Information about the Burundi Franc

Currency

Burundi Franc (BIF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of BIF5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of BIF10, 5 and 1.

Currency exchange

All exchange transactions must be conducted through one of the main banks in Bujumbura or Gitega.

Credit & debit cards

Major credit cards are not generally accepted; there is limited use in some major hotels.

Traveller's cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Commission rates are usually high.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to BIF2000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration.