Money in Rwanda
Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- RWFRwandan franc
- Symbol
- FRw
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Rwanda
Cards are accepted at Kigali hotels. Carry cash elsewhere.
- Cards
- Limited
- Cash
- Local services are usually paid in cash in Rwandan francs, and cards are not accepted everywhere. Tips are usually preferred in cash.
- ATMs
- ATMs are available in Kigali and nearly all major cities (Visit Rwanda). No fee or limit figures are given in the sources opened.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are widely accepted, and larger payments such as gorilla tracking and upscale hotels are more often paid in US dollars or other hard currency (Visit Rwanda).
- Exchanging money
- Banks and private bureaux de change exchange cash but are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Do your banking in Kigali, since there are few options elsewhere.
- Watch out for
- US dollar note rules differ by source: Go2Africa says post-2003 bills only and Porini says 2009 or later, and both want crisp, clean notes. Traveller's cheques are not recommended and may be impossible to exchange outside the capital.
Tipping in Rwanda
Not required, but 5–10% in restaurants and tips for guides and porters are welcome.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Visit Rwanda, Go2Africa, Porini, Jacada Travel, Expert Africa.
Convert to and from RWF
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,477 RWF | 1,654 RWF | 1,982 RWF |
| 10 | 14,767 RWF | 16,544 RWF | 19,816 RWF |
| 50 | 73,836 RWF | 82,718 RWF | 99,078 RWF |
| 100 | 147,672 RWF | 165,436 RWF | 198,157 RWF |
| 500 | 738,360 RWF | 827,179 RWF | 990,783 RWF |
What each amount is worth in RWF. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Rwanda use?
Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (RWF).
Do you need to tip in Rwanda?
Appreciated. Not required, but 5–10% in restaurants and tips for guides and porters are welcome.
Can you pay by card in Rwanda?
Limited. Local services are usually paid in cash in Rwandan francs, and cards are not accepted everywhere. Tips are usually preferred in cash.
Are there ATMs in Rwanda?
ATMs are available in Kigali and nearly all major cities (Visit Rwanda). No fee or limit figures are given in the sources opened.