Burundi Currency Guide
The currency of Burundi and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.
Currency
Burundian Franc
BIF
Checking rates
Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go
The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.
Payment Tips to Remember
Always pay in the local currency
If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.
Set up a travel card before you fly
Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.
Airport exchange counters: last resort
Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.
Check ATM fees on screen
Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.
Keep some small cash
Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.
Cards for Abroad
Explore the Wise multi-currency card
One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.
Learn more
Local data
Get an eSIM for Burundi before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
Yesim
Saily
Drimsim
Check prices and availability on the booking sites.
City Guides in Burundi
Bujumbura
Bujumbura is Burundi's largest city, located at the northwestern tip of Lake Tanganyika, and served as the country's capital until 2019. With a port handling goods like coffee and cotton, it has the lively energy typical of a lakeside city.
Gitega
Gitega is the capital of Burundi, serving as both the central city of its province and the seat of administrative functions. It's the country's second-largest city after former capital Bujumbura, offering a quiet look at a locally flavored administrative town.
Muyinga
Muyinga is a city in northern Burundi, sitting at an altitude of over 1,700 meters, which gives it a cool climate. Home to around 100,000 people, it also once served as the capital of the local province.
Rutana
Rutana is a small town in southern Burundi, located west of Mount Kikizi, one of the country's tallest mountains. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby Kagera Falls and also serves as the center of Rutana Province.
Ngozi
A city in Burundi, home to the Notre-Dame de Fatima Cathedral that draws a steady stream of visitors. You can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this modest cathedral town.