BANKING

• ATMs are widely available in Rwanda, especially in urban areas.
• Credit and debit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops.
• Banking hours typically vary, but most banks are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

CURRENCY:

• Local currency: Rwandan Franc.
• Symbol: R₣
• ISO code: RWF
• Rwandan banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 francs.
• Rwandan coins are centime (1⁄100).

By AIR

• Rwanda has two international airports. Kamembe International Airport (KME) and Kigali International Airport (KGL), with the former acting as Rwanda’s main entry point for foreign visitors. Most visitors will only use the airport in Kigali for flights in and out.
• There are also domestic flights between major cities.
• Search for flights here.

By ROAD

• Rwanda has a network of paved roads between the capital, Kigali, and most other major cities and towns.
• Car rental is available, but driving conditions can be challenging.

By BUS & RAIL

• There are bus services connecting major cities in Rwanda.
• Rail services are limited, but there are plans to expand the railway network.

By WATER

• Rwanda is currently developing inland waterways transport on Lake Kivu and the Akagera River.

Food and water safety:

• It is generally safe to drink bottled water in Rwanda.
• Be cautious when eating street food, especially if it is not cooked thoroughly.

Local cuisine: 

• Rwandan cuisine is diverse, with influences from various cultures.
• Their food is neither spicy nor hot. People eat simple meals made with locally grown ingredients.
• The Rwandan diet consists mainly of sweet potatoes, beans, corn, peas, millet, plantains, cassava, and fruit.
• Potato is now very popular, thought to have been introduced by German colonists.

Drinks: 

• Rwandan drinks include fruit juice, wine, beer and soda (Fanta is popular for those who do not drink alcohol.
• Commercial beers drunk in Rwanda include Primus, Mützig and Amstel.
• In rural areas, urwagwa is a beer made from the fermented juice of bananas that has been mixed with roasted sorghum flour.

Tipping: 

• Tipping is common in Rwanda.
• It is customary to tip waiters, taxi drivers, and tour guides.
• 10% is usually added to the bill at restaurants.
• It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.

Seasons:

• There are two rainy seasons in Rwanda, from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
• The dry season, from June to mid-September, sees light cloud cover and occasional light rainfall.

Climate and Weather:

• The climate in Rwanda is tropical, with hot and humid weather year-round.
• The average daily temperature in Kigali hover around 26/27 °C (79/81 °F) during the day and around 15/16 °C (59/61 °F) at night

Best time to visit:

• The best time to visit Rwanda is usually in the dry seasons in June-September and December to early February.

Summer Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Rwanda’s hot and humid climate.
• Shorts, T-shirts, and dresses are suitable for casual wear.

Winter Clothing:

• Winter clothing is not necessary in Rwanda.

General:

Modest clothing is generally appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

Internet Availability:

• Internet access is widely available in Rwanda, especially in urban areas.
• Many hotels, lodges, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

• The standard voltage in Rwanda is 230 volts (50Hz).
• For Rwanda there are two associated plug types, types C and J.
• Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins.
• Plug type J is the plug has three round pins.
• Plug adapters for type G (three flat pin plugs) will be needed.