Frequently Asked Questions

Why Rwanda?

• Because the entire health infrastructure was destroyed during the 1994 genocide when 1,000,000 people were killed in 100 days
• Because the ratio of oral health care providers to people in Rwanda is 155/10.5 million and most of the 155 live in the urban areas
• Because basic oral health needs are the second most common service at Community Health Centers in the Northern Province of Rwanda (second to lower respiratory disease)*

* Source: Community Health Center data at Gakenke District, Northern Province, Rwanda

Is it safe?
Yes.  Rwanda is now considered one of the safest, cleanest, least corrupt and fastest growing countries in Africa. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made across many areas including security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, governance and economic development.  Dr. Reckmeyer, Dr. Warren, Dr. Gottlieb, and Dr. Cahoon have walked the streets late at night with no problems

What is the cost?
2000 – 3000 + airfare.

Do I need a Visa?
All US Citizens do not require a visa to travel to Rwanda, whether for business or tourism for short-term stays; however, you will need a US Passport.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Your passport must be valid six months after your scheduled return date and must contain at least two completely empty visa pages (The last few pages of your passport are amendment pages and not visa pages). Carry a copy of your passport in a separate place in case you lose your passport

Can I bring gifts for the children?
Yes.  Any school supplies such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, notebooks, and erasures would be most welcome.

Will I need any vaccinations for Rwanda?
Yes, you will likely need a few vaccinations, depending on what you have been vaccinated for in the past and when. Please check the Center for Disease Control’s website at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationRwanda.aspx for specifics, and try to make an appointment with your doctor or local immunization clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled departure as some vaccinations need be administered in a series.

Are flights my responsibility?
Yes. It is strongly recommended to book your flight as soon as possible.

Am I responsible for food and lodging?
Yes.  RRD will secure a 3 star hotel.

Should I bring my laptop with me?
Most hotels will have Internet access but the service is very unreliable. Stay in touch with e-mail or Skype http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home/

Will my cell phone work overseas?
Your phone may not work overseas, unless it was specifically set up on an international plan.  Please check with your cell phone provider to set up international access.

Can I use my credit card?
Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted.  Most ATMs will give cash advances.  If your card belongs to the worldwide Cirrus network, you should have no problems. 

Should I bring cash?
This is an individual preference.  If you bring cash, recommended denominations are 100s and 50s and newer than 2003 with no tears or ink marks.  Give your bank about 3 months to secure these bills for you. Carrying some cash in the local currency is always a good idea, as many small establishments and rural locations won’t accept anything else.

What is Rwanda’s currency?
Rwanda's currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). You can check the latest exchange rates with www.oando.com.

What is the time change in Rwanda?
There is no time difference between winter and summer months in Rwanda; it's always two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

What is the language in Rwanda?
The main language spoken in Rwanda is Kinyarwanda (a Bantu language, also known as 'Rwanda' or 'Ruanda'). French is widespread and English is also spoken by many people who are in contact with visitors.

What is the weather and climate in Rwanda?
Rwanda presents visitors with a pleasant tropical highland climate, although rainfall is not uncommon. For more details, see our webpage on the climate and weather in Rwanda.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes.

What do I need to know about luggage requirements?
Please refer to http://www.faa.gov/passengers/prepare_fly/baggage/

Am I expected to pay gratuities?
Tips may be appropriate at your discretion.

What books can I read to appreciate Rwanda’s history?

• Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey
• We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families: Stories From Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch
• Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda by Roméo Dallaire
• A Thousand Hills: Rwanda's Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It by Stephen Kinzer