Currency Exchange

🌍 General Travel Tips (All Countries)

• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for health, theft, and cancellations.
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, malaria prophylaxis (especially for East Africa).
• Currency: Carry some local cash; not all areas accept cards. ATMs may not always be reliable.
• SIM Cards: Buy a local SIM with data upon arrival for easy navigation and communication.
• Water Safety: Drink bottled or filtered water unless you’re sure it’s treated.
• Scams & Safety: Be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help. Trust your instincts.
• Respect Local Culture: Modesty and politeness go a long way in all of these countries.

🇺🇬 Uganda

• Visa: Most travelers need an eVisa—apply online in advance.
• Transportation: Use trusted taxi services or apps like SafeBoda (motorbikes).
• Language: English and Luganda are widely spoken.
• Wildlife: Book gorilla trekking permits well in advance (they are limited).
• Weather: Bring light clothing for hot days, but also a raincoat—rain can be sudden.

🇰🇪 Kenya

• Visa: E-visa required for most foreigners—get it before arrival.
• Safety: Nairobi has high petty crime—avoid walking at night.
• Safari Bookings: Use licensed tour operators; Maasai Mara is a must-see.
• Connectivity: Safaricom is the most reliable network—get M-PESA for mobile payments.
• Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants and for guides.

🇹🇿 Tanzania

• Zanzibar Travel: A yellow fever certificate may be checked if arriving from endemic countries.
• Mount Kilimanjaro: Book climbs with reputable operators—don’t underestimate the altitude.
• Cash: US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but carry Tanzanian shillings for local purchases.
• Transport: Daladalas (local buses) are cheap but chaotic. Private taxis are safer.
• Respect: Dress modestly, especially on Zanzibar where the population is largely Muslim.

🇲🇽 Mexico

• Tourist Card: You’ll fill this out on arrival or online (FMM)—keep it safe for departure.
• Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered.
• Transportation: Use Uber in cities; avoid hailing street taxis.
• Language: Basic Spanish will go a long way.
• Regions to Explore: Yucatán for beaches/history, Oaxaca for culture/food, Mexico City for urban life.

🇯🇲 Jamaica

• Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD), but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Transport: Route taxis are common but confirm prices. Avoid nighttime travel in unfamiliar areas.
• Safety: Crime exists—especially in Kingston and Montego Bay. Stick to tourist-safe zones.
• Food: Try local favorites like jerk chicken and ackee with saltfish.
• Patois: English is official, but Jamaican Patois is widely spoken—don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

🇧🇿 Belize

• Language: English is the official language—makes communication easy.
• Caye Caulker & San Pedro: Great for diving, snorkeling, and laid-back beach vibes.
• Wildlife: Don’t miss the Great Blue Hole and jungle treks.
• Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged to USD (2 BZD = 1 USD), and USD is widely accepted.
• Mosquitoes: Bring repellent—especially in jungle and coastal areas.

💱 Currency Exchange Rates (as of June 2025)