Foreign exchange and money transfers across Uganda

Mobile money

M-Pesa

Access M-Pesa services through Virah.

M-Pesa services are available at every Virah branch. Staff can explain the applicable transaction requirements.

Plan your visit

Start with the right Virah branch.

Every advertised service is available at every Virah branch. The team will guide you clearly through current transaction requirements.

Quick answers before you travel

The essentials, at a glance.

ID requiredBring a valid original photo ID
Can I receive?Yes — ask the branch to verify your details
Which branch?Every advertised service is at all 12 branches
AvailabilityEvery day, including public holidays
What to bringYour registered phone/line, the correct number and a valid original ID when required.
+256 766 331 865Find a branch

At a glance

How Virah can help

Straightforward branch assistance for the service you need, with current documents and transaction details explained before you transact.

01

M-Pesa services

02

Branch support

03

All branches

Before you travel

Prepare in three simple steps

Requirements can vary by transaction. These steps help the branch guide you without guessing about documents, charges or processing times.

  1. Tell us what you need to do

    Describe the M-Pesa service you need; it is available at every Virah branch.

  2. Check the transaction details

    Verify the mobile number and any other information before asking staff to proceed.

  3. Bring your transaction details

    Bring your mobile number and transaction details so the team can explain the applicable requirements.

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.

M-Pesa is available at every Virah branch. Operator, country and transaction requirements still apply.

01

Before an M-Pesa visit

The public Safaricom instructions available are for Kenya, so transaction guidance can differ by country.

  • Name the operator, country and transaction type when you arrive.
  • Bring the registered phone/SIM associated with the wallet.
  • An original, valid government-issued photo ID. Common examples are a Uganda National ID, passport, or valid alien/refugee/residence document; the provider and transaction determine what is accepted.
  • Keep the recipient number and transaction reference ready; enter the PIN yourself and never share it.

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.

01Does every branch offer M-Pesa?

Yes. Virah confirms that M-Pesa is available at every branch. Bring the right wallet and transaction details for staff to review.

02Can I use a Kenyan USSD instruction in Uganda?

Do not assume so. The operator, country and service must be confirmed for the transaction you need.

03What should I verify before confirming?

Check the recipient name, wallet number, amount, fee and transaction type. Enter the PIN yourself.

04What do I keep after the transaction?

Keep the official SMS or receipt and reference number until the transaction is fully resolved.

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.

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 providerAsk Virah for the operator-specific complaint route linked to your transaction; use only official provider contacts.
  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.

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.

Ready when you are

Confirm the details with Virah.

Choose a convenient branch or contact the team for current transaction guidance.