Rwanda: Economy & Money

With its rich soils and warm, wet climate it comes as no surprise to learn that Rwanda derives 40 percent of its GDP from agriculture with coffee as the dominant export - 75 percent of export income.

Manufacturing is staging something of a recovery and tourism is an ever-increasing source of foreign revenue. Rwanda remains a major recipient of foreign aid, much of which is earmarked for the rebuilding and development of infrastructure.

Rwanda's national currency is the Rwanda franc but bring US dollars with you: they are readily accepted and if you haven't prepaid your gorilla trekking permit, you'll need US dollars in cash.

Changing money may involve some shopping around before you use the poor rates offered by the banks or hotels. Credit cards are really only accepted at the big hotels in Kigali and ATM service is in its infancy.

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