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October 11, 2009

Cell Phone Advice for Uganda Visitors

Mobile Phone Tips for Uganda - Tourists and Visitors


Visitors to Uganda always ask about cell phone usage in Uganda since they would like to stay in touch with home using their mobile phones.  Most visitors will simply use their phone from home and pay enormous roaming charges upon receiving their next bill once they arrive back home.  Plus if they make a call locally in Uganda they will charges that go through the roof.

There is a simpler way - bring an unlocked mobile GSM phone that will work on the local Ugandan system that has 900 1800 megahertz frequency.  Those coming from North America are in luck if they have a quad cell phone.  If your phone will not work locally than you can do something simple go to a mobile provider like MTN and buy their cheapest phone like a Kabiriti for about 15USD, a sim card comes with it, buy some airtime for 50 cents on upward and you are back in touch with the world.

A local sim card is one of the easiest things to obtain here in Uganda.  The benefits are multiple and it is easy.  You can buy a sim card at most any street corner and you will see signs such as Zain, MTN, Warid, UTL also called Mango and Orange.  MTN is the largest service provider for mobile cell phones in Uganda.


Uganda Mobile Cell Phone Benefits:

  • Sim CardPhones in the city and every villages purchase is easy 1 to 2 USD.
  • Sim Cards require no registration - just Uganda Shillings.
  • No Yearly Contract
  • No Monthly fees
  • Call Waiting can be added
  • Voice Mail can be added free with some providers such as MTN
  • Add airtime by buying airtime at any store, street vendor, or even while stopped in traffic from vendors.
  • You have a local Ugandan Mobile Number
  • Free Incoming calls including from Overseas such as your home in Europe, Asia, North America, Australia
  • Low cost Text messages - including international ones.  Cost varies between 5 cents and 10 cents
  • A local phone call will run you around 15 cents a minute, an International one from 20 to 30 cents a minute.  People can however call you back from overseas and if they use a calling card it can run from overseas as low as 15 cents a minute.
  • Money Transfers by mobile phone:  Some companies now offer in country money transfer which requires you signing up for the money transfer system with a company such as MTN or Zain.  In the near future MTN will allow you to receive a money transfer via your mobile phone while in Uganda.
  • If your phone has an Internet capability you can surf the Internet via your cell phone.

Internet Access for your laptop via your Mobile Cell Phone in Uganda:

There are some who simply need to connect 24/7 to the Internet and you can do just that in Uganda.  At MTN Mobile Internet Anywhere is ready available and in just a few minutes you will be on line.  Any MTN will add the capability to your sim card for one month subscription costing you about 45 USD.  It is not the fastest speed in the world but you can check your emails, surf the net and do anything else you need on line like checking into Facebook and Twitter or update your blog from Uganda.  You need a phone that is unlocked, works on 900/1800 Megahertz frequency and GPRS capacity.  Motorola has some great ones and they even come with phone tools software. 


Benefits of having a GPRS phone connected to your laptop:

  • You can use Skype to talk for free to family and friends back home.  A simple headset with microphone is all that is needed.  Usually the connection is strong enough to support it.
  • Internet access 24/7
  • Low Cost for one month 45USD.  More expensive than using and Internet Cafe, but a lot more convenient.
  • Access Email, Facebook, Twitter from Uganda
  • Update your Blog or website via your laptop connection-I do it all the time
  • Check your Bank account etc
  • More secure than an Internet Cafe.

A local Ugandan Sim Card will enhance your visit to Uganda in many ways and provide you with the convenience of staying in touch with home and allow them to call you here in Uganda at no cost to you...Enjoy your stay in the Pearl of Africa - Uganda...from Kampala...jon

Read the Humorous:  Everyone has a cell phone in Uganda, but no one has...

Guide and Travel Information to Uganda for Tourist & Kabiza Wilderness Safaris in UgandaVisitors

Uganda Visitors Guide

Helpful Information, Tips, Advice to make your stay in Uganda a delight.

Kabiza Wilderness Safaris Ltd.

Quality Uganda Safaris - Low in Price - without Compromise


Uganda Travel Guide and  Information:  Below are some links pages that will give you information regarding your travel to Uganda, Safaris in Uganda, hotels to stay at, restaurants to eat at, helpful hints, medical information, things to see, Entebbe airport, Kampala information and more.


Why Visit Uganda?Why visit Uganda?  Uganda is a bit under the radar when it comes to African Safari Travel and yet Uganda has more to offer than other African countries in a safe and secure setting.  It is one of the most bio-diverse countries in Africa, the highest snow capped mountain range in Africa, Rainforest Jungles, Savannas, the largest lake in Africa and home to half the endangered mountain gorillas in the world.


