When you arrive at Kigali Airport (KGL) there will be three stages to your arrival :

(1) Immigration : There will be separate lines for East African Residents and non-East African Residents. Some nationals must apply for their visa in advance using an online application. Some others can get a visa at any entry point into Rwanda upon arrival without applying in advance. (For more details about visa on arrival, kindly visit: https://www.migration.gov.rw/visa-on-arrival)

(2) Bagage Claim : If any bags are missing you will need to fill out forms with the airline before you leave the airport.

(3) Customs : Go through the line for people with nothing to declare.

After you go through these areas you will pass through doors where you will see many guides waiting for their clients. Your driver guide will be waiting for you among the other drivers with a company sign that has your name on it.

Foreign Exchange: The best rate is obtained at one of several Bureaus de Change in Kigali. Hotels will exchange currency for you, but these are rarely the best rates. Do NOT exchange on the street. Just find a nice looking Bureau de Change (your driver can take you to a good place) and most will have a similar rate. Do be conscious of your surroundings when changing the money and when leaving the bureau de change.

At the bureau de change you will see the exchange rates posted. The best rate is for new-version (2009 or newer) $100 USD bills.

Bills smaller than $50 USD get a worse rate and older bill (2006 or older) may not be accepted.

Additionally, you can pay for drinks and most other items in either RwF or USD in tourist hotels, but usually the best rate will be given if you purchase those items in francs. If you are going to pay for items in USD, then it is best to bring lots of small bills as change is sometimes difficult to find. If you are going to pay in francs, then it\\s best to change money in Kigali and then make sure that you ask for small bills. The largest bills are 5,000 and this is approximately $4. When you change money they will probably give the vast majority in 5,000 bills and it would be wise to ask for some 1000s ($1) and 2000s ($2).