Welcome to Burundi 😊
Burundi is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its rolling hills, beautiful forests, and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Burundi is home to several national parks, including Kibira National Park and Ruvubu National Park, which are both known for their stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Burundi can also enjoy its vibrant culture, which is influenced by the country's history of colonization and ethnic diversity.
Quick Facts About Burundi
- Currency: Burundian franc
- Population: 11.89 million
- Languages: Kirundi,French
Money and Finances
The official currency of Burundi is the Burundian franc (BIF). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 francs. Notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in major cities in Burundi, but they are not very common outside of urban areas. It is recommended to carry enough cash when traveling to more remote areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Burundi, and it can be difficult to find establishments that do accept them. Visa and Mastercard are slightly more accepted than AMEX, but it is still advisable to carry cash when traveling in the country.
Internet and Phones
Internet access in Burundi is limited with average speeds for uploads and downloads being quite slow. Government interference is present, and certain websites and social media may be blocked.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Telco companies in Burundi include Econet Leo, Onatel, and Tempo. Mobile phone plans are available at an affordable rate, but sim compatibility issues may arise when using different operators.
Dialling to Burundi
To call Burundi from another country, dial the country code +257, followed by the area code and the phone number. The area codes used within the country are 22 for Bujumbura, 23 for Ngozi, 24 for Muyinga, and 27 for Rutana.
Transport Around Burundi
Air Travel
Burundi has one major international airport, Bujumbura International Airport, which is located in the capital city of Bujumbura.
Train Travel
Burundi does not have an inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
Burundi does not have any local trains within major cities.
Buses
Burundi does have a bus network, with prices ranging from 500 to 3000 Burundian francs depending on the distance of the journey, and journey times varying accordingly. For example, a journey from Bujumbura to Gitega (one of the major cities in Burundi) takes approximately 4 hours and costs around 2000 Burundian francs.
Rideshare
Burundi does not have any rideshare companies.
Driving by Car
Driving in Burundi can be challenging due to poor road conditions and lack of street lighting in some areas. The speed limit is generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways, and Burundi uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Burundi, it is not common to tip for services. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, but in rural areas, a nod or wave is also acceptable. It is polite to address someone using their title and last name, and it is common for men to refer to each other as 'brother' or 'friend.' When speaking with strangers, it is important to be respectful and avoid topics like politics or religion. Men and women typically address each other with formal titles or last names in professional settings.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in Burundi is underfunded and lacks adequate resources, which often results in poor healthcare access and limited medical services. While the government offers free healthcare, service quality is often poor and hospitals may lack basic necessities like electricity and clean water. Private healthcare services are also available, but they can be expensive with doctors' fees starting around $50. It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive health insurance before visiting Burundi.
COVID Situation
Burundi has reported relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, although testing capacity is limited so the true number of cases may be higher. As of August 2021, the vaccination rate is very low and the country's borders remain closed to tourists.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a major health risk in Burundi, especially during the rainy season. Other common diseases to watch out for include typhoid fever, cholera, and dengue fever. Visitors should be careful of what they eat and drink to avoid food poisoning. It's also recommended to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Burundi, however, there are restrictions on sale and distribution in certain areas. It is also prohibited to consume alcohol in public places.
Recreational Drugs
The use, possession, and trafficking of any illegal drugs are strictly prohibited and can result in severe legal consequences. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, is illegal in Burundi.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are not culturally accepted in Burundi and can result in social ostracism. However, there are no specific laws criminalizing consensual pre-marital relationships.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Burundi and can result in imprisonment. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ individuals and discrimination is common.
Firearms / Guns
The use and ownership of firearms are regulated by the government and require a license. Possessing a firearm without a license can result in severe legal consequences.