Money and duty free for Burundi

Currency and Money

Currency information

Burundi Franc (BIF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of BIF5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of BIF10, 5 and 1.

Credit cards

Major credit cards are not generally accepted; there is limited use in some major hotels.

ATM

There are a few ATM cashpoints around Bujumbura, the capital. A few of them accept foreign Visa cards. However, if you are travelling outside of Bujumbura, it's best to carry cash with you.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Commission rates are usually high.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri, mornings only.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to BIF2000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimted, subject to declaration.

Currency exchange

All exchange transactions must be conducted through one of the main banks in Bujumbura or Gitega.

Burundi duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Burundi without incurring customs duty:

• 1,000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco.
• 1L of alcoholic beverages.

A deposit may be required for items such as cameras, video recorders and laptop computers. You should declare currency and cameras upon arrival.