Are US dollars accepted in Rwanda?
Are US dollars accepted in Rwanda? Rwanda is a cash-based economy using mainly Rwandan francs as the national currency in daily cash transactions. However, United States Dollars are accepted and used mainly because of its rapid tourism development. Most of the lodges and hotels might ask you to pay in dollars for better prices.
Most of the travelers or tourists United States dollars are the currency of choice and others can pay in Euros, and the UK pound can as well be exchanged for the Rwandan currency. This means that one needs cash to travel to Rwanda as you might need to do some shopping and other transactions in all currencies.
However it is hard to exchange Rwanda currency outside Rwanda what usually happens is that the currency is usually exchanged on the arrival at the airport, hotel, and banks and at the currency exchange service available in any other country. Currency Exchange rates provide better services to exchange for your United States dollars, EUROS, or Britain pounds and visitors traveling with dollars to Rwanda must ensure that they have been issued after 2003. The currency notes should be in proper condition and well-handled usually in notes of fifty, one hundred just if you want to get better rates.
Although the US dollar is accepted as the currency in Rwanda, it better to avoid using dollars when purchasing local items especially souvenirs, tipping, and other small local transactions. This is because by using a dollar to buy such items you losing more money and thus it’s better to stick to using Rwandans francs when buying or shopping for local items. Try to buy art craft is the local currency to avoid losing money in exchange rates.
To ensure effective currency exchange rates, there also a lot of banks spread in Kigali capital city and other towns in the country when you can get a better currency exchange rated. Credit cards and visa cards can also be used to get cash in Rwanda. In case you have a traveler’s cheque, you will need to verify it majorly with proof of your passport and purchase in case you need to be cashed out.
You can also use the services of forex bureau readily available in Rwanda cities and towns to get perfect and effective currency exchange rates. Here services are quicker and you don’t need to wait for long for these services compared to the banks. You should make sure that your money is safe by putting on a money belt around your waist, avoid counting cash in public, and make sure you have all the cash transaction documents. Though Rwanda is one of the safest countries you need to take precautions.
In conclusion, therefore, United States dollars (USD) are accepted in Rwanda as a form of currency mainly by tourists. However, you should avoid using the dollars for purchasing small items like souvenirs in Rwanda, tipping as this will lead you to lose some money in form of lower exchange rates. But you can carry your dollars and pay for hotels, park services, and safari package among others.
