For several years, Rwanda has improved its tourism policies by introducing visa-free travel to digital nomads and promoting its tourism sector through a popular “Visit Rwanda" campaign.
These policies have pushed Rwanda’s tourism industry forward and created a surge of digital nomads visiting the country. The number of visitors to Rwanda tripled in 2023 to 1.5 million from 521,000 in 2022.
The concept of being a digital nomad relies on the ability to travel and work at the same time, and for digital nomads, this can only be possible through several digital tools which will boost productivity and ensure connectivity is available.
Kinyarwanda, Swahili, and French are the most spoken languages in Rwanda; therefore, as a digital nomad, understanding a few phrases in these languages will help you navigate the country seamlessly.
An app like Duolingo will help you learn these languages easily, quickly, and cheaply. Duolingo has a free version with some ads and a paid version with no ads that costs $12.99 monthly.
As you step onto Rwandan soil, it’s essential to understand the currency used in Rwanda, the Rwandan franc. As a digital nomad, we expect you will need an app to help you receive your funds from clients and convert them into Rwandan francs.
Grey will help you receive funds directly from your clients worldwide and convert them to Rwandan francs. Besides that, Grey offers a virtual card to help you spend in popular online stores and malls like Nakumatt, Rwanda, and Kigali City Tower.
. The working from-anywhere concept is what makes a digital nomadic lifestyle possible today. Tools like Zoom have replaced physical meetups, unlike previous traditional work settings, which will require an employee to be available physically at the workplace. ow, all you need is your Zoom login credentials.
Through Zoom, you can join other people’s meetings and host your own meetings, such as consultation calls and team standups. Zoom has a free version limited to 40 minutes and a Paid version starting at $14.99 monthly, with add-ons like spatial audio, unlimited recording, and unlimited call time.
Also, read Top 5 time trackers for freelancers to boost productivity.
Airbnb has revolutionised the hospitality industry. Previously, accommodation would have cost thousands of USD or a big hotel, but now digital nomads can rent accommodation at a cheaper price, up to 10 USD per night. If you are travelling on a budget in Rwanda, having an Airbnb app is necessary.
The app doesn’t have a subscription cost; you only need to download it, sign up, and rent a room. Also, as a digital nomad, being an Airbnb host or virtual assistant might be a great way to start a side hustle.
Travelling always comes with uncertainties, such as accidents, health problems, etc. Therefore, having health/travel insurance is crucial. Insured Nomads offer insurance services which cover medications for digital nomads.
We’ve partnered with insured Nomads to ensure you get a 10% discount on travel and health insurance plans from Insured Nomads. All you have to do is use the promo code “Grey10” at checkout.
There’s a small line that differentiates between digital nomads and content creators. Some digital nomads are content creators and some work in the creative industry. Tools like Google Drive work as alternatives to physical shelves for traditional workers.
Gole Drive will not only assist you in storing but also in organising your files into different nomads. It also gives you the ability to backup your folders at any time. Apart from that, Google Drive can be easily integrated with other tools, such as Trello and Asana and can be accessed on Windows and Mac OS.
Google Drive has a free version with 15GB storage and a paid version that starts at $19.99.
Sometimes, travelling goes beyond staying in fancy hotels and beaches. For some occasions, you will need to experience local living. Apps like Couchsurfing allow local hosts to host travellers in their local countries.
Through Couchsurfing, you will interact directly with locals and learn from them. Couchsurfing is free, but it’s advised that you buy at least a drink or food for your host. Lastly, don’t forget to verify your Couchsurfing account, as it will increase your credibility and chances of being accepted by other hosts.
Also, read 11 must-have tools for freelancers in 2024.
Tired of swapping SIM cards? An eSIM is the perfect solution for digital nomads hopping between countries.
Airalo is the largest eSIM store, offering plans for over 200 countries. Pro tip: Save 20% on Airalo by using the discount code Grey24 at checkout and paying with your Grey virtual card.
Power outrage is a problem in Rwanda and all over Africa, so having a power bank is a wise idea for a digital nomad living in Rwanda. Also, some places in Rwanda still don’t have access to electricity, so you can consider having a power station.
Brands like Anker and Mi are leading brands producing power banks, particularly for digital nomads. Xiaomi has a 10,000 mAH power bank, and Anker has a power bank with the same aMH, famously known as Anker power core, designed for digital nomads.
Internet issues, such as internet outrages and geolocation problems, such as the unavailability of some websites in Rwanda, make having a VPN service a survival skill for digital nomads. Proton VPN and Nord VPN are popular VPN services in Rwanda, and their prices start at $2 to $10 per month.
Also, read 25 essential tools and resources for digital nomads in Latin America.
The design has become a part and parcel of digital nomads’ lifestyles. Tasks like looking for new clients and preparing reports for your clients require a design tool like Canva. Through Canva, you can create designs in seconds with a little graphic design skills.
You can also build a career around Canva graphic design and sell your skills on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Canva Pro costs $15, while the free version gives you some basic features.
If English isn’t your first language, Grammarly is your new best friend. It polishes your writing, fixes grammar mistakes, and suggests the right tone for your audience.
The free version is excellent, but monthly subscriptions for advanced features start at $12 per month.
Public transport, which is popularly known as “daladala” in Tanzania, Matatu in Kenya, and minibuses in Rwanda, is the most used mode of transport by locals. Navigating minibuses might be difficult and time-consuming for a digital nomad, so using ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Little Ride, and Yego Rwanda might be the best option.
These apps offer different means of transport, such as taxis, motorbikes, and Bajaj, which you can choose depending on your preference. Connecting your Grey virtual card with your ride-hailing app will enable you to pay for your transport seamlessly.
Create a Grey account to make your trip to Rwanda meaningful and seamless. This will enable you to pay for your subscriptions quickly and securely.
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