Kigali, Rwanda 🇷🇼
#1015
-1.950851, 30.061507
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, known for its cleanliness, extensive green spaces, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,060 RWF. Banks such as Bank of Kigali and Equity Bank are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Airtel are the leading mobile providers with good coverage and data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; ATMs available in major locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Monthly rentals in the city start from around $300 for a studio. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments via MTN MoMo and Airtel Money are prevalent. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer plenty of options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Places like Milkilake Backpackers offer dorms starting from $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office provides flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Question Coffee offers excellent coffee and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and Meetups are often hosted at The Lab, a local innovation hub. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kigali Expat Community Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and Uber operate in Kigali and are reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | SafeMotos provides motorcycle taxi services with an app. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Kivu is the nearest beach, approximately a 2-hour drive from Kigali. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | RwandAir is the flagship carrier offering routes throughout East Africa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines operate international flights to Kigali. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access routes include the RN1 highway connecting to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kigali has no train services; the bus terminal is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses and matatus are available but do not offer passes, pay per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses such as Kigali Bus Services connect to nearby cities like Butare and Musanze. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Faisal Hospital is the largest and most well-equipped hospital in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kigali Yoga offers various classes and wellness options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Diva Fitness Center provides a range of fitness services and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in many guesthouses and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is popular for delivering food from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Isombe', a traditional dish made with cassava leaves. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Hut is a well-known spot for healthy vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bourbon Coffee has great offerings of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kimironko Market offers fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like Jumia.np cater to a variety of online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are offered by Jumia and smaller local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kigali’s nightlife is vibrant at places like The Kigali Arena and Repub Lounge. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Rwanda Craft Brewery produces popular craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Kigali has several wine bars, including The Wine Lodge. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kigali’s street food is diverse; don't miss out on 'Brochettes' (skewered meat). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Burger Kitchen offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a poignant memorial experience. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Rwanda showcases the country’s cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Inema Art Center is a hub for local art and culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michel Cathedral is an iconic landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kigali International Film Festival takes place annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kiyovu is a cultural district known for its rich history and local vibes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kigali Cultural Village frequently hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Caplaki Crafts Village is great for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Rwanda’s music scene is vibrant, with local artists and DJs often performing around Kigali. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kigali is known for its impressive street murals, particularly in the Nyamirambo area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local kitchen studios offer Rwandan cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kigali Contemporary Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace Museum showcases Rwanda’s political history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Umuryango we Rwanda Festival celebrates Rwandan culture each year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nyungwe Forest National Park, about 5 hours away, is a beautiful rainforest. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Akagera National Park is about a 2.5-hour drive and is home to a variety of wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling routes are available around Nyarutarama Lake. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kigali Genocide Memorial offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Nyungwe Forest is a prime spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Various campgrounds in national parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various tech repair shops are available in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports clubs like S3 Sports Center offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes like the Rwanda Institute of Languages offer language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kigali Public Library is a good place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kigali Convention Centre hosts various cultural and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Shop in Kimironko offers video games and competitive gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Kigali offers gaming facilities for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $64,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% for resident individuals. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for personal income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations for foreign-owned companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applicable, calculated on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% on property purchases. |