Can I Use My Credit Card in East Africa?
When planning a trip to East Africa, one of the most common questions travelers ask is about money — how to pay for things, whether ATMs are reliable, and if credit cards are widely accepted. It’s a valid concern because financial systems can differ from what many visitors are used to back home. Whether you’re trekking with gorillas in Uganda, relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, exploring Kenya’s Maasai Mara, or discovering Rwanda’s rolling hills, understanding how credit cards work in East Africa will help you travel confidently and avoid unnecessary surprises.
The good news is that East Africa is becoming increasingly card-friendly, especially in major cities, hotels, and tourist hubs. However, there are still places — particularly in rural areas and national parks — where cash remains king. Knowing when and where to use your credit card, and how to manage money safely, is key to enjoying a smooth and stress-free safari experience.
The Rise of Digital Payments in East Africa
In the past decade, East Africa has experienced remarkable progress in financial technology. Countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania are now global leaders in mobile money services and electronic banking. Platforms such as M-Pesa in Kenya and Tanzania, MTN Mobile Money in Uganda, and Airtel Money across the region have revolutionized how locals handle transactions.
At the same time, international payment systems like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express have expanded their presence. Many banks, restaurants, lodges, and shopping centers now accept card payments. Yet, while the infrastructure is improving rapidly, it’s still important to plan wisely because acceptance levels can vary significantly depending on where you travel.
Using Credit Cards in Uganda
Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the region’s most diverse and welcoming destinations. When it comes to money, Uganda has made strong progress in digital payments, but credit card acceptance is still mostly limited to larger businesses.
Where Credit Cards Are Accepted
In Kampala and other major towns like Entebbe, Jinja, and Fort Portal, most midrange and high-end hotels, restaurants, and tour companies accept Visa and MasterCard. Some accept American Express, though not as widely. Supermarkets, airports, and certain petrol stations also process card payments.
However, once you travel outside urban centers — to areas like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Kidepo Valley — you’ll find that cash is preferred. Many lodges in these regions operate in remote locations where internet or electricity may be inconsistent, making cash transactions more practical.
ATMs and Currency Tips
ATMs are available in most towns and cities, and they dispense Ugandan Shillings (UGX). Barclays (now Absa), Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered, and Centenary Bank are among the most reliable for international cardholders. Visa cards tend to work more consistently than MasterCard, and most ATMs have withdrawal limits of around UGX 400,000 to UGX 700,000 (about $100–$180 USD) per transaction.
It’s a good idea to carry both a credit card and some cash. U.S. dollars are widely accepted for major payments such as park permits and safaris, but ensure your notes are new (post-2013) and free of tears or marks.
Using Credit Cards in Kenya
Kenya is East Africa’s economic hub and has the most developed banking and payment systems in the region. Visitors to Nairobi, Mombasa, or the Maasai Mara will find that using a credit card is quite convenient.
Where You Can Use Cards
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Kenya, and American Express is gaining ground. Most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in Nairobi, Diani, and Naivasha accept cards without issue. Safaris and luxury lodges also offer secure payment systems for online deposits and in-person transactions.
In smaller towns and villages, however, cash remains the standard mode of payment. Markets, local eateries, and small guesthouses usually don’t have card facilities. Therefore, carrying a mix of payment options ensures flexibility.
M-Pesa: Kenya’s Financial Innovation
One of Kenya’s most remarkable contributions to the world of finance is M-Pesa, a mobile money platform used by millions of people daily. Even though M-Pesa is mainly for locals, some safari operators and lodges allow visitors to pay using the system through a guide or local agent. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how technology has transformed commerce in Africa.
ATMs and Currency
ATMs are widely available throughout Kenya and accept international cards, especially Visa and MasterCard. Most banks, including Equity, KCB, and Co-operative Bank, allow withdrawals in Kenyan Shillings (KES). Keep in mind that rural ATMs may occasionally run out of cash or experience connectivity issues, so withdraw when you’re in larger towns.
When using your card, always inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid security blocks on foreign transactions.
Using Credit Cards in Rwanda
Rwanda stands out for its efficiency, cleanliness, and organization — and that extends to its financial systems. Kigali, the capital, is one of Africa’s most modern cities, and card use there is growing rapidly.
