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Buying a Local Sim card & Internet Bundles in Uganda
This is a frequently asked question by foreign visitors. It is mandatory to buy a local Sim card in Uganda, especially if you are to carry out business with a local service provider. You insert this chip in your phone and use it to communicate. The option is cheap and makes things easier.
With an international Sim card, you can only use it to contact someone via WhatsApp or other social media platforms, but you need to have data bundles. While in Uganda, you can only use data bundles provided by telecom companies like MTN or Airtel. You cannot get these bundles if you don’t have a local Sim card or a router.
I think you see the reasons why it is necessary to have one. After deciding to get one, another question maybe which Sim to buy?
There are two reliable telecom companies for you. It is Airtel and MTN Uganda. There are widely spread, and have a fantastic network connectivity in most parts of the country.
Deep in the villages, Airtel has good signals than MTN. When it comes to speed, MTN is better though it is more reliable in the urban areas. Then with the rates for data bundles and airtime, Airtel is cheap than MTN.
If you are visiting Uganda’s different regions, it is perfect to get both cards of the two companies. You can reach an area when Airtel works better than MTN, and go to another place when it is Vice versa. Highlighted below are the points where you can find the company outlets.
At Entebbe Airport
Entebbe Airport is the main gateway for all visitors who go to Uganda by air transport. It has numerous services, including the kiosks that vend local Sim cards. If you don’t expect to stop in Kampala or other cities, make sure to leave the aviation facility with the Sim card and data bundles.
This chimp costs about 5000 Uganda shillings (1.4 USD) without the internet packages. For data, you can choose to load a weekly or monthly bundle. You can ask the agent for the perfect deal. The airtime credit starts from 1000 Uganda shillings.
Kampala & other cities
Kampala and other cities like Jinja, Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, Masaka and towns have multiple agents who vend these cards and simple phones in case you need to buy one. For those who desire to register the cards in their names, be sure to visit known service centers.
Don’t forget to come with your national ID or passport for foreign visitors. Avoid buying from street vendors. Some of them sell fake products.
Kampala is dotted with a plethora of outlets for these telecom companies. While walking along Kampala road you can’t fail to locate one. It is the same in other cities.
How To Save on Transport When Backpacking in Uganda
Backpacking in Uganda is the number one option to explore this destination cheaply. With this way of travel, you don’t need to arrange your safari or tour with an operator. What you need is your backpack, travel documents, money, and information about the destination you visit.
You majorly depend on local transport, accommodation, travel guides like the lonely planet, Bradit and more. These books provide details about different countries. Moreover, if you have your phone and internet, Google is a great guide.
If this is the way you desire to go and delve into what Uganda has to offer, here is how you can save on transport and other necessities like accommodation and food.
Before you board a flight to Entebbe Airport, check and see whether you have all the documents needed for entry permission. These include a valid passport, tourist Visa, yellow fever, and covid-19 vaccination card.
When you land at the EBB airstrip, you clear at the customs and proceed with your journey. For cheap transport, this is the best answer.
From Entebbe Airport, get the EBB taxicab to drive you up to a bus station in Kampala. The distance between the capital and the Airport is about 45 kilometers.
For a successful ride, better reserve the cab in advance. If Kampala isn’t in your plans, you can take the bus straight away to other parts of Uganda. Bus agencies offer scheduled trips to various regions. The bus rates are favorable to everyone.
For those who need the best operators, don’t hesitate to travel by Link, YY coaches, Mash Poa, Modern coast, Horizon coaches, Volcanoes, Baby coaches, Trinity bus, and more. The bus is not only cheap but also comfortable and offers a great road trip experience. Know that all transport service providers in Uganda only allow payment in cash.
Places to visit
From Kampala, you can start with a visit to Uganda’s topmost tourist cities. It is Jinja and Fort portal. Of the two, Jinja is more rewarding. It has a lot to keep you excited for all the days you will be there.
