Rwanda
Set up local rides and payment fallbacks, then recheck border and health rules
Check Rwanda's live entry and security notices immediately before travel.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Rwanda
Under a temporary Ebola prevention measure announced in May 2026, foreign nationals who visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 30 days are denied entry. Current official advice also warns against travel close to parts of the DRC border. Rwanda otherwise offers visa on arrival to all nationalities, but the fee and permitted stay depend on citizenship; carry a passport valid for at least six months and any required yellow-fever certificate. Move and YEGO are Kigali's main ride apps.
Uber and Bolt do not operate. A Rwandan-numbered SIM is useful for driver calls and can be registered with a passport. MTN Mobile Money is widely accepted, but opening and funding it is an optional local setup, not something every short visitor needs. Bring physical cards and Rwandan francs as fallbacks.
Book gorilla permits only through the official RDB portal or a verified operator; the standard foreign visitor permit is US$1,500 as of August 2026. Do not bring plastic carrier bags, and declare drones at entry.
Ride Hailing
MoveEssential
Kigali's leading app for tracked, chauffeur-driven Volkswagen rides, available around the clock according to its current listing.
YEGOEssential
Regulated Kigali cab and limited moto booking with distance-based estimates and no demand surge.
Food Delivery
Vuba Vuba
Rwanda's strongest current food and grocery delivery app, officially serving Kigali, Rubavu, Musanze, and Rusizi.
Payments
MTN MoMo
An optional interface for Rwanda's dominant local wallet after you obtain a Rwandan MTN number and complete passport-based registration.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The main channel for coordinating with Rwandan hotels, guides, drivers, restaurants, delivery support, and local contacts.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The strongest general map for saved pins, Kigali traffic, offline areas, and monitoring road journeys around Rwanda.
Transit
Tap&Go
The official mobile companion to Rwanda's bus smart-card system for managing tickets and eligible top-ups.
Language
Google Translate
An optional offline text aid for Kinyarwanda when English or French is not shared, especially with drivers or outside tourism settings.
Intercity Transport
RITCO
A current national coach app for routes, schedules, reservations, and tickets across a broad Rwandan intercity network.
Internet in Rwanda
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.
- Typical prepaid offers include around 10 GB, while starter prices begin near 1,000 RWF (~$0.50-1).
- Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
SIM ownership limits apply per passport; every traveler should bring their own original document.
Local carriers
MTN Rwanda
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Airtel Rwanda
Good-value option when price matters most.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Rwanda?
The essential apps for Rwanda are Move, YEGO, WhatsApp, Google Maps.
How many travel apps does Rwanda have?
We've curated 9 apps across 8 categories for traveling in Rwanda, including 4 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Rwanda?
Move. Kigali's leading app for tracked, chauffeur-driven Volkswagen rides, available around the clock according to its current listing.
Keep exploring
Also traveling in Africa?
Tanzania
One country, two entry systems, and very local transport tools
South Africa
The right apps depend on your city, route, and safety plan
Egypt
App rides in cities, cash for the gaps, and official tickets for major sites
Ethiopia
Local ride apps, cash fallbacks, and offline planning
Ghana
Ride apps in major cities, cash backups, and landmarks for every pickup
Kenya
M-PESA for local payments, two ride apps, and verified safari bookings