Rwanda
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 14.6 million people live in Rwanda, on 26,338 km². The capital is Kigali.
- Capital
- Kigali
- Population
- 14,569,341
- Area
- 26,338 km²
- Official languages
- French, English, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Rwanda?
Sockets take plug type C/J, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Rwanda?
Call 112 for the police, 912 for an ambulance and 111 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Rwanda?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Rwanda?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Rwanda?
Prices are in Rwandan Franc (RWF).
What language do they speak in Rwanda?
Official languages: French, English, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda.
How do I call a number in Rwanda from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +250.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
