Top 7 Best Crypto Exchanges to Buy Bitcoin in Rwanda for 2025

Our panel of crypto analysts, experts, and traders periodically test 50+ leading exchange services in order to find the best crypto exchange in Rwanda.
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Updated on Jun 4, 2024
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To create this list our expert panel performs a series of tests to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the best cryptocurrency exchanges. The tests include creating an account, placing trades