Things to do & See in Uganda:   Here are the top ten things to do and see in Uganda.  The Mountain Gorillas, the Rwenzori Mountains, White water rafting on the awesome Nile river, Chimpanzee tracking in the Jungle and more.  There is lots to do and see in Uganda.


Kabiza Wilderness Safaris Recommended ListKabiza Wilderness Safaris-Recommended List:  Find out what we recommend as Uganda destinations not to be missed by you.  We have compiled a list of some of the best places in Uganda to visit, see, experience during your stay in Uganda.  We can combine your wishes into a memorable safari tour of Uganda from a mini safari of one day to an extended time here in the Pearl of Africa - Uganda.  It is our hope that your time in Uganda is truly a most memorable experience for you.


Uganda BackgroundUganda Background Information:  Make your trip to Uganda more enjoyable by knowing something about the country.  You will find some historic background, current situation in the country.  What life is like for the average Ugandan, all designed to give you insight into the Pearl of Africa.


Flying to UgandaFlying to UgandaUganda is serviced by many major international airlines from British Airways to KLM.  There are also African carriers from Air Kenya to South African Airlines.  Here you will find helpful terminal information that makes your arrival and departure easier.


Uganda Tourist VisaUganda Tourist Visas:  Getting your visa is actual quite simple.  Arrive here and purchase your tourist visa for the time of your visit right at the Immigration desk.  It costs you less than sending your passport to a Ugandan embassy and paying for the express mail coming and going.


Packing for UgandaPacking for Uganda:  Packing for Africa takes a it more planning than normal.  Especially if you are coming from Europe and have a baggage limitation compared to flying in from North America where the baggage allowance is more generous.


Uganda Travel Advice and TipsUganda Travel Advice & Tips:  Practical advice for those planning to travel to Uganda. Here you will find safety tips, health tips, transportation tips, all designed to make your stay in Uganda trouble free.  It is our desire that you enjoy your journey to and in Uganda.


Ask Uganda Travel Questions:  Simply type in your question regarding travel in Uganda and we will attempt to answer it shortly thereafter.  Many of your question may be answered on one of the pages on this site, but just in case you are unable to find it, ask.


Uganda Money AdviceMoney Tips for Uganda:  The Uganda Money Tips page covers ATM machines here in Uganda, the use of credit cards  here in Uganda, what currency to bring, Forex bureaus, banks, even a link to page where you can check the latest exchange rate.


Uganda Safety SecurityUganda Safety and Security Information:: Latest security update from Uganda regarding travelers to Uganda.  This includes travel alerts and advisories, the current situation, updated daily for you.  This includes the background to the July 11, 2010 deadly bombings in Kampala, Uganda.


Staying Well in UgandaHealth Tips for Uganda:   What are choices regarding malaria prevention?  What not to eat?  How is the water?  What do to in a restaurant?  There are a lot of things you can do in order that you do not get ill while in Uganda.


Getting around UgandaGetting around Uganda:  Transportation in Uganda is readily available and usually quite affordable.  From Motorcycle taxis to self drive, you can travel across Uganda by bus, plane, or bus.  If you have not been here before, self drive is not suggested but hire a vehicle with driver for similar cost.


Weather in UgandaUganda Weather: Find out what the weather is like in Kampala.  Get the mean temperatures of various cities and towns in Uganda.  Find out when the rainy seasons take place.  You can even get current weather information from Kampala on this page.  Helpful information for visitors and tourists.


BargainingBargaining in Uganda:  The bargaining ritual, if you are not with a tour group you have to bargain for a lot of things from transportation to souvenirs.  Enjoy the ancient ritual and bring a sense of humor, it is actually a lot of fun.  It is an experience you do not want to miss in Africa.


Conversaton Ugandan StyleConversations Uganda Style:  Making yourself understood in Uganda and tips of social etiquette in Uganda.  English is spoken everywhere but there are times words mean different things to the one speaking.  If someone says that they are going to make a short call, it is not a phone call, but a trip to the bathroom.


Luganda Everyday PhrasesLuganda Everyday Phrases:  Learn some Luganda phrases before you come to Kampala.  Knowing some basic Luganda phrases will endear you to most Ugandans in the central region.  Luganda is spoken in Kampala and in the central region of Uganda.  In villages some of the people do not speak English, so some words in Luganda will bring a smile on the hearers face.


