If you’re moving to Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, you’ll be surrounded by rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and lakes. The weather is mild and pleasant for much of the year, so it’s a comfortable place to call home.
You’ll quickly find that Rwandans are among the friendliest and most welcoming you’ll meet anywhere in Africa. The country has a tumultuous history, but it’s stable and peaceful now, and you’re likely to feel extremely safe.
Living in Rwanda as an expat
Living in Rwanda is comfortable, especially in and around the capital, Kigali, where most expats settle. Despite its reputation as an underdeveloped country, Rwanda is developing quickly, and reliable water, electricity, internet, and mobile coverage are now common in the towns and cities. There’s a sizeable expat community, and you’ll likely find life here fairly trouble-free.
These days, services are the largest part of Rwanda’s economy, and sectors like tourism, technology, construction, and finance are all growing fast. Tourism is the real standout, and visitors come from around the world for Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and its famous mountain gorillas. Most of the workforce still works in farming, though, and coffee and tea are the country’s main export crops.
Accommodation in Rwanda is relatively cheap, especially if you earn in a foreign currency. Houses in rural areas tend to be older and more patchwork than in big cities. In Kigali, housing is still comparatively affordable, and everyday conveniences like shops and restaurants are close at hand.
Getting around Rwanda has become much easier in recent years. Buses and motorcycle taxis, known as motos, are the main ways to travel in Kigali. You pay for buses with the cashless Tap and Go card, and the motos have gone cashless too. You can book a car or a moto through ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Yego and pay by mobile money. A foreign or international driver’s licence is valid for your first 12 months, and after that, you’ll need to exchange it for a Rwandan one. Many expats find driving the easiest option once they’ve settled in. Main roads are largely in good condition, although secondary and rural roads can be badly deteriorated and unlit. There’s no railway network, and domestic flights are rare.
The Rwandan government runs a community-based health insurance scheme, known as Mutuelle de Santé. More than 90 percent of the population is covered. The poorest citizens get free cover, while wealthier residents pay a small annual contribution. Everyday care has come a long way, but treatment for serious or specialised conditions is still limited, partly because there aren’t enough specialists. For serious cases, you may need to be flown to a destination with more advanced facilities, such as Kenya, South Africa, or further afield. You’ll want international health insurance with medical evacuation cover before you arrive.
Cost of living in Rwanda
For most expats, especially those earning more than the local average, the cost of living in Rwanda is manageable. Kigali is inexpensive compared to most international cities, and you can live comfortably here without a big salary.
Families and children in Rwanda
The Rwandan government provides free education in state-run schools, but standards may fall short of your expectations. You’ll also find private schools that follow the national curriculum, plus a handful of international schools with foreign curricula. Most of these are in Kigali.
Families who enjoy the outdoors are spoilt for choice. You can hike the hills, track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, go on safari in Akagera, or unwind on the shores of Lake Kivu. Closer to home, Kimironko Market is a good place to browse local produce, colourful fabrics, crafts, and secondhand clothes, and to get a feel for everyday life.
Working in Rwanda
There’s plenty to like about working in Rwanda. It’s one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, and GDP has grown by around 8 percent a year recently. Infrastructure is improving fast, too, so it’s an appealing place for expats after interesting career opportunities. The government has pushed hard on innovation and technology, and Kigali has become a regional hub for startups and international business.
Rwandans value punctuality and professionalism, and most workplaces are collaborative and team-oriented. Communication is direct but respectful, and meetings tend to be efficient and to the point.
Safety in Rwanda
Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa. Crime rates are low, and the political situation is stable. Kigali is often called one of the continent’s cleanest and safest cities, and many residents feel comfortable walking around after dark. The government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and crime has added to the overall sense of security, and police are a visible presence in towns and cities. Since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the government has focused heavily on reconciliation, and social cohesion is strong today. Even so, you’ll want to take the usual sensible precautions.
Climate in Rwanda
Days are pleasantly warm all year, and the nights are cool. Rwanda’s tropical climate is tempered by its high altitude, so temperatures are mild for the tropics, and the average in Kigali is around 70°F (21°C). There are two rainy seasons, one from March to May and a shorter one from September to November.
To make the most of your time in Rwanda, stay adaptable and keep an open mind. The country is still a little off the beaten track and rough around the edges in places, but if you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, you’ll find it an unusual and rewarding place to live.
Fast facts
Official name: Republic of Rwanda
Population: Around 14 million
Capital city: Kigali (also the largest city)
Other cities: Butare, Gisenyi, Musanze, and Gitarama
Neighbouring countries: Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Geography: Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa. The western part of the country is dominated by mountains, while the east is defined by forests, savannah, plains, and swamps. Lake Kivu forms a significant part of Rwanda’s western border.
Political system: Unitary semi-presidential republic
Major religions: Christianity (mainly Catholic and Protestant) and Islam
Main languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili
Money: The Rwandan franc (RWF) is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs and card payments are available in the main towns and cities, but you’ll need cash in rural areas.
Tipping: Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s always appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving about 10 percent is common in restaurants that cater to tourists.
Time: GMT+2
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Plugs with two or three round pins are used.
Internet domain: .rw
International dialling code: +250
Emergency contacts: 112 (general emergencies), 912 (ambulance), 111 (fire)
Transport and driving: Vehicles in Rwanda drive on the right-hand side of the road.