Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Rwanda
RWFFranc
Money in Rwanda
Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in Kigali hotels and restaurants; cash and mobile money handle markets, buses and moto-taxis. Clean, recent US dollar notes are accepted at some tourist businesses. US$1 ≈ FRw1,478.51 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected; 5-10% in restaurants is welcome, and guides or porters on treks appreciate tips.
- ATMs: ATMs in Kigali and towns issue Rwandan francs; fees about 3,000-5,000 RWF plus bank charges, limits around 400,000-1,000,000 RWF.
- Paying by phone: MTN MoMo and Airtel Money are widely used; many shops accept a QR code. Apple and Google Pay are not practical.
- Price level: about 27% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in hotels, malls and supermarkets; mobile money (MoMo) is common. Cash for street food, moto taxis and markets; ATMs are widespread. |
| Musanze | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at lodges and bigger hotels; cash or mobile money (MoMo) for moto-taxis, markets and small cafés. ATMs in Musanze town. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Rwanda?
Not expected; 5-10% in restaurants is welcome, and guides or porters on treks appreciate tips.
Is Rwanda cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in Kigali hotels and restaurants; cash and mobile money handle markets, buses and moto-taxis. Clean, recent US dollar notes are accepted at some tourist businesses.
What currency does Rwanda use?
The Franc (RWF). US$1 ≈ FRw1,478.51 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
- Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Rwanda
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.