Bujumbura - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No, no, and no. The only place you can use a credit card is the aforementioned diplomatic duty free store, and an upscale French bakery downtown. Most UN expats I know use the drivers to exchange USD for Francs – and from there everything is paid in cash. Some places like hotels etc will only let you pay in new USD $100s or $50s. - Aug 2023
No. BIF only is used. I have used my credit card at only the Flemingo Diplomatic store and the Kiriri Gardes Hotel. USD is not allowed to be used here locally. - Mar 2021
Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and the Diplomatic Duty Free store. ATMs are very common, but are often not functioning for international cards. In my experience they are safe to use, however it is not recommended. - Nov 2017
Don't use them. Only cash. - Aug 2015
Not possible. - Aug 2009
This is a cash-only place. - Oct 2008
