Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Rwanda take card payments at check-in
In Kigali, most hostels I stayed at accepted cards, especially those around Kimihurura and Nyamirambo. They swipe Visa or Mastercard through Bank of Kigali machines. But when I went to Musanze for gorilla trekking, the hostel insisted on cash. ATMs are reliable in Kigali, but outside the capital they’re fewer, so it’s safer to carry Rwandan francs. If you want to avoid last-minute runs, pay with card in the city but bring cash if you plan to travel rural.
Thought Rwanda would be fully digital-turned out not quite. My Kigali hostel accepted card for the deposit but charged a tiny fee; my cheeky place in Musanze had a glitchy terminal and asked for cash. Good idea to carry enough local bills to get through the first night. ₣20-30 000 should do it without stressing.
Stayed three weeks hopping between Kigali, Butare, and Ruhengeri hostels. Two took secure online card links before I arrived, and one did check-in payment with a fee. But a small lodge in Ruhengeri said they could only do cash. I now bring about ₣30 000 (~$27) with me-to cover any fallback situation.
Hostels in Kigali and near Volcanoes NP mostly took cards without a hitch. One place in Musanze warned the reader “sometimes acts up.” Made me laugh when they brought out a notebook over a broken POS. I always keep some cash now, since even a small glitch can land you at the ATM at check-in time.
I stayed in hostels in Kigali and Musanze-most accepted Visa/Mastercard at check-in, but two added a 3-4% extra fee. One hostel in Huye (small town) didn’t even have a terminal, so I paid cash. If you book ahead, just ask about their payment options. I now carry around ₣20 000 (~$18) just in case.