Rwanda, Kigali

Overview

Rwanda, Kigali Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. Kigali is the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda.

Rwanda is in Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The climate is temperate with two rainy seasons, but mild in the mountains with frost and snow possible.

The official languages are Kinyarwanda, English and French. English is the main international language in business circles. Taxi drivers, restaurant waiters and some hotel employees may be more comfortable in French rather than English. Younger Rwandans are somewhat more likely to speak English than their elders. Kiswahili is often used in commercial centres and by members of the military. The main religions are Christianity and indigenous beliefs.

The economy of Rwanda is primarily rural with about 90% of the population engaged in agriculture with few natural resources and minimal industry. Primary exports are coffee and tea.

Expatriate business dress in Rwanda is typically relatively casual. Expatriates seldom wear ties in Kigali, but on formal occasions a lightweight suit may be worn.

The security risk for expatriates in Rwanda is low, but medium on the borders with Burundi and the Congo (DRC). Risks include traffic accidents and street crime. Additional risks in the border areas, includes violence by militia and grenade attacks in public places.

The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). ATMs are available in Kigali, but not all international cards are accepted. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Medical facilities are limited. Serious or complex medical treatment may require evacuation which can be expensive. Malaria is present.

The population of Kigali is 1.1 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is -0.1% for Rwanda as at April 2018.

For a single Expat, the personal income tax rate in Rwanda is progressive up to 30%.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Kigali as at 1 April 2018 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

In Kigali, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very High
2) Clothing: Low
3) Communication: Very High
4) Education: Very Low
5) Furniture & Appliances: Average
6) Groceries: Very Low
7) Healthcare: Low
8) Household Accommodation: Very Low
9) Miscellaneous: Very High
10) Personal Care: High
11) Recreation & Culture: Average
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: High
13) Transport: Very Low

Kigali is for example -6.8% cheaper than Houston TX for groceries, -33.3% cheaper for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and -26.5% cheaper for transport costs than Dubai.

Kigali is ranked as a extreme hardship location.

The hardship premium for Kigali for an expat from Perth, is for example 30%, i.e. host location (Kigali) premium of 40% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Kigali as at 1 April 2018 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

Kigali is ranked as a extreme hardship location.