ATM in Kigali

We've been travelling in Rwanda for a couple of weeks and couldn't find any info about working ATMs before we came. I'm happy to report that we just used an ATM at Ecobank in central Kigali, and got francs at a rate of 568/USD (that compares to about 570/USD that we've gotten changing 100-dollar bills). Ecobank used some version of the visa network to do the withdrawal, but it posted right away to our bank account in the US.

Our bank (Bank of America in San Francisco) also charged a $5 foreign ATM fee, so we'd have done better withdrawing a larger amount. But this should significantly simplify travelling, as one of the real pains is figuring out how to hide all the cash you're carrying around.

Also, for the gorillas, we wired money via Western Union before we came and it all worked out. It's a little scary to send cash to someone you've never met but for us it ended well.

Thanks for posting, and especially for providing the rate as compared to a forex bureau.

Peace,

BB

The Ecobank ATMs have been up and running for a couple of months. They are in the main towns: Kigali, Ruhengeri, Butare. The maximum I have been able to withdraw in one go has been Rwanda Franc 200,000, which is less than my UK bank account allows so it must be the Ecobank limit - and not enough to pay for a gorilla permit. They quite often are not working so do not rely on them 100% for your currency. I too get a better rate using the ATM than the money changers, particularly for GBP which has dropped like a stone.

Just updating: Ecobank has been increasingly unreliable with their ATM services but now Bank of Kigali offers cash for international VISA cards. I have used only their main branch in the centre where the ATM works perfectly. As said above, the max amount is RFr200.000 which I believe is because it is biggest wad one can get throught the opening.

Bank of Kigali also gives cash over the counter upstairs on the first floor.