Rwandans share cultural values notably unity, patriotism, social cohesion, resilience, hard work among others, with Kinyarwanda being the common language, spoken in all parts the country. Other official languages are English, French and Kiswahili.

The country's rich culture has become as a source of inspiration to craft some unconventional, home grown solutions to address the challenges and the consequences of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. These include among others, Umuganda (Community work), Imihigo (Performance contracts), Gacaca [traditional] courts, Abunzi.

Umuganura or harvest day remains the country's largest festivity where Rwandans from all corners of the country meet to celebrate achievements in different sectors and recommit to doubling effort to achieve more.

Music and dance make an integral part of Rwandan ceremonies, with Umushayayo and Intore dances having won the hearts of cultural performance lovers.

Rwandan art crafts display high level of skills and creativity in the country of thousand hills, with Agaseke or handwoven basket having won international acclaim. Imigongo pattern.

The following mobile telecommunication service providers are available:  
•    MTN
•    Airtel

Mobile telephone service companies provide internet via GPRS, 3G and 4G and will be offering special CHOGM packs. Cell phone SIM cards are widely available; however, every SIM card user/buyer in Rwanda is expected by law to be registered for activation on presentation of an identification document (ID card or passport). The SIM card can be registered at the point of purchase.
 

Average banking hours are from 08:00 to 18:00hrs from Monday to Friday and from 08:00 to 15:00hrs on Saturday, except from Umuganda day (community work), every last Saturday of the month. Some branches are open on Sunday. Banking amenities are available at all commercial banks. Most banks have cash dispensing machines accepting Visa and MasterCard. Foreign exchange facilities are available in all parts of Kigali city. 

Most internationally recognised currencies and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels and international airport. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
 

Public offices open from 07:00 to 17:00hrs from Monday to Friday. Business opening hours are usually from 8:00 to 18:00hrs, Monday to Friday. Businesses’ opening hours range between 09:00 to 22:00hrs on weekends.

Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted inside any venue in Rwanda nor in the Government of Rwanda vehicles. 

As part of an environmental protection policy, plastic bags are not allowed into Rwanda. Passengers entering Kigali International Airport (KIA), or any other border posts with plastic bags are required to discard them. They will be supplied with an environmentally friendly alternative at a cost.

Rwanda recognises international driver’s licenses, as well as certain national driver’s licenses. The license must be carried when driving a motor vehicle. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Front seat passengers of motor vehicles must wear seatbelts. It is prohibited to use mobile phones while driving. 

The power supply in Rwanda is 220V AC, 50Hz. Electrical sockets are rounded two pronged (EU). Most hotels provide adaptors on request.

Rwanda's long dry season lasts from end June to the end of August. Daily high temperatures are around 23°C (79°F), rarely falling below 23°C (75°F) or exceeding 28°C (83°F). Overnight temperatures are generally mild with an average low of 15 °C (59 °F). Kigali is safe, clean, and a competitive modern city with expanding opportunities.