Find a quick, easy and affordable way to send money to Uganda with a specialist money transfer service.
The landlocked east African country of Uganda is famous for its spectacular wildlife and the vast expanse of Lake Victoria. This makes it a country worth visiting if you’re planning an African adventure any time soon.
And if you need to send money to Uganda from Australia for any reason, there are a number of transfer providers who can help you manage the transaction. Just make sure you compare a range of options to find the best deal.
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With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
- Buying property abroad
- Emigrating
- Regular overseas payments
- Risk management
- Forecasting
Banks versus money transfer companies
The most convenient way to send money to Uganda from Australia might very well be to go through your bank. The problem with this approach is that banks offer a terrible deal when it comes to international transfers, with their low exchange rates and high fees ensuring that the banks enjoy a nice commission on the money you send.
In many cases, you can find a much more attractive transfer deal by approaching a company that specialises in international funds transfers. These companies, such as TorFX, offer safe and secure online transfers that are usually much more affordable. Their exchange rates are better and their fees lower than the banks’, meaning you and your beneficiary both come out on top.
Although Ben emigrated to Australia more than five years ago, he still makes sure to maintain regular contact with his sister in Kampala. He wants to send her $1,000 as a birthday gift, but he doesn’t want to send it at the paltry exchange rate offered by his bank – his bank also doesn’t offer this exotice currency. He decides to see whether a specialist money transfer company can offer him a better deal, so he compares the services of two providers.
As you can see, doing a quick comparison reveals that Ben send more than 7,000 UGX extra and save AUD $5 in transfer fees by using the first transfer company.
| Money transfer company 1 | Money transfer company 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 AUD = 2,328.23 UGX | 1 AUD = 2,321.17 UGX |
| Transfer fee | $5 | $10 |
| Transfer method | Online bank account transfer | Online bank account transfer |
| Processing time | 1-3 days | 1-4 days |
| Amount received (in UGX) | 2,328,230 UGX | 2,321,170 UGX |
How do I compare transfer companies when transferring and receiving money via Uganda?
- Exchange rates. How do the company’s exchange rates compare to those offered by its competition? If it consistently offers some of the best rates, check to make sure there aren’t high fees attached.
- Transaction fees. Most companies will charge you a fee each time you send a transfer, so check to see the amount you will have to pay for each transaction. It’s also worth investigating whether the fee will not be charged if you transfer a large amount.
- Transfer methods. Do you place transfers online or by visiting a branch? Are phone and mobile app transfers offered as well?
- Flexible options. Can you place a limit order or forward contract to help you get the exchange rate you want? Can you set up a recurring payment plan to save yourself time in the future?
- Transfer time. Some companies offer transfers within minutes while others have processing times of several business days.
- Minimum transfer amounts. If the company imposes minimum or maximum transaction limits, make sure those limits won’t affect your ability to send transfers.
- Pickup options. Will the money be sent to Uganda via bank account transfer, or will your recipient be able to pick up the sum in cash from a transfer agent?
- Customer service. If you have a question about a transfer, will you be able to quickly access customer service? Are phone, email and live online chat support all available?
How do I send money to Uganda from Australia?
- Specialist money transfer providers. Compare your options to find specialist transfer companies who can send money to Uganda.
- Cash pickup transfer companies. Western Union and MoneyGram both have extensive worldwide transfer networks with branches in Uganda.
- Bank transfers. Compare the fees and exchange rates your bank offers with those of other providers.
- International cheques. Sending an international guaranteed cheque overseas is a time-consuming but secure transfer method.
How do I receive money from Uganda in Australia?
- Specialist money transfer providers. Start researching to discover which trusted money transfer companies will let you send funds to Australia from Uganda.
- Cash pickup transfer companies. Begin the search online today to track down your nearest cash pickup location.
- Bank transfers. You can receive a transfer to your Australian bank account from an account in Uganda.
- International cheques. Approach your bank to find out the fees that apply when you cash an international cheque.
Emergency cash transfers in Uganda
If you ever need to send an emergency cash transfer to Uganda – maybe you need to help out a holidaying friend who has had their wallet stolen, for example – there are plenty of providers who can help you complete your transfer. Before you commit to a transaction, however, it’s worth being aware that these types of transfers regularly attract higher fees and lower exchange rates. Check the fine print of any transaction before committing your funds.
Back to topCash pickup locations in Uganda/ Western Union / MoneyGram branches in Uganda
Western Union and MoneyGram both have multiple cash transfer locations in Australia and Uganda, offering a fast and convenient transfer solution between the two countries. You’ll need photo ID and a transaction reference number when you go to pick up a transfer, and you can see the details of some popular pickup locations in Uganda below.
Western Union
Kampala
- Bwaise Branch
P O Box 1892Kampala, Uganda 1892+256-414-566096Open 8:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm Saturday - Crane Bank Limited
Crane ChambersPlot 38 Kampala RoadKampala,+256-41-345345Open 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2pm Saturday
Mbarara
- Guaranty Trust Bank
Plot 52/54 High StreetMbarara,+256-414-231168Open 8:15am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm Saturday - Crane Mbarara
Plot No 51P O Box 403 High StreetMbarara, 22572+256-414-232932Open 8am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm Sunday
MoneyGram
Kampala
- DFCU Bank
Plot 24Acacia AvenueKampala,256312300140Open 8:30am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm Sunday - Fina Bank
Plot 56Kira RdKampala,414233833Open 8:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm Saturday
Mbarara
- Bank of Africa
Plot 7Birch AvenueMasaka, 275041430200Open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Saturday - Uganda Finance Trust
Plot 7Edward AvenueMasaka,794333040Open 8:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday
Tips for picking up cash in Uganda
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians visiting Uganda to exercise a high degree of caution. With this in mind, always take care when you are picking up a cash transfer. Confirm a transfer agent’s opening hours and available funds before visiting, and avoid travelling through any unsafe areas. Don’t carry the money around with you for any longer than is absolutely necessary, and make sure you deposit it into your bank account as soon as possible.
Back to topWhat are the steps to send money to Uganda?
The exact transfer method you need to follow will depend on the provider you choose to handle the transaction, but you will usually need to:
- Register for a free account. This can often be done online and you will need to provide your full name, your contact details and proof of ID.
- Enter your transaction information. You’ll need to tell the provider where you’re sending money, how much you’ll be sending and who will be receiving the transfer.
- Pay for your transfer. You can then pay for and submit your transfer request, making sure you keep any reference number you are given so that you can monitor the progress of your transaction.
