Kigali, Rwanda Quick Facts

We encourage you to please do your own research in addition to using the information found below when planning your overall trip.

• Time Zone: UTC +2
• Climate: The weather in Rwanda in end of February and start of March is generally pleasant.This period is often warm with moderate rains at times. Maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and night-time temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
• Electricity: For Rwanda there are two associated plug types, types C and J. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type J is the plug which has three round pins. Rwanda operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
• Language: French and English are commonly spoken. The local langauge is Kinyarwanda.

• Currency: The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the principal currency, although US dollars are widely accepted. Expect to pay for local services in cash, in Rwandan francs. The greater the amount, the more likely US dollars or other hard currencies are preferred, such as gorilla tracking and upmarket hotels. A growing number of places accept credit and debit cards, with Visa being more widely accepted than MasterCard. It is best to check when making a booking. ATMs can be found in Kigali. Cash can be exchanged at banks and private forex bureaus (bureau de change). Both are closed on Sundays and public holidays. It may be impossible to exchange traveler’s checks away from the capital. Western Union facilities are common.

  • Source: https://www.visitrwanda.com/facts/money/
  • For the latest exchange rates, please visit https://www.xe.com
    
    
• Area Code: The country code is 250.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in most places in Rwanda, with the exception of some higher-end restaurants in town where 10% of the final bill is standard.
• Emergencies: Emergency - 112; Police - 118
• About Taxes: Value added tax (VAT) is a type of sales tax. In Rwanda, the standard VAT is 18% and applies to goods and services that are neither exempt from VAT nor zero-rated.