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Digital Nomad Guide to Rwanda | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Rwanda

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Rwanda is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Rwanda are Kigali, Musanze, and Gisenyi. Digital nomads like living in Rwanda because of its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and friendly locals. A digital nomad can live comfortably in Rwanda on a monthly budget of around $1,000 USD. The culture of Rwanda is diverse and vibrant. Rwanda is known for its strong sense of community and hospitality. The country is also known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant music and art scenes.

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How do I meet people in Rwanda?

When we asked people living in Rwanda about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Rwanda often join clubs and activities such as the Kigali Expat Club, which organizes events and activities for expats to meet and socialize. Expats can also join sports clubs, such as the Kigali Cricket Club, or join a local church or volunteer organization. Other ways that expats meet people when living in Rwanda include attending local events, such as festivals or concerts, or joining a language exchange group. Expats can also meet people through their work or by attending networking events," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Rwanda.

What is life like in Rwanda?

When we asked people living in Rwanda what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Rwanda is generally positive. The country is known for its friendly people, beautiful scenery, and low cost of living. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to budget-friendly hostels. The country also offers a wide range of activities, from exploring the vibrant capital city of Kigali to trekking in the lush forests of the Virunga Mountains. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's excellent internet infrastructure, making it easy to stay connected while living in Rwanda," said one person in Rwanda.

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Where should I live in Rwanda?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Rwanda is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Rwanda Housing, Rwanda Real Estate, and Rwanda Property Finder are great resources for finding rental properties in Rwanda. Additionally, classifieds such as Rwanda Classifieds and Rwanda Ads are great for finding both rental and sale properties. Additionally, it is also possible to find a place to live in Rwanda by networking with people in the area. Talking to people who already live in Rwanda can be a great way to find out about available properties and to get advice on the best areas to live in," explained one expat living in Rwanda.

What do I need to know before moving to Rwanda?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Rwanda, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Rwanda should be aware of the country's visa requirements. They should also research the cost of living in Rwanda, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. It is important to understand the local culture and customs, as well as the language, in order to make the most of the experience. Additionally, expats should be aware of the security situation in Rwanda and take necessary precautions. Finally, expats should research the job market and the opportunities for employment in Rwanda," explained one person living in Rwanda.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Rwanda?

"Expats in Rwanda appreciate the country's strong sense of community and the warm hospitality of the local people. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, with its traditional music, dance, and art. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's commitment to conservation and sustainability, as well as its commitment to gender equality. Finally, expats enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush green hills, rolling plains, and majestic mountains," said one expat in Rwanda.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Rwanda?

"Expats in Rwanda often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to navigate, as they are quite different from those of other countries. Expats may also find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life in Rwanda, as well as the lack of modern amenities and conveniences," said one expat who made the move to Rwanda.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Rwanda for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Rwanda for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Rwanda.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Rwanda?

We asked people in Rwanda if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Rwanda. It is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making any offensive or insensitive comments. It is also important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly or using offensive language. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid touching people without their permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local religious beliefs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Rwanda.

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What are healthcare services like in Rwanda?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Rwanda, they replied:

"Rwanda has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Rwanda is generally good, with a focus on preventive care and primary care services. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Rwanda can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, there are private healthcare providers in Rwanda that offer more comprehensive services, including specialist care. Expats in Rwanda may choose to use private healthcare providers for more specialized services," explained one digital nomad living in Rwanda.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Rwanda?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Rwanda appreciate the country's natural beauty, with its lush green hills and stunning landscapes. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming people, the low cost of living, and the excellent infrastructure. Additionally, the country's commitment to safety and security is a major draw for expats and digital nomads. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the lack of nightlife and entertainment options to be a bit of a drawback. Additionally, the limited availability of international products and services can be a challenge," remarked one member in Rwanda.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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