwanda: Rwandan franc (RWF)

Ugandan shilling (UGX)

This is the official currency of Uganda, used across Uganda. The currency has several denominations that include: –

  1. Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 UGX; in the recent years though, it will be hard for you to find a 50 shs coin, it’s the other denominations that you will find in circulation.
  2. Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 UGX, all these are in circulation, and you will find them everywhere you go.

The Ugandan shilling is exchanged at these rates (at the time of writing this article) but know the exchange rate is subject to fluctuation.

  • 1 USD ≈ 3,700 – 4,000 UGX
  • 1 EUR ≈ 4,200 – 4,500 UGX
  • 1 GBP ≈ 5,000 – 5,500 UGX

You can can exchange currency at banks, forex bureaus mainly though some accommodation facilities have exchange centers. But while in Uganda you can also opt for electronic ways of transactions using debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) – they are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and almost all tourist facilities.

To withdraw cash, you will have to use the ATMs, they are spread all over the urban centers but fewer in the rural areas. If you are using entirely Ugandan money, you can take advantage of the Mobile money services that are widely used for transactions in the country.

Kenyan shilling (KES)

The official currency of Kenya used as legal tender in the country’s transactions. Like the Ugandan shilling, its divided into different denominations that are: –

  1. Coins – 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 shillings; the 1 and 5 shilling though in circulation they are quite rare.
  2. Banknotes – 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 shillings; for the notes all of them are in circulation and used in daily transactions.

The Kenya shilling exchange rates at the time of writing this article are: –

  • 1 USD ≈ 120-130 KES
  • 1 EUR ≈ 130-140 KES
  • 1 GBP ≈ 150-160 KES

Again, be advised the rates are subject to fluctuations.

Currencies are exchanged at banks, forex bureaus, hotels and business centers in Kenya, Debit cards, Credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Amex are widely accepted at major business and tourist places in the country. Also, restaurants. ATMs are widely spread in major towns and cities. The country also has a Mobile money service M-Pesa for transactions.

Advise for you, always plan to have some local currency for small purchases and for places where credit/debit cards or mobile payments are not accepted.

Rwandan franc (RWF)

The Rwandan franc (RWF) is the official legal tender of the country. It can be found in different denominations

  1. Coins – 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 RWF
  2. Banknotes – 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 RWF

All denominations are in circulation and in Use for day-to-day transactions in the country.

East Africa currencies
Rwandan Francs

The exchange rate for the Rwandan franc as at the time of writing this article is:-

  • 1 USD ≈ 1,000-1,100 RWF
  • 1 EUR ≈ 1,100-1,200 RWF
  • 1 GBP ≈ 1,300-1,400 RWF

Rates will keep fluctuating so keep that in mind. If you desire to exchange your currency, you can always use the banks and forex bureaus and business centers. Or opt to use Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) for your transactions. When you are in Kigali utilize the ATM services and out of Kigali take advantage of the country’s Mobile money services. Tigo Cash.

Things you should note: that for all east African countries if you are purchasing small items or items from the locals please have local currency, its convenient for both parties. And the electronic way of transacting is the way to go in established facilities. Just swipe your card and you will be sorted.

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