Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a breathtaking destination known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife experiences. Whether you’re trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, exploring Kigali’s thriving arts scene, or relaxing on the shores of Lake Kivu, knowing how to access cash is key. While digital payments are growing, cash remains widely used, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. This guide provides important details on cash and ATMs in Rwanda, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Where to find ATMs in Rwanda?
Urban Areas: In Kigali, the capital city, ATMs are available in commercial districts, shopping centers, and near bank branches.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Lake Kivu have ATMs in nearby towns. However, within some tourist sites, ATM access may be limited, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be scarce. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger cities before venturing into these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Rwanda for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Rwanda are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Equity Bank
- BPR Bank
- Ecobank
- NCBA Bank
- Bank of Kigali
- Bank of Africa
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Rwanda.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Rwanda, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in RWF).
- — If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- — If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in RWF’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Rwanda?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Rwanda.ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Note that some ATMs accept only Visa cards, so carry a VISA card at least when you travel.Some of them accept American Express, Diners, UnionPay cards. Others like JCB, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
ATM operations
What are the ATM opening hours: Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called: ATMs in Rwanda are usually found by a signage of word ATM’.
Languages at ATMs: ATMs in Rwanda primarily present Kinyarwanda and French as the main languages along with English as a language option.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Rwanda?
ATMs in Rwanda dispense cash in Rwandan Franc (RWF).
ATM withdrawal limits in Rwanda?
ATMs in Rwanda have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of RWF 200,000 (Rwandan Franc).Some ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit of RWF 400,000.
ATM Fees in Rwanda
There are only some fee-free ATMs in Rwanda. Many bank ATMs in Rwanda charge between RWF 1,500 and RWF 3,000 per transaction (Rwandan Franc) while a handful of bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Rwanda.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Rwanda. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Rwanda
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Rwanda?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Rwanda. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Rwanda.
Safety at ATMs
Rwanda is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are available in major cities such as Kigali. While violent crime is rare, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It’s advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible but There are only some fee-free ATMs in Rwanda. Many bank ATMs in Rwanda charge between RWF 1,500 and RWF 3,000 per transaction (Rwandan Franc) while a handful of bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs here.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Rwanda
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
