Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF). The 2026 rate sits around 1,300 RWF per US dollar; roughly 1,400 RWF per Euro; about 1,650 RWF per British Pound. Rates fluctuate within a few per cent over the course of a year — confirm before you fly. This is the working money guide for a 2026 Rwanda trip.
Bringing cash — USD is the safest
USD is the universal cash currency for international visitors in Kigali. Hotels, tour operators and higher-end restaurants will accept USD directly without converting. Bring USD 200-500 in crisp, post-2013 notes — Rwandan exchange counters reject torn, marked or older notes (this is universal across the region). Mixed denominations are best: a few $100 notes, several $50 and $20.
Euros and GBP work too but at slightly worse rates. Don't bring large stacks of cash in less-common currencies (Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupees, Turkish Lira) — these can't be reliably exchanged in Kigali.
Where to exchange on arrival
Kigali International Airport has a currency exchange counter in the arrivals hall. The rate is fair (within 2-3% of the bank rate). Exchange about half what you brought; keep the rest as USD for hotels or as emergency cash.
In town, exchange bureaus operate in central Kigali (around the BCDI building, Convention Centre area, and Kisimenti). Rates are generally similar to the airport. Banks also exchange but with longer queues and slightly worse rates.
ATMs — which cards work where
- Bank of Kigali (BK). The most-reliable for international cards. Visa and Mastercard both work. Withdrawal limit typically RWF 400,000 (about USD 300) per transaction.
- Equity Bank Rwanda. Reliable for Visa, Mastercard, and major regional bank cards.
- KCB Rwanda. Same — reliable, works with most international cards.
- I&M Bank. Visa/Mastercard accepted; sometimes more reliable for African card networks.
- Cogebanque, BPR. Local banks — work but occasionally finicky with international cards.
Bring at least two cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one declines. Don't rely on AmEx — it's not widely accepted at Kigali ATMs.
Where cards are accepted
- International-tier hotels (Radisson Blu, Marriott, Serena, Mille Collines): Visa and Mastercard accepted reliably. Often AmEx too.
- Mid-tier hotels and restaurants in Kisimenti, Kacyiru, Kiyovu: Visa/Mastercard usually work. Confirm before ordering.
- Supermarkets (Simba, Marine, Sawa Citi): Card-accepting tills available; some require minimum spend.
- Smaller restaurants, brochette grills, neighbourhood cafés: Mostly cash or MoMo (MTN Mobile Money).
- Moto-taxis and Move (ride-hailing): Move app accepts cards; motos themselves are cash/MoMo only.
- Markets and small shops: Cash or MoMo only.
Mobile Money (MoMo) — the local cash rail
MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) and Airtel Money are how most Rwandans pay for everyday things — taxis, brochettes, smaller restaurants, market purchases. As a visitor you can set up MoMo with a local SIM at the airport. Useful for the longer stay (10+ days). For shorter trips, cash and cards cover most needs.
What things cost — 2026 reference
- Hotel airport transfer: 10,000-15,000 RWF (about USD 7-12)
- Moto-taxi ride in-city: 800-2,500 RWF (USD 0.60-1.90)
- Move ride in-city: 2,500-6,000 RWF (USD 1.90-4.60)
- Coffee at Question or One Cup: 2,500-4,500 RWF (USD 1.90-3.50)
- Lunch at a mid-tier restaurant: 8,000-22,000 RWF (USD 6-17)
- Dinner at a top-tier restaurant: 25,000-65,000 RWF per person (USD 19-50)
- Local beer (500ml): 1,500-2,200 RWF (USD 1.15-1.70)
- Brochettes (2 skewers): 1,500-3,500 RWF
- Visa-on-arrival or e-Visa fee: USD 50 (paid directly in USD)
- Gorilla trekking permit: USD 1,500 per person
Daily money rhythm
A typical day on a 2026 Kigali trip uses RWF 25,000-80,000 (USD 19-60) in walking-around money depending on register — pricier on long-lunch days, cheaper on working-from-café days. The hotel handles the bigger payments separately. Keep RWF 20,000-40,000 in cash at all times for moto rides, brochettes, the smaller pharmacy, the smaller boutique purchase.
Related: Rwanda visa types in 2026, Best hotels in Kigali for 2026, Getting around Kigali. Browse every hotel on the directory.