£1 RWF 1,945
Today
4:49 am
+2h from you
Travel warning
There's potential for fighting and military activity near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and border crossings can close without warning, which could disrupt travel plans and pose safety risks.
Weather in Rwanda
Rwanda
22°
Slight rain showers
Fri
16
22
Sat
15
23
Sun
15
26
Mon
15
26
Tue
16
23
SPF level in Rwanda
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Rwanda
Tipping in Rwanda
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Rwanda, though not always expected. It's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
RWF 500-1000 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
RWF 1000-2000 per day
Tour Guide
RWF 5000-10000 per day
Safety in Rwanda
Tips for British travellers
Rwanda is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take care when walking at night and avoid carrying large amounts of money to reduce your risk of bag-snatching or mugging.
Do not bring plastic bags into the country as they are banned and will be confiscated upon arrival.
It is illegal to photograph some government buildings, and using drones in prohibited areas can lead to imprisonment or a heavy fine.
Roads can be unlit and driving standards are poor outside of towns, so take extra care when driving after dark.
Building health and fire safety standards are lower than the UK, so be cautious when using electronic equipment and stay aware of your surroundings.
Bonus tips:
The last Saturday of each month is a national day of community service, so most services are closed from 7am to 11am.
Drinking spirits containing methanol can cause serious illness or death, so seek urgent medical help if you feel unwell after drinking.
Driving in Rwanda
A UK driving license is valid for up to six months. An international driving permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Rwanda drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Rwanda
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type J
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Rwanda uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug Types C and J are used. British travellers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in Kigali, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and larger supermarkets. However, cash is still widely preferred, especially outside the capital.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Rwanda
ATMs are mainly found in Kigali and other major towns. Availability is limited in rural areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is the most convenient way to obtain local currency. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. ATMs may charge fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Rwanda. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 10000 RWF (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
MTN Rwanda, Airtel Rwanda
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Kigali and other major towns. However, speeds can be variable.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi access is growing, but can be unreliable. Mobile data is a good alternative, so purchasing a local SIM with a data package is advisable if consistent internet access is needed.
Health & vaccinations in Rwanda
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities can be limited, especially outside Kigali. Check that your insurance covers all activities you plan to do, such as trekking or wildlife viewing.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever (certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission)
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. It is important to take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent malaria, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Drink only bottled or boiled water, and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets.
Calling Rwanda
Country code
+250
To call Rwanda from the UK, dial 00 250 followed by the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Kigali from the UK, you would dial 00 250 252 582 207.
To call Rwanda, you'll need the country code 250. When calling from the UK, replace the initial '0' of the Rwandan phone number with the exit code 00 and then the country code.
UK Embassy in Rwanda
British High Commission Kigali
26 KN 41 Street, Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda
Airport in Rwanda
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.