Rwanda Basics

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The Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +2.

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin attachment plugs are the most commonly used.

Money: The official currency is the Rwanda franc (RWF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The US dollar is the hard currency of preference; travellers cheques are difficult to exchange, even in the capital. Credit cards are only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali.

Currency Exchange Rates
RWF100.00 =	US$ 0.17	£ 0.11	C$ 0.18	A$ 0.19	R 1.33	€ 0.12	NZ$ 0.23

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Kinyarwanda, French and English are the official languages. French is widely spoken, but English is limited to a few people in the tourist centres.

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport on arrival but no visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a valid passport on arrival but no visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport on arrival but no visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport and a visa for entry to Rwanda.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport on arrival but no visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa for entry to Rwanda.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport and a visa for entry to Rwanda.

Travel Health: There is a year-round risk of malaria throughout Rwanda and travellers are advised to take a course of prophylactics. A yellow fever certificate is required by all visitors and inoculation is also recommended. A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as well as a polio booster for those who have not had one as an adult. Other health risks include meningitis and cholera. Bottled drinking water is available in all towns. Medical facilities are limited and medical supplies may be unavailable, although hospitals are located in all major towns. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping: Some small change left at restaurants will be appreciated when dining in Rwanda. Guides on gorilla treks expect to be well tipped; amounts vary, but 10% is common.

Safety Information: Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, although tourists should be alert to bag snatching and incidents of petty theft. Travel to the border areas with Burundi and the DRC is not advised; trips to see the gorillas in the Volcanoes NationalPark should only be undertaken as part of a guided trek.

Local Customs: Photography of government buildings is prohibited in Rwanda. Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons and will be confiscated on arrival at the airport. It is considered impolite to ask someone about their ethnic origin.

Business: A handshake is the normal form of greeting. A knowledge of French is useful as English is not widely spoken; interpreters may be required. Lightweight suits are suitable attire for meetings, which need to be arranged in advance.

Communications: The international dialling code for Rwanda is +250. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are not required. There is an excellent cell phone network covering most of the country, and cell phones can be rented in Kigali. Internet cafes and computer centres are located in most major towns.

Duty Free: Passengers older than 16 years may bring two cartons of cigarettes and two litres of alcohol into the country without incurring import duties.