Rwanda
Lightweight suits are advised for business meetings and appointments are usually necessary. Knowledge of French is useful as only a few executives speak English. Office hours are typically 0800-1230 and 1330-1700 Monday to Friday.
Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars and hotel rooms. During daytime hours, Kigali is generally safe, though pick-pocketing, purse-snatchng and thefts from parked cars occur, especially in crowded areas. Armed residential robberies have occurred in the past; and car thefts and carhjackings have happened. Visitors to Kigali are strongly advised to take common sense precautions to prevent pick pocketing, purse-snatching, hotel room thefts and thefts from parked vehicles: be wary in crowds; don't leave valuables in parked vehicles; secure valuables in hotel safes; avoid traveling at night because of poor lighting and road conditions. Travelers should also be aware of a marked increase in prostitution at or near Kigali hotels and nightclubs, and the high incidence of aids in Rwanda.
Hotels are found mostly in Kigali and they are expensive. Credit cards are acceptable at only a few hotels in Kigali and travelers should expect to handle most expenses in cash. Missions with dormitory accommodation are recommended, particularly in remote districts and smaller towns. Ruhengeri and Gisenye mission station hotels are excellent.
The country code is 250. There are no area codes. When the service is operating, outgoing international calls must go through the operator. Telegram facilities are available in Kigali and main hotels. In Kigali post offices open 0800-1200 and 1400-1700 Monday to Friday and 0800-1200 Saturday.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz, but can be unreliable.
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,J
Hotels generally serve a reasonable choice of European dishes, while there are Chinese, Greek, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Some restaurants also serve Franco-Belgian cuisine and African dishes. A fairly good selection of beers, spirits and wines is available. Beer is also brewed locally.Tipping:
10 per cent is normal.Nightlife
Apart from the many small bars, there is little in the way of nightlife. There are a few cinemas in Kigali. The Rwanda National Ballet is famous for its traditional dancing and singing and can be seen either at national ceremonies or sometimes on request in the villages. There are now several nightclubs, with African, Congolese and Western music; there are also some live music bars with food and dancing available. The French Cultural Center runs a variety of activities.