Besides a boat cruise to the source of the River Nile, you can enjoy white water rafting, tubing the Nile, bungee jumping, water sliding, kayaking, and quad biking.
If you need a mix of these breathtaking activities, look no further than Nile River explorers. With its affordable accommodation this camp offers all the pursuits except the bungee jumping adventure.
For a wildlife enthusiast, National parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries shouldn’t miss in your travel plans. Heading to the western region you find parks like Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Semliki, Kibale, and Murchison.
A Bus from Kampala will take to strategic points like Mbarara, Lyantonde, Kisoro, Kabale, Kasese, Fort portal and Katunguru. From one of these points get a local taxi up to your lodge.
In the northeastern region, you can explore hidden natural wonders like Sipi falls, and the notable Kidepo valley National Park. Get a bus from the city to Kapchorwa, stop at Sipi River Lodge and hike the Sipi falls. The lodge has guides to lead you around for a day. From here, continue to Moroto and stay at Karatunga.
Arrange with this camp to take you around, see the culture in the Karamoja sub-region, and a tour in Kidepo. From here, you can choose to enjoy a drive back to Kampala or get a bus and connect to Gulu.
From Gulu, get another local bus to Pakwachi, board off before you cross the Pakwachi Bridge, and stay at Parkside view lodge or any other accommodation facility. Explore Murchison, after proceed to Masindi. From here, get transport back to Kampala or connect to Fort portal and other areas in the western region.
For accommodation, you don’t need to worry. It is available in every town and offered at cheap rates starting from 5 – 10 US dollars. Visit the local eateries to have that experience of sharing the table with locals as you taste Uganda’s local cuisine. A plate of food (rice and meat or chicken) starts from 2 US dollars.
Travel To Jinja For the Nyege Nyege Music Festival
Don’t miss this year’s Nyege Nyege festival in Jinja. Renowned as one of the biggest musical events in Africa, this festival invites a big audience from various parts of the World.
If this four-day celebration is the main reason for your next trip to Uganda, don’t wait to contact EBB Airport Transfer for transport to Jinja. Jinja is in the Eastern region of the country. It has plenty of appealing attractions, including the source of the River Nile.
The organizers of Nyege Nyege relocated the fete to a new place. This time it’s happening along the shores of River Nile near Itanda Falls, at a place that is more spacious and comforting.
The edition will welcome about 300 international artists from different countries of the world. Several stages will be available to entertain the audience, including platforms with displays of local music from multiple Ugandan musicians, storytelling, and movies.
Moreover, you enjoy a mix of food, local beers, and crafts. Don’t ignore this lively event. It is full of fun and perfect for those who wish to have some beautiful moments away from home.
After Nyege Nyege, you can decide to extend your holiday and delve into more of what Jinja has to offer. The list includes white water rafting, tubing the Nile, kayaking, bungee jumping, quad biking, boat cruise, water sliding, and more.
Nile River explorers is the best place to go for these breathtaking activities. It is located along the shores of Lake Victoria and provides accommodation for both budget and mid-range travelers.
How to Identify a Perfect Company for Airport Transfer in Uganda
Airport transfer in Uganda is a necessary service for passengers who travel to and from abroad by plane. It helps you shift from EBB or Hoima Airfield to other parts of the country.
If you plan to go out or to the pearl of Africa, be sure to reserve a taxicab in time. Make arrangements and enjoy a ride at reasonable fares.
Since you are in your home country, it is hard for you to determine the best agency to choose for your Airport transfer. Some travelers go online and read about reviews, participate in different forums, ask friends, and more.
If you are a netizen, it is easy for you to decide with me that some reviews are fake. The best option is to ask someone who has used that agency you may choose. Sometimes it may be difficult because you may exist with no person to ask.
To be free from all the thoughts listed above, trust me, the person on the ground in partnership with a taxi agency that has offered the service for ten years.
I am the reservation agent, don’t delay sending me an email, and we discuss it. I am ready to handle all the questions you have in store. Feel free to ask. I as well promise to give you a better rate for your trip.
