Safety and Security Advice using an ATM in Uganda
Things to look out for a while Using an ATM Machine in Uganda – Rwanda
Using an ATM Machine in Uganda: When you travel to Uganda, using an ATM to withdraw cash usually goes smoothly. There is a 99.9% chance you will not face any problems with your debit or credit card. However, you should be aware that there have been increasing reports of theft at ATMs, especially in Kampala and other towns.
Follow these tips to keep your ATM transactions safe on this page. Most ATMs are inside secure rooms, but some are in busy places like airports, shopping malls, or hotels. These can be less secure because they are more visible.
You will often see armed security guards near ATM rooms or nearby if the ATM is outdoors. They are there to help protect you while you withdraw cash.
ATMs are available all over Uganda, in shopping centers, bars, and restaurants. However, using an ATM in a bar can be risky. People can easily see you withdraw cash, especially if you take out a large amount. It’s best not to use the ATM at bars to avoid being targeted for theft. Instead, withdraw cash in a safer place or bring enough money for your needs.
By following these guidelines and staying aware of your surroundings, you can help keep yourself safe while enjoying your time in Uganda.
Using an ATM Machine in Uganda – ATM Advice and Tips
- Know what is in your bank account – know your balance – you can check it online before and after,
and it will be in your country’s currency.
- While in Uganda – give no one else your PIN – memorize and do not write it down where someone else can find it with the PIN written down on that paper.
- When entering an ATM area – there are many in Uganda – even before, you ensure no one else is there. Shield the hand with which you enter the PIN on the number pad. In case potential thieves have installed a camera (often in cooperation with bank or security personnel).
- Ensure the card slot is within the machine and does not protrude as if someone attached something.
- Report it to the bank or security if you notice something unusual.
- Do not accept any help from anyone while using the machine – sometimes predators hang out and look for someone needing help. They slickly change cards, remember your PIN, and drain your account.
- If the ATM eats your card – do not panic – go into the bank and report it. The next day, come back with your passport, and you will get your card back from the bank.
- Money paid will be either in Uganda Shillings or not in US dollars.
Using an ATM Machine in Uganda – If you are coming to Uganda or Rwanda – the ATMs are the quickest way to get money out of the bank. Please remember that VISA cards are the preferred cards. Using ATMs is best since you do not have to carry substantial amounts of cash with you but can withdraw what you need…most visitors have no problems – the above is simply for an added security layer of security…just in case.
Using an ATM Machine in Uganda – ATM Advice and Tips
My Personal ATM Experience:
After using an ATM in Uganda, check your online bank statement to confirm that the amount deducted for your ATM withdrawal is correct. Be aware that fees will be applied separately by both the Ugandan bank and your home bank unless your bank provides foreign ATM withdrawals without fees.
I recently had a negative experience with an ATM withdrawal. I withdrew 2 million shillings from my Bank of America account in the USA using an ABSA Bank ATM and was overcharged. Unfortunately, ABSA Bank in Uganda did not resolve the issue. However, I contacted Bank of America, and they refunded me over $70.
This experience taught me an important lesson: always check the amount you withdrew from the ATM and keep the receipt. Despite this incident, I still use ABSA to withdraw money from my bank in the USA.
