Money & Tipping

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Permits, lodges, and most of what you’ll pre-arrange with us are quoted and paid in US dollars, but day-to-day cash on the ground — tips, small purchases, souvenirs — is easiest in local currency or small-denomination USD. Neither country is a cashless society outside of Kigali and Kampala, so carrying some physical cash matters more here than on most trips.

CURRENCY & CASH

What to Carry

RWANDARwandan Franc (RWF)

UGANDAUgandan Shilling (UGX)

PERMITS & LODGESQuoted and settled in USD

TIPS & SMALL PURCHASESUSD cash or local currency

Bring USD bills dated 2013 or newer, in clean, unmarked condition — older or damaged notes are often refused by banks and exchange bureaus in both countries.
$50 and $100 notes typically get the best exchange rate; smaller denominations are more useful for day-to-day tipping.
ATMs are reliable in Kigali and Kampala but scarce or nonexistent near the parks — withdraw what you need in the capital before heading out.
Major lodges accept card payment for the bill itself, but budget for cash tips regardless.

TIPPING GUIDE

Who to Tip, and How Much

Tipping isn’t mandatory but is a genuine part of local income in both countries, particularly for trackers and porters. These are general guidelines per person, per day or per trek — adjust for group size and service, and always in cash.

Who	Suggested Tip	Notes
Private guide / driver	$15–20 per day	Your guide for the full trip, not just trekking days
Gorilla trekking guide	$10–15 per person, per trek	Shared among the trekking guide team
Trackers	$5–10 per person, per trek	The team that locates the family before your group sets out
Porter	$15–20 per porter, per trek	Optional but strongly encouraged — hired directly from the local community
Lodge staff	$5–10 per day, communal box	Most lodges keep a shared staff tip box at checkout

Want This Handled for You?

We include a printed tipping and cash guide tailored to your exact itinerary in every trip pack, so you’re never guessing on the ground.

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Money & Tipping

What to Carry

Who to Tip, and How Much

Want This Handled for You?

Continue Planning

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