Rwanda’s International Dialing Code
To call Rwanda from abroad, dial the international access prefix (e.g., 011 from the U.S., 00 from Europe), then +250, followed by the local number without the leading zero.
Format: +250 + [area/mobile code] + [subscriber number]
Example: +250 252 540 123
Calling Rwandan Landlines
Most landlines begin with 25X. Drop the leading zero when dialing from abroad.
| City / Region | Area Code | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali | 252 | +250 252 XXX XXX |
| Musanze (Volcanoes NP) | 250 | +250 250 XXX XXX |
| Huye (Butare) | 254 | +250 254 XXX XXX |
| Rubavu (Gisenyi) | 255 | +250 255 XXX XXX |
| Rusizi (Cyangugu) | 260 | +250 260 XXX XXX |
Within Rwanda, dial 0 + area code (e.g., 0252 540 123).
Calling Rwandan Mobiles
Mobile numbers follow the pattern 0XY XXX XXX, where X identifies the carrier. Remove the leading zero when calling internationally.
| Network | Common Prefixes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MTN Rwanda | 078X, 079X | +250 788 123 456 |
| Airtel Rwanda | 072X, 073X | +250 726 123 456 |
| KTRN / 4G LTE (data SIMs) | 08XX (data only) | +250 820 XXX XXX |
Tip: Save numbers in your contacts with +250 so roaming phones dial correctly.
Buying a SIM or eSIM in Rwanda
| Provider | Where to Buy | Tourist Bundles | ID Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN Rwanda | Kigali Airport, MTN Service Centers, malls | 5–30 GB packages, voice + mobile money | Passport |
| Airtel Rwanda | Kigali Airport, Airtel shops, partner kiosks | Combo bundles with data + local minutes | Passport |
| KTRN / CanBe | Selected electronics stores | 4G hotspots & routers | Passport |
- Registration is mandatory—bring your physical passport.
- eSIMs are available for select phones at MTN and Airtel flagship stores.
- Mobile money (MTN MoMo, Airtel Money) can be activated on tourist SIMs for cashless payments and moto fares.
Network Coverage & Internet
- 4G/LTE: Kigali, secondary cities, Lake Kivu resorts, Volcanoes NP gateway.
- 3G: Most national parks and highways.
- 2G: Remote savannah and forest zones—expect slower data around Akagera marshlands or Nyungwe trails.
- Wi-Fi: Hotels, cafes, and coworking hubs (Impact Hub Kigali, Norrsken) offer reliable connections, but mobile data is more consistent on road trips.
Recommended setup for travelers:
- Primary line: local SIM for data + local calls.
- Backup: eSIM or roaming line for banking 2FA.
- Portable router if traveling with a group.
Emergency Numbers & Helpful Contacts
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose police / emergency | 112 | Works nationwide; free from any phone. |
| Traffic accidents | 113 | Direct line to Rwanda National Police traffic unit. |
| Fire brigade | 111 | Kigali Fire & Rescue; relays to provincial units. |
| Medical ambulance (SAMU) | 912 | Government emergency medical service. |
| Gender & child protection | 116 | 24/7 helpline for GBV and child safety. |
| Tourist info (RDB) | +250 788 313 222 | Rwanda Development Board concierge. |
Dial these numbers directly inside Rwanda—no need to prefix +250.
Other International Codes for Rwanda
| Code Type | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO Alpha-2 | RW |
| ISO Alpha-3 | RWA |
| Numeric Code | 646 |
| Internet TLD | .rw |
| Currency | RWF (Rwandan franc) |
| ICAO Country Prefix | 9XR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need +250 when calling within Rwanda?
No. Dial the number starting with 0 (e.g., 0788 XXX XXX) for domestic calls.
Can I keep my foreign WhatsApp number?
Yes. Install a local SIM for data/voice but keep WhatsApp tied to your home number for continuity.
Is roaming expensive?
International roaming works but is costly; buying a local SIM or eSIM is far cheaper.
Are there phone booths?
Public booths are rare. Use hotel phones, mobile networks, or VoIP apps.
Can I top up with cash?
Yes. Airtime scratch cards and mobile money agents are everywhere—look for yellow (MTN) or red (Airtel) kiosks.
Do emergency numbers accept English?
Yes. Operators typically speak Kinyarwanda, English, and often French.
Save these codes before you fly and you’ll stay seamlessly connected across Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera safaris, and Lake Kivu retreats.