Reward us an opportunity. We take you to any place in Western, Eastern, Northern, Southern, or Central Uganda. The service is available 24 hours.
Booking a Taxicab at EBB: Sending an Email vs a Phone Call
Passengers to and from the Entebbe International Airport use different options to reserve a taxi ride. It is always good to do it in time. Some choose to send a message by Email and others just make a phone call. Below, I highlight the two options. My explanation will help you to know which one is the best.
Sending an Email
With this option, you use the form on the contact us page. Fill in all the fields and after click the send button. Your message will go directly to the inbox. Other than the form, you can copy the email listed in the website header and send the message directly through your Gmail account, yahoo, outlook, or any other platform.
If the reservation agent isn’t online at that moment, he or she will find it later. Then expect to receive a reply after some minutes. Don’t forget to check back for the replies. Some servers forward the sent messages to the spam folder. If you take a long without hearing from the reservationist, it is better to check in your spam folder.
Making a Phone Call
For a phone call, you talk directly with the person through the phone. Copy that number on the website and make a call. Sometimes phone calls are not answered. It is not intended, but the person may be in an environment that is not favorable to answer a call. If not a call, you can send a WhatsApp message. This is more flexible and convenient.
Conclusion
Emailing is the most secure online communication system. For bookings, it is good to confirm through email. It keeps evidence. Someone cannot easily forget your order and details. Information shared through email is always available for reference. A phone call is fantastic for last-minute inquiries.
5 Reasons Why You Make Payment For Airport Transfer Entebbe
EBB Airport shuttle rates aren’t fixed. Each trip has its price depending on the distance to be covered. Other points considered when determining the cost are the type of car and the number of passengers.
The trip fare when using cabs like Toyota Noah, Wish, fielder, Premio, and more starts from 20 USD. The charge for Entebbe to Kampala trip is 40 USD. Money paid for a taxi ride from Entebbe Airport is divided into portions to sponsor these points listed below.
Car maintenance
A car is a machine. It can break at any time and some of its parts need repairs or replacement after some time like a month, two months, or more. We reserve some money that is meant to maintain the car in good condition.
This includes the change of oil, brake fluid, tire replacement, renewal of government taxi, and fixing of other mechanical problems. It is mandatory because, without the car, the service can’t exist.
Driver’s commission
A driver is a person who operates the car. He starts by waiting and welcoming you at the Airport. You meet and greet. He can carry your luggage up to the parking area. Put it in the trunk. After, you both get into the car, and he drives you to your next destination. With all this work, he deserves to put some money in his pocket.
Fuel/Gas
A vehicle uses fuel to move from one place to another. Without gas, the car isn’t useful at all. Most fuel-efficient cars use one liter to cover about 14 kilometers. Those with a high fuel consumption rate can use a liter to drive 6 – 8 kilometers. For now, a liter of petrol costs 5300 shillings in Uganda.
Airport parking fee
There is a parking fee. It is a must for every car that enters the EBB Airport. The amount depends on the time you spend in the parking area. You are not allowed to move out if you have not paid. Before you start the journey, you first visit the automatic paying machines to clear the bill.
Express toll fee
Entebbe Expressway is a traffic-free route that starts from Abayita ababiri and connects to various points including Busega, Kampala northern bypass, Kajjansi, and Munyonyo. To keep time, we avoid the old Entebbe – Kampala road. It is ever congested with car traffic that is why we decide to use the expressway at a cost. The charge for this toll road is 5000 shillings per entry.
The money you pay caters to all the points mentioned above. What’s more, taxi operators don’t ask for charge for luggage and waiting time.
8 Tips For a Successful Trip To Uganda
This is for those who plan to visit Uganda. This remarkable destination is situated in the eastern region of the African continent. It welcomes a plethora of travelers daily from different parts of the World. The group includes tourists, students, researchers, returning nationals, expatriates and business travelers.
