Uganda Info
Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 15
Home Country: uganda
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 Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:26 am Post subject: SHOPPING IN UGANDA / UGANDA SHOPPING GUIDE |
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SHOPPING IN UGANDA
Shopping in Uganda can be a confusing, even unnerving, experience for someone new to the task. You expect some of the products on display to vary from those at home, and to find vegetables and fruits that you can't name, but the way you shop will probably be a new experience too.
Shops in much of Africa come in two basic varieties. Firstly there are those which you are probably familiar; medium and large department stores and supermarkets that have clearly marked, non-negotiable prices on the goods they sell. Large settlements like Kampala have this type of shop where negotiating a price is neither required nor expected.
Secondly, and far more common, are the smaller rural stalls and family shops where nothing has a name or price marked on it and you are expected to negotiate a price, or 'haggle' until you and the shop keeper arrive at a price that suits you both. It's a little like a cross between a good humoured argument and an acting class.
Purchases include bangles, necklaces and bracelets, woodcarvings, basketry, tea, coffee and ceramics.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0800-1700 some shops may close earlier on Saturdays.
Banking hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1400, Sat 0900-1200. Forex bureaux are open until 1700 and able to do electronic transfers to and from overseas.
Currency
Uganda Shilling (UGX). Notes are in denominations of UGX10,000, 5000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of UGX500, 200, 100 and 50.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency may be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaux.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa are accepted but not widely used. Some large hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and shops in urban areas [spam word detected]. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheques
Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. It is advised that travellers bring sufficient US dollars in cash in case of emergencies.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Free import of foreign currency if declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited, up to the amount declared on arrival. It is imperative to obtain a currency declaration form on arrival in Uganda. Unspent shillings can be reconverted to foreign currency. |
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