Find a quick, easy and affordable way to send money to Uganda using 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.
If you need to send money to Uganda from Canada for any reason, there are a number of specialist transfer providers who can help you to send the transaction. Make sure you compare a range of options to find the best deal possible.
Compare Money Transfer Services
Banks versus money transfer companies
The most convenient way to send money to Uganda from Canada might very well be to go through your bank. The problem with this approach is that banks offer poor exchange rates when it comes to international transfers and often charge high fees, ensuring they make good commission on the money you send.
In many cases, you can find a much more attractive international transfer deal by approaching a company that specializes in international money transfers. These companies, such as WorldRemit, 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 recipient both come out on top. You will save more money and your recipient will receive more money.
Case Study: Ben Sends Money to Uganda
Although Ben emigrated to Canada 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 with the poor exchange rate offered by his bank. Furthermore, his Canadian bank doesn’t offer this exotic 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 below, doing a quick comparison reveals that Ben can send more than UGX33,000.00 extra by using transfer company 1. However, the transfer fee is $10 more but this is still less than UGX33,000.00, meaning he should stick with transfer company 1 despite the higher fee.
| Money transfer company 1 | Money transfer company 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1 CAD = 2,744 UGX | $1 CAD = 2,711 UGX |
| Transfer fee | $50 | $40 |
| Transfer method | Cash pickup | Cash pickup |
| Processing time | Minutes | Minutes |
| Amount received | UGX2,744,910.00 | UGX2,711,442.00 |
How do I compare transfer companies when sending money to and receiving money from Uganda?
- Exchange rates. How do the company’s exchange rates compare to those offered by its competition? If a company consistently offers some of the best rates, check to make sure there aren’t high fees attached. Some companies will hide high fees behind competitive exchange rates.
- Transaction fees. Most companies will charge you a fee each time you send a transfer, so check to see the amount you’ll have to pay for each transaction. It’s also worth investigating whether the fee will be waived if you transfer a large amount of money.
- 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 available? Some companies have branch locations that you can visit in person.
How do I send money to Uganda from Canada?
- Specialist money transfer providers. Compare your options to find specialist transfer companies who can send money to Uganda. Companies like TorFX and World First will allow you to send money from Canada to Uganda.
- Cash pickup transfer companies. Western Union and MoneyGram both have extensive worldwide transfer networks with branches in Uganda.
- PayPal. If both you and your recipient have PayPal accounts, you will be able to send money online. Keep in mind it takes a few days for a PayPal balance to reach a bank account.
- Bank transfers. Compare the fees and exchange rates your bank offers with those of other providers. Some Canadian banks will not be able to send money to Uganda, while others will.
- International cheques. Sending an international guaranteed cheque overseas is a time-consuming but secure transfer method. This is the slowest way possible to send money overseas.
How do I receive money from Uganda in Canada?
- Specialist money transfer providers. Start researching to discover which trusted money transfer companies will let you send funds to Canada 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 Canadian bank account from an account in Uganda.
- PayPal. As mentioned above, if both you and your recipient have PayPal accounts, you’ll be able to send money online.
- International cheques. Approach your bank to find out about the fees that apply when you cash an international cheque.
Emergency cash transfers to Uganda
If you ever need to send an emergency cash transfer to Uganda, there are plenty of providers who can help you complete your transfer. Whether you need to send money to help a friend in need or pay business expenses, there are a few different options available to you. 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 to it.
Cash pickup locations in Uganda/ Western Union / MoneyGram branches in Uganda
Western Union and MoneyGram both have multiple cash transfer locations in Canada 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 Government of Canada advises Canadians visiting Uganda to exercise a high degree of caution. They recommend avoiding areas bordering South Sudan, the DRC and the Karamoja region. 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.
What 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.