PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Question

Exchange Currency

Answer

We would advise against travelling with Swiss Francs or British Pounds. It is recommended to travel with either Euros or USD, as you can easily exchange them to Rwandan Francs upon arrival. This can be done at banks or private forex bureaux (currency exchange offices). There are numerous places where you can exchange your money, such as UTC Mall or Kigali Heights.

Question

withdrawing money

Answer

Credit cards are widely accepted in Kigali, but we recommend withdrawing large amounts at once to avoid high transaction fees that your bank might charge. The maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction at an ATM is RWF 200,000, and most ATMs allow two withdrawals of RWF 200,000 (137€ / 143$).

Question

mtn Mobile money

Answer

We recommend using mobile money for payments to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. MTN Mobile Money is a secure electronic wallet service that allows you to store funds, send and receive money, make payments, and perform other transactions simply using your mobile phone. It's fast, simple, convenient, and affordable. Dial *182# to access the service. When making payments to businesses, don’t hesitate to ask if they accept Momo Pay, so you can complete your payment via Mobile Money.

Question

FARANGA

Answer

Faranga is a mobile app in Rwanda that allows you to send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and perform other financial transactions simply and securely. To use it: download the app, then register and connect your Mobile Money account and follow the instructions to make your payments and transfers. It's a convenient and quick way to manage your mobile payments.

Question

Obtaining a SIM Card

Answer

Having a local SIM card makes traveling in Rwanda much easier, allowing you to order cabs, use Google Maps, and access information on the go. We recommend getting your MTN SIM card directly at the airport, as the selling point there is less crowded. You only need to present your passport and have your photo taken. The SIM card costs RWF 1,000, and you will need to add credit for calls or internet. We also suggest activating Mobile Money when purchasing your SIM card—ask the agent to help you set up your PIN and change the service language to English if needed. If you miss getting a SIM card at the airport, you can still get one at MTN selling points such as UTC Mall, MTN Centre in Nyarutarama, or Remera, using your passport.

Question

VUBA VUBA (food delivery)

Answer

Order anything and track it in real time with the Vuba Vuba App. Available on iOS and Android. Vuba Vuba makes it easy to order from your favorite restaurants. Shop for items from grocery stores near you, with a selection of more than 600+ merchants and trusted local grocers.

Question

THINGS TO DO ?

Answer

Here is a link to an awesome booklet that Bélise's sister made for her wedding and it was updated for ours. You will find more tips and suggestions for things to do in Kigali and outside Kigali: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MwdQJZi6h_7c61HDP3_JkR9d3O3FqvZ5/view