The main Airports
All flights into Rwanda arrive at Kigali International Airport. It is situated about 10 kilometers from Kigali – the capital city.

Banking in Rwanda
From Monday to Friday, the banking hours in Rwanda begin from 0800 hours to 1800 hours with a break between 1200 hours and 1400 hours. On Saturdays, banks are open from 0800 hours to 1300 hours.

Climate of Rwanda
Rwanda is warm for the most part and cooler in the higher altitudes – the mountains. The country has 2 main wet seasons; the first rainy season running from January to April and the second running from October to December.

Clothing for Travel to Rwanda
During the day, it is general warm so light clothing is recommended. The evenings are cooler and therefore sweaters may be required. If you intend to go gorilla tracking, bring along solid walking shoes, waterproof Jacket and sturdier clothing. For the strong Rwandese sun, bring along sunglasses and cream protection.

Use of Credit Cards in Rwanda
Travelers to Rwanda may not rely on the use of credit cards. Currently (2009), the cards are still not in used by most establishments. In fact, on the major hotels in the capital city of Kigali accept credit cards. Carry hard cash or travelers checks. For the few establishments that accept the use of credit cards, the Mastercard is by far the more acceptable in comparison with VISA and the others.

Currency of Rwanda
The unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. For visitors and other travelers, it is important to note that the US dollar is the hard currency of preference. It may be impossible to exchange travelers' cheques away from the capital.

Visa and Passport requirements for Travel to Rwanda
For visitors to Rwanda, a passport is required. A certificate of vaccination for yellow fever is also required to return back to your country of origin.

A 90 day visa is issued on arrival free of charge for nationals of the US, UK, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, and Uganda.

If arriving by air, citizens of many other European countries may get an 8 day single entry visa on arrival for a fee of US$60, which can be extended by the immigration officials in Kigali.

Generally Rwandan embassy and consulates can issue 3 month tourist visas for around the same price without much hassle. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate for more information.

Noted that Rwanda has tight policy regarding plastic bags. No plastic bags allowed to enter Rwanda. Luggage will be searched to make sure no plastic bags inside. To save time, don't bring any plastic bags in to this country.

Customs and Excise regulations in Rwanda
Persons traveling to Rwanda, and who are over 16 years of age may import 2 cartons of cigarettes and 21 alcoholic beverages into Rwanda without incurring any customs duty;

Game trophies can only be exported out of Rwanda with special permission from the Game department of government.

It is illegal to take photos of government buildings. Plastic bags are not allowed into Rwand for environmental reasons and travelers should simply not carry any plastic bags as it will be confiscated at the Kigali airport.

Drinking Water in Rwanda
Drink only bottled water while in Rwanda and avoid drinking tap or any other waters. Bottled water is available in most places in most towns.

Driving and Road Travel in Rwanda
Driving in Rwanda is on the RIGHT. For self-drive option, a local or international Driving permit is required. There are no international car hire companies operating in Rwanda but a few travel agencies can arrange car rental services.

Not all roads in Rwanda are paved. For off-road driving, a 4 wd drive vehicle might be advisable. Landslides may occur during the rainy seasons. If you choose to drive yourself, extreme care should be taken while driving at night as most driving drive with full lights. The road liking Kigali and Butare are paved and good. Strangers to Rwanda and the driving, road conditions are discouraged from self-driving and encouraged to hire a local driver.

Electricity in Rwanda
Electrical current in Rwanda is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin attachment plugs are the most commonly used.

Emergency Numbers in Rwanda
If in an emergency situation, call the following numbers
Police on 311
Traffic Police: 08311115 or 08311114
Fire Brigade: 08311120
Health issues in Rwanda
A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required for entry into Rwanda . Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. Hospitals are located in all major towns.

Medical facilities in Rwanda
Medical facilities in Rwanda are limited in their capacity. The civil war of 1994 destroyed most of the medical facilities and Rwanda is now re-building. The few medical facilities may not measure to the required standards but are acceptable. Travelers to Rwanda are therefore advise to consider medical insurance that includes an emergency repatriation cover.

Languages in Rwanda
French and English are the official Languages in Rwanda. In addition, the local and dominant Kinyarwanda is spoken,

Public Holidays
Good Friday and Easter Monday, which fall on variable dates, are recognised in Rwanda. Other public holidays are :
1 January (New Year's Day);
1 February (National Heroes Day);
7 April (Genocide Memorial Day);
1 May (Labour Day);
1 July (Independance Day);
4 July (National Liberation Day);
15 August (Assumption Day);
1 October (Patriotism Day);
25 December (Christmas Day), and
26 December(Boxing Day).

Public Transport in Rwanda
Locals travel the short distances using the bicycle taxis known as taxi velos. This from of public transfer is not recommended for visitors into Rwanda.

Motorcycle taxis (taxi-moto) are also popular, especially in Kigali, a normal journey will cost from 40c-$1.

Longer distances that cannot be covered by taxi velos are done by minivans, locally known as Matatu. Or Twegerane – literally meaning lets get closer. They may be crowded at times.

Safety and Security in Rwanda
Most tourists who travel to Rwanda do so to see the mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking region that is near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo is generally consider safe because of the presence of the Rwanda Army personnel around the border.

However, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary travel to the Burundian border and Congo border as the border security situation can change at any time.

While traveling in Rwanda, carry some form of identification, at least a photocopy of your passport or driving licence. You might encounter Police and military check points that may demand this.

Shopping in Rwanda
As gifts and souvenirs, you can purchase traditional hand-woven baskets, clay statuettes and masks. Do not buy game trophies, gorilla hands or skulls. It is illegal.
Most shopping places in Rwanda open as follows: Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1400-1730, Sat 0830-1230.

Telecommunications in Rwanda
Rwanda has a reliable cellular phone network. The entire country is covered and travelers can easily make international phone calls. You can rent temporary mobile phones in Kigali and the SIM cards for the network are also available for purchase at affordable prices. The international dialing code for Rwanda is +250.

Roaming agreements exist with one international mobile phone company. Handsets can be hired. Coverage is quite unreliable.

Major towns have internet cafes and big hotels in Rwanda offer internet services.

Timezone in Rwanda
GMT + 2.

Guideline for tipping in Rwanda
Guides and couriers on gorilla treks expect to be tipped well. The amount is not set but about 5% to 10% of the price should work. Waiters in hotels and lodges will appreciate any tips.