One of the most common concerns first-time visitors to Rwanda have about car rental is payment. Specifically: do I need a credit card to rent a car in Kigali?
The short answer from Rent Cars Kigali is: no, you do not need a credit card. We accept multiple payment methods and have specifically designed our payment system to work for the wide variety of customers we serve — tourists, NGO workers, expats, and business visitors from across the world.
Payment Methods We Accept
MTN Mobile Money — Most Popular
MTN Mobile Money is Rwanda's most widely used payment platform and our most common payment method from local and regional customers. Send directly to our MTN number — instant, secure, and no bank account required. Works for both deposits and full payments.
Airtel Money
Same convenience as MTN MoMo — send directly from your Airtel account. We confirm receipt immediately.
USD Cash
Clean USD notes from 2009 onwards accepted for all rental payments and deposits. Cash remains the most common payment method for international visitors. We provide a written receipt for every cash transaction.
Rwandan Francs (RWF)
We accept payment in RWF at the current exchange rate on the date of payment. Withdraw from any Kigali ATM or exchange at the airport or a bureau de change.
Visa and Mastercard (Debit or Credit)
Card payments are processed through our secure PesaPal payment gateway — PCI DSS compliant and accepted internationally. Both debit and credit cards work. Note that some debit cards have international transaction limits — check with your bank before travel.
Bank Transfer
Available for corporate clients, NGOs, and longer-term contracts. Minimum 3 business days processing time before pickup. We provide full banking details and a pro-forma invoice for your records.
Online Lock Fee Payment
When booking online through our website, we collect a lock fee (from $30 depending on rental duration) via PesaPal — card or mobile money. This secures your vehicle immediately. The remaining balance is paid at pickup in any accepted method.
What About the Deposit?
A refundable security deposit is held at vehicle pickup regardless of payment method. This can be paid in cash (USD or RWF) or by card. The deposit is returned at vehicle return in the same condition received.
Deposit amounts: Corolla/sedan — $100. RAV4/standard SUV — $150. Land Cruiser V8/Prado — $300. Minibus — $200.
Can I Pay Entirely in Mobile Money?
Yes — many of our Rwandan and East African customers pay the rental fee and deposit entirely via MTN MoMo or Airtel Money. We will send you the payment number and confirm receipt via WhatsApp immediately.
Questions about payment before booking? WhatsApp us at +250 788 362 035 and we will walk you through the best option for your situation.