Uganda is one of the pretty destinations to die for. It differs itself unique with appealing weather conditions, diverse wildlife, nature, rich culture, delicious food, incredible transport system, stable security and unmatched hospitality services. Here are some of the tips to help you have a victorious flight to and from the pearl of Africa.
Draft a Travel plan
Have an itinerary for your tour to Uganda. With this, you are able to select the arrival and return date. It also includes the different places you will visit based on the main reasons for your Uganda trip.
Apply for a Visa
This is the first thing to sort out because it is usually meaningless to book for a flight ticket when you don’t have a Visa which guarantees you entry permission into the country. Uganda used to issue the Visa on arrival.
After the outbreak of Covid-19, it was phased out to limit congestion at the airport. Right now, visitors are advised to use the online system or apply from a consulate in your home country.
Book a Ticket
Once issued a Visa, and certain with the travel dates, you are free to go on and book a flight ticket in advance. The airline to use depends on the operators in your nation. Multiple airlines operate flights from various countries to Entebbe airport.
Some of them are KLM, Brussels, Kenya Airways, and Fly emirates, Etihad, Ethiopian airlines, Air Arabia, Turkish, Fly Dubai, British Airways, Air France, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines and more.
Pre-book an Airport shuttle
This service is necessary for every air traveler. Airport shuttles transport passengers from the airport up to their next destinations. It is common on all airports around the world including EBB. Be sure to reserve a taxicab in advance for an Airport transfer to Kampala and other parts in Uganda.
Get a good Suitcase
Choose a durable suitcase and transport your belongings like clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and other gadgets safely. One which is waterproof is more perfect. It can keep all your things free from water.
Pack light
Try to select and pack only light things such that your suitcase isn’t a burden to you when traveling. If you like shopping, be sure to leave some space for other things you can get on your trip like souvenirs.
Don’t forget Travel documents
Travel documents are essential for international trips. You rather forget your shoes than the documents. Every country has its documents it asks from the incoming travelers. Uganda requires you to come with a valid passport, Visa, yellow fever vaccination card and the Covid-19 PCR test or vaccination evidence.
Back up medication
Make sure to travel with back up medicine prescribed by your personal doctor or a medical officer from a hospital in your country. You have to get these instructions before you leave for another country.
Be at the Airport in time
Time is the most valued thing for air travel. All operators offer scheduled trips. Make sure to arrive early at the airport for your departure flight. All travelers are advised to be there three hours before the departure time such that all necessary checks and clearances are covered. If you are not good at keeping time, expect to miss your flight.
Be legit
Follow the legal routes such that everything goes on well. Avoid use of fake documents and illegal acts like drug trafficking. This can lead to cancellation of your trip, deportation or imprisonment. Several travelers are bounced at various airports around the world, so don’t be one of them.
Reserve accommodation
Pre-book your accommodation such that you get where to stay on your arrival. You can use online engines like Viator, Booking, Expedia, Agoda and more. Uganda has accommodation facilities of all categories including budget, midrange and luxury.
Keep communicating
Be a good communicator with your service providers like airport taxi operators, the airline you are traveling with, booked hotels, and your next of kin.
Make sure to give updates in case of any changes to your travel plans like flight cancellation, delays and more. With your mobile phone, you can communicate via WhatsApp, Emails or direct calls.
How To Reach Kampala Bus Terminals From Entebbe Airport
Kampala is the capital of Uganda. It is the nearest city for those who are coming from Entebbe Airport. This place is the starting point for transport to other regions of the nation. It is home to different bus terminals and taxi parks.
These points welcome all passengers who wish to use public transport from Kampala. Multiple operators offer the scheduled trips at affordable prices. Make arrangements and reserve in advance.
Even travelers from abroad can use a bus or matatu to reach their next destination in northern, eastern, or western Uganda. When you try to compare the two options, travel by bus is more convenient and rewarding.
It is cheap and offers the never-ending spectacular views of roadside scenery. Don’t forget to reserve a ticket in advance or get one when you reach the station. You can travel during the day or at night depending on your flight arrival at EBB.
