Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Rwanda: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
In Rwanda, ATMs usually provide better rates than the exchange counters at Kigali Airport. Machines from Bank of Kigali and Equity Bank give fair Rwandan franc withdrawals, while the airport kiosks tend to charge more. If you’re budgeting RWF 40,000-60,000 daily for meals, moto taxis, and entry to attractions like Kigali Genocide Memorial or day trips to Volcanoes National Park, ATMs are more cost-effective. Exchange only a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses.
Grabbing a $5 coffee from the airport kiosk after paying their rate felt like burning money-instant regret. Took the shuttle into town, used a BK ATM by the cathedral, and my wallet breathed a sigh of relief. Withdrawal fee was small, rate was honest. So yeah, airport counter = emergency only. Real money comes from bank ATMs.
First day in Kigali I tested both: airport exchange vs Bank of Kigali ATM withdrawal. The booth charged a big commission, ATM charged ₣2,000 flat fee but gave interbank exchange. Net-net, I got about 3-4% more cash per withdrawal from the ATM. I also avoided Euronet machines at the airport-they charge higher fees and worse rates.
Did the same thing-exchanged a bit at the airport to get to town, then hit BK and I&M ATMs downtown with my Wise card. I used the “decline conversion” button and got a much better rate compared to the airport counter. The automated teller had a small fixed fee, but the overall deal was way friendlier than the currency desk. I’d say airport for survival cash, then go local for the real rate.
Landed at Kigali Airport, grabbed RWF 10,000 at the exchange booth just for taxi fare. Felt like daylight robbery-the rate was awful. Next day used a Bank of Kigali ATM, declined conversion, and the rate was way more honest-even with the ₣2,000 (~$2) fee. That exchange booth is only for emergencies. If your card doesn’t charge heavy FX fees, go ATM in town instead of handing cash to those booths.