Foreign exchange and money transfers across Uganda

International money transfer

Ria Money Transfer

Send and receive through Ria's international transfer network.

Ria transfers are handled at every Virah branch with friendly, step-by-step help for identification and transfer references.

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 bringValid original photo ID and the transfer/reference number. Sender details may also be 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

Friendly guided service

02

International network

03

Orange-lane counter support

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. Choose send or receive

    Ria is available at every Virah branch. Tell the team whether you need to send or receive.

  2. Keep the supplied details ready

    Have the transfer information given to you available when you speak with branch staff.

  3. Confirm the requirements

    Call or WhatsApp before visiting for current availability and transaction guidance.

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.

Ria is available at every Virah branch. Cash-pickup requirements still depend on the transaction and provider rules.

01

To receive cash

Ria says cash-pickup recipients must be 18 or older.

  • 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.
  • The transfer's unique cash-pickup PIN.
  • An exact name match between the transfer and the unexpired ID.
  • Confirmation that the transfer is ready and that you are at the correct payout location.
02

To send from a branch

Uganda-origin instructions vary by corridor.

  • 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.
  • Receiver's legal name, destination and phone number.
  • Chosen payout method and any bank or wallet details.
  • Ask staff for the current Uganda-origin requirements for your transaction.

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.

01Can I collect with an expired ID?

No. Ria says the government-issued photo ID must be in date and the recipient name must match exactly.

02Is the order number the same as the pickup PIN?

No. Ria says the recipient needs the PIN for cash pickup; an order number is used for tracking or support.

03Can I collect at any location?

Not always. Confirm the correct payout location and track the transfer before travelling.

04What is the main fraud rule?

Send money only to people you know and trust. Do not use a remittance transfer to pay an unknown seller, prize fee or loan fee.

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 providerUse Ria's official complaint process for transfer-specific escalation after contacting Virah.
  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.