Foreign exchange and money transfers across Uganda

+256 766 331 865WhatsApp +256 709 900 629
View rates

Foreign currency exchange

Rates you can read. People you can call.

Every displayed number is clearly identified as staff-published or test-only. If there is no approved current rate, the site shows no made-up estimate.

Staff-published freshness Counter confirmation

You sell foreign currency

Foreign cash comes in. Uganda shillings go out.

Starts withUSD · GBP · EUR
VIRAH
Ends withUGX
  1. 01Bring foreign currency
  2. 02Virah applies the buying rate
  3. 03Receive the confirmed UGX amount

No value in this graphic is a live quote. Use the published board below, then confirm at the branch.

Published board + converter

Check the full ten-currency board.

The converter stays open on every screen. Use it as an estimate, then confirm the actual quote at the branch.

Latest Virah rates

Cash exchange rates

Awaiting staff publication
Checking the latest published rates…
Virah cash buying and selling rates against the Ugandan shilling
CurrencyVirah buysVirah sells
USDUS dollar——
GBPBritish pound——
EUREuro——
KESKenyan shilling——
TZSTanzanian shilling——
RWFRwandan franc——
ZARSouth African rand——
AUDAustralian dollar——
AEDUAE dirham——
CADCanadian dollar——

Indicative rate, final rate confirmed at the counter.

Quick estimate

Currency converter

Estimated amount you receiveRates unavailableIndicative estimate before fees, if any. Confirm the final quote at the branch.
Ask for an exact quote

Rate alerts

Know when the rate moves.

Choose what matters and we’ll email you when a matching rate is published.

Safety, compliance, complaints and FAQsOpen the full guidance

Provider-specific checklist

What to carry before you visit.

Requirements can change by service, amount, destination and risk checks. Bring originals and call the branch when anything is unclear.

01

For a cash currency exchange

Bring the originals; photographs or screenshots may not be accepted.

  • For a cash exchange of USD 5,000 or its equivalent and above, bring an original, valid government-issued photo ID. A Uganda National ID or passport is the safest choice.
  • The foreign currency or Uganda shillings you intend to exchange.
  • For a foreign visitor, carry your passport and current immigration or visa details.
  • Virah may request ID, source-of-funds or purpose information for any transaction where required by law, regulation or its risk checks.

Safe branch use

Four checks before money moves.

  1. 01

    Use a listed branch

    Every advertised Virah service is available throughout the branch network. Use a listed counter and do not hand cash to someone who approaches you outside it.

  2. 02

    Protect secrets

    Never reveal a PIN, OTP, account password or full card security details. Enter secret credentials yourself.

  3. 03

    Check every detail

    Read back the name, number, amount, currency, rate and any fee before authorising. Stop if anything is different.

  4. 04

    Keep the receipt

    Wait for the official receipt, SMS or reference and keep it until the transaction and any complaint are fully resolved.

Questions before the counter

Frequently asked questions.

These answers use official provider or regulator guidance and explain transaction requirements without making up rates, fees or processing times.

01When do I need ID for a cash exchange?

Virah requires an original, valid government-issued photo ID for cash exchanges of USD 5,000 or its equivalent and above. A Uganda National ID or passport is the safest choice. Virah may still request ID or further information below that amount where required by law, regulation or its risk checks.

02Is the online rate guaranteed?

No. Published rates and converter results are indicative. Ask the counter to confirm the rate, currency condition, amount and any fee before handing over money.

03Why might staff ask about my funds?

Ugandan customer-due-diligence rules can require identity, address, occupation, transaction purpose, beneficial-owner and source-of-funds checks. The information requested depends on the transaction and risk assessment.

04What should I receive after exchanging?

Check the counted money and request an official transaction receipt before leaving the counter.

BoU

Verified company-level record

Bank of Uganda supervision.

Foreign Exchange BureauFXB 237Money RemitterMR 73

Checked against the Bank of Uganda supervised-institutions data on 13 July 2026. FIA also lists Virah Forex Bureau Ltd as an accountable money/currency changer.

Check Bank of Uganda Check FIA registry

Problems, fraud or complaints

Keep the proof. Escalate in order.

  1. 1. Contact VirahUse your receipt or reference and explain what happened.
  2. 2. Contact the providerStart with Virah and keep your receipt. If unresolved, use the Bank of Uganda public feedback channels shown below.
  3. 3. Contact Bank of UgandaToll-free 0800 144 044 or info@bou.or.ug for public feedback and regulatory guidance.
  4. 4. Report suspected crimeContact the provider promptly and report suspected fraud to police.
Call Virah WhatsApp Provider help

Rates, fees and timing: Website rates, estimates, fees, limits, payout currency and timing are indicative until confirmed for your transaction. Compliance checks, cash/float, market conditions and provider systems can change the final outcome.

Official sources reviewed:Bank of Uganda supervisionUganda Anti-Money Laundering ActFIA accountable-person registry

Planning a larger exchange?

Send the currency and amount—never sensitive documents.

Ask on WhatsApp