Why You Shouldn't Use The ATMs in Burundi
Posted: September 4 2023 | Tagged: Burundi
There is no 'Free ATM Cash Withdrawal in Burundi' post simply because it makes no sense to use an ATM in Burundi.
The best way to get local money, the Burundi Franc FBu or BFr is to change dollars on the black market.
The bank rate for the dollar when I was there, according to Google was 2800BFr. At a licenced money changer, you could get 2900BFr. But on the black market you could get between 3800BFr and 4000BFr. Quite a sizeable difference don't you think.
The bank rate for the dollar when I was there, according to Google was 2800BFr. At a licenced money changer, you could get 2900BFr. But on the black market you could get between 3800BFr and 4000BFr. Quite a sizeable difference don't you think.
In Burundi, there is a shortage of foreign currency, namely the US Dollar and certain services and products can only be bought with the USD so people will pay a premium for getting their hands on them.
So the black market rate is much higher than the official rate.
Of course changing money on the black market is illegal.
So the black market rate is much higher than the official rate.
Of course changing money on the black market is illegal.
Where to change money in Burundi?
So as a tourist, where can you go to change your money on the black market?
Your hotel should be able to help you. They make a call and a guy will turn up and you make the transaction. You get better rates for 100 USD bills.
I also changed Euros at a store in Gitega. And I wasn't even asking. The owner simply suggested that if I needed to, she could change.
Your hotel should be able to help you. They make a call and a guy will turn up and you make the transaction. You get better rates for 100 USD bills.
I also changed Euros at a store in Gitega. And I wasn't even asking. The owner simply suggested that if I needed to, she could change.
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