Rwandan francs

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knowlesnotbeyone
knowlesnotbeyone

Hi there! This is a two part question:

A. I've just returned to Moshi from a week-long holiday in Rwanda. Amazing country! But I assumed I could just exchange my leftover francs for Shillings. Wrong assumption! I've been to literally 20 banks and exchanges today and no one in Moshi will take Rwandan and many of the banks in Arusha will also not take it. Is there any backpacker in Moshi heading to Rwanda who wants an insane exchange rate? Essentially I'm willing to part with about $150 USD in Francs for only $100.
B. Anyone know of any weird place that might exchange?

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emilietravels
emilietravels

You probably have to go back to the border and use the black market. Be careful to not get scammed, but you won`t get a great rate anyway. Otherwise, just try to connect with people wherever you stay.

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asking
asking
In response to #0

Dunno if you sis already but post also st the Rwandan forum, ppl going to Rwanda might be there...

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orion_mike
orion_mike

Dear Knowles - you have discovered what most regular travellers to any of the 5 East African countries (Kenya/Tanzania/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi)already know; their currencies are not "internationally traded currencies". That means they are virtually valueless outside of their country of issue. You can (usually) exchange TZ Shillings / Kenyan Shillings / Ugandan Shillings within these three countries and usually the exchange bureaus will take them and give you US dollars or English Pounds.
So to anyone in any of the East African 5 - exchange your local money back into US dollars or Euro / GB Pounds BEFORE you leave.

If you do not get any takers to exchange then chalk it up to experience - or contact World Vision / Oxfam - these charities operate in Rwanda and might accept them "as a donation". Good luck

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hngd
hngd

try contacting local exchange shops in east africa
cheers

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