Money and duty free for Rwanda

Currency and Money

Currency information

One Rwandan Franc (RWF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of RWF 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of RWF100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Credit cards

A growing number of places accept credit and debit card, especially in Kigali. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.

ATM

ATMs can be found throughout Kigali and in nearly all major cities.

Travellers cheques

Traveller cheques are not popular nowadays. A few banks in Kigali accept them, but this service is unlikely outside of the capital.

Banking hours

Mon-Sat 0800-1700.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to RWF5000.

The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared upon arrival. The export of foreign currency is up to the amount imported and declared.

Rwanda duty free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Rwanda by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 250g of tobacco products.
• 1L or spirits or 2L of wine.
• 500ml of perfume and eau de toilette, of which up to a quarter may be perfume.
• Goods up to US$500 in value.

Banned Imports

Prohibited goods include counterfeit coins and notes, pornography, matches made with white phosphorus, distilled beverages such as absinthe, soaps and cosmetics containing mercury, used tyres, and counterfeit goods.

Restricted goods include animal traps, unwrought precious metals and stones, arms and ammunition, historical artefacts, ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, and non-indigenous species of fish.

Plastic bags are also banned in Rwanda and cannot be brought into the country.

Banned Exports

Restricted exports include waste and scrap iron cast, timber, fresh fish and wood charcoal.