For all travelers who need a bus for their upcountry journeys, here is how you get from Entebbe Airport to a bus stand in Kampala. For Entebbe Airport transfer, nothing is better than a taxicab.
Book one in advance and enjoy a ride to the Kisenyi bus terminal or Namayiba bus station. There is no charge for luggage. The drive takes about 45 minutes on a day that experiences low vehicle traffic on the routes.
Car congestion on the Entebbe – Kampala road is common in the morning and evening hours. Don’t worry about this because there is an alternative to using the traffic-free Entebbe expressway at 5000 Uganda shillings.
You drive straight and connect to the northern bypass. On the bypass, several routes lead you to the city center. You can choose to branch off at Namungona, Bwaise, or Kalerwe roundabout.
Uganda Airlines Records Increased Earnings After three Months
Lunched to operate flights in 2019, Uganda Airlines is the flag carrier of the pearl of Africa. After operating multiple flights to various countries in Africa, this company has recorded increase in its earnings after three months.
These trips include the two chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kigali, and one to Cairo for General Muhoozi Keinerugaba and the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah’s flight to Seattle in the United States of America.
The responsible authority is working hard to put the company at a higher level in the world’s aviation industry. A notable source revealed that the state house and the ministry of foreign affairs paid about 964 Million shillings for the three trips of Gen Muhoozi.
The commander of the UPDF land forces flew to Rwanda to mend the international relationship between Uganda and president Kagame.
Moreover, the parliament of Uganda paid about 500,000 US dollars to fly the critically ill Jacob Oulanyah to the United States of America for his treatment.
Jacob was very sick and fought for his life for about one month until he died on 20/March/2022. The medical report indicates that he suffered from cancer.
Bamuturaki, the chief executive officer of Uganda Airlines, disclosed that the airline rented out one of its airbuses to its manufacturer for exhibition at the Dubai Expo. The payment was about 420 Million shillings.
Additionally, the national carrier made profits after operating chartered flights for athletes. It was sponsored by the president of Uganda.
To give a brief highlight, in 2020, President Yoweri Museveni paid 81.4 million for Joshua Cheptegei and Halima Nakaayi, Steven Kisa, and Winnie Nanyondo’s trip to Nairobi.
The airline’s focus in 2022 is on investment in customer retention systems like launching a Frequent Flier Program and discounted offers such as extra baggage for free, sourcing for strategic partnerships, route expansion, and growing the cargo network. It will also acquire facilities such as customs bonded warehouses and cold rooms.
5 Myths About Airport Transfer Service in Uganda
Airport transfer service in Uganda enables you to get to and from the Entebbe Airport in central or Hoima Airstrip in the western region. It has to be in your plans if you don’t have a relative or friend to pick you up.
You have to arrange with a taxicab agency in advance. This ensures the certainty and success of your trip. Before you book a taxi at EBB Airport, it is good to know about these false tales.
Expensive
Most travelers fail to use the Airport taxi thinking that it is expensive, but it’s not. It depends on your bargaining power, nature of the trip, and booking time. Those who reserve in time get better rates than those who order at the last minute.
No turn-up
If you have booked with a taxi agency, take it from me the trip will be successful. The driver waits for you at the Airport arrival meeting area on your arrival day.
When you are out of the terminal, look for a person who is raising a signpost that showcases your name. He is the driver or company representative. Meet and greet.
Charge for Luggage
Airport transfer operators in Uganda don’t charge money for luggage. It is transported with you at free cost except when it requires an extra car.
Ever available
Some travelers believe that taxis are ever available at the Airport, but this is not the case. They operate on first come first serve. It is possible to reach the parking area when there is no cab for you. Therefore it is good to reserve in advance.
Not safe
It is safe, quick, and cheap. All cars that operate are registered with the Uganda revenue authority and other responsible authorities. You can identify the Airport cab at EBB by the yellow horizontal strip and black numbers.