Get the feel of an Experience Uganda Safari in AfricaExperience a Safari in Uganda:  Get a taste and feel of what a Safari in Uganda is like.  Get acquainted with what awaits you here in the Pearl of Africa- Uganda and plan a safari that is simply you.  Any Safari package that we do offer is totally adjustable with you in mind.  Our principle of customer service, our desire to create what you want is foremost on our mind.


Uganda SafarisUganda Safaris:  Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to go on Safaris.  A small country and yet bio-diverse in nature, almost twice the species of birds found in the USA yet Uganda is the size of Oregon. Game parks, lodging from budget to luxury, jungle, open savannas, mountains, volcanoes...simply awesome and off the beaten tourist track. One day, three day and 5 day or longer safaris with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.


Uganda Safari PlannerUganda Safari Planner:  Plan your own Safari in Uganda.  From Parks to visit, wildlife, birds, primates such as gorillas or chimpanzees, scenic beauty such as Lake Bunyonyi.  The freedom to pick your own accommodations for your own personal and private safari budget, moderate or luxury style.  Plan your own safari in Uganda.


Uganda Wildlife Mini-SafarisUganda Wildlife Mini-Safaris:  The best of Uganda discovered in a one, two or three day Mini Safari in Uganda.  The perfect safari tour packages for the business, volunteer and visitor Uganda that wants to add that African Safari into the time spent in Uganda.  Hundreds have found this to be the perfect answer to their desire to see the wildlife and scenery of Uganda.


Kabiza Wilderness Safaris Recommended ListKabiza Wilderness Safaris-Recommended List:  Find out what we recommend as Uganda destinations not to be missed by you.  We have compiled a list of some of the best places in Uganda to visit, see, experience during your stay in Uganda.  We can combine your wishes into a memorable safari tour of Uganda from a mini safari of one day to an extended time here in the Pearl of Africa - Uganda.  It is our hope that your time in Uganda is truly a most memorable experience for you.


Gorilla Tracking InformationGorilla Tracking (Trekking) Information:   Complete Guide to Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda.  Here you find all the information that you need to know for a gorilla safari in Uganda, from permits, to guidelines and the lodging that is available.


Uganda Wildlife InformationUganda Wildlife Information:  The wildlife that you find in Uganda from Mountain Gorillas to Chimpanzees, reptiles, hippos, crocodiles, birds.  There is simply lots to discover in Uganda and you will enjoy your time here in Uganda viewing tree climbing lions, the Giraffes,  leopards, warthogs and so much more.


Exploring the National Parks of UgandaNational Parks of Uganda Information & Guide:  There are some fabulous game parks in Uganda, not only the wildlife but the scenery is simply breathtaking, crater lakes, bamboo forests, the most powerful waterfall in the world, glacier covered mountains and intriguing rainforest jungles.


Uganda LodgingAccommodations in Uganda:  From Budget to Luxury accommodations can be found in every game park in Uganda. Tented camps that give you that classical Safari feel, great lodges with fabulous food all enhancing your Uganda safari in the National Parks in Uganda.


Kampala City InformationKampala City Information:  Originally built on 7 hills, now many more, Kampala is a truly African city where much awaits your visit.  Here are some of the things you can see and do in Kampala and simple practical tips for a Kampala visit.  From day trips from Kampala to entertainment.


Speciality Safari ToursSpecialty Safari Tours in Uganda-Africa:  Including Uganda African Photo Safari, African Honeymoon Safari in Uganda and Create your own Safari. Each of the specialty safari tours is created with your input in mind.  Private photo safaris where you are in control, Adventure safaris that allow you to experience Uganda in a very different way, romantic Honeymoon safaris that reflect the celebratory note of your visit to Uganda and Create your own African Safari.


Helpful Africa Safari Information for UgandaHelpful Africa Safari Information:  How to save money on a safari, budget travel, how to choose a safari, booking a safari, safari consultant, comments from clients, safety in Uganda, and responsible tourism practices.


Cars for Hire-Transportation with Driver in Uganda:  Cars for hire with English Speaking driver.  Airport pickup and transportation to any destination in Uganda and other destinations in East Africa. We provide you with an accident free driver who knows Uganda.  From passenger vehicles such as station wagons to 29 passenger buses we can meet your transportation needs in Uganda.

Uganda Travel Site Map


Kabiza Wilderness Safaris in Uganda

Contact usContact us by clicking on the Mountain Gorilla Stamp or this link, it will take you to the contact page.

Call us from overseas 256 - (0) 774785852. Fax USA-567-429-5259... Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.

 


 

 

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine

 

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Uganda Cell Phone advice and tips for tourists and visitors

Last updated: 28 July 2010

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