Where Cards Are Accepted
Hotels, high-end restaurants, and most safari companies in Rwanda accept Visa and MasterCard. The tourism industry is well integrated with online payment systems, allowing visitors to prepay for tours and accommodation easily.
However, in rural areas such as Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, or Lake Kivu, cash is often necessary for smaller expenses like meals, souvenirs, and tips.
ATMs and Banking
ATMs in Rwanda are reliable and easy to find in Kigali and other urban centers. The Bank of Kigali and I&M Bank are the most recommended for foreign cardholders. ATMs dispense Rwandan Francs (RWF), and daily withdrawal limits vary between 100,000 and 400,000 RWF.
Visa cards work best, but it’s always smart to carry a backup card and some cash. Rwandan businesses are known for professionalism and transparency, so card payments are usually secure and well-handled.
Using Credit Cards in Tanzania
Tanzania is a dream destination — home to Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the white sands of Zanzibar. While the country is modernizing quickly, credit card usage is still limited outside major towns.
Where You Can Use Credit Cards
In Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, you’ll find widespread acceptance of Visa and MasterCard in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. Most luxury lodges and safari camps also accept cards, though they may charge a small service fee (usually 3–5%) to cover transaction costs.
Outside the main tourist hubs, cash remains the preferred payment method. Many remote safari lodges and camps in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Conservation Area may not have reliable internet connections for card machines, so it’s best to settle bills in advance or carry enough cash.
ATMs and Currency
ATMs are easy to find in cities and large towns, and they dispense Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). CRDB, NMB, and Standard Chartered are the most reliable banks for foreign withdrawals. However, rural areas may have limited access to ATMs, so plan your cash withdrawals strategically.
U.S. dollars are commonly accepted for park fees and hotel payments, but smaller shops and restaurants will only accept Tanzanian currency. As in other East African countries, make sure your dollar bills are clean and issued after 2013.
General Tips for Using Credit Cards in East Africa
-
Bring Multiple Payment Options
Don’t rely solely on one card. Carry a combination of Visa, MasterCard, and some U.S. dollars for emergencies. In some regions, card machines may temporarily go offline due to network issues. -
Notify Your Bank Before Traveling
Inform your credit card provider about your travel dates and destinations to prevent fraud alerts or account freezes. -
Check for Transaction Fees
Some banks charge foreign transaction fees (typically 2–3% of each purchase). Consider using a card with low or no international fees. -
Use ATMs at Banks
Withdraw cash from ATMs located at or near reputable banks rather than in isolated areas. This minimizes the risk of card skimming or security issues. -
Have Local Currency for Small Purchases
Markets, craft shops, and small eateries often accept only cash. Carry small denominations of local currency for convenience. -
Beware of Surcharges
Some hotels and lodges may add a 3–5% service charge for card payments, so check before finalizing your bill. -
Use Cash for Tips
Tipping guides, porters, or drivers is customary in East Africa, and cash is usually preferred. -
Stay Connected
Many banks now offer mobile apps that allow you to monitor transactions and freeze your card instantly if something looks suspicious.
The Future of Cashless Travel in East Africa
East Africa is on a fast track toward digital finance. With rapid urbanization and growing tourism, governments and private companies are investing heavily in improving payment systems. Rwanda’s goal of becoming a cashless economy by 2030, Kenya’s dominance in mobile money, and Uganda’s expanding e-banking networks are clear signs that the future traveler will rely more on cards and digital payments than ever before.
However, even as technology advances, cash will likely remain important for small, everyday transactions in rural areas. The best approach is balance — use your credit card where possible and keep cash for when it’s necessary.
Conclusion
Yes, you can use your credit card in East Africa — especially in cities, resorts, and major tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Still, it’s wise to carry some cash in local currency or U.S. dollars for rural areas, markets, and smaller purchases.
East Africa is a region where tradition meets innovation, and that balance extends to how money moves. Whether swiping your card at a modern lodge or handing cash to a smiling market vendor, each transaction becomes part of the travel experience.
For travelers seeking a seamless and worry-free adventure, trust Muhiga Safaris to guide you through every detail — from planning your itinerary to ensuring your payments and logistics are handled smoothly. With Muhiga Safaris, your journey through East Africa will be not only breathtaking but also perfectly organized from start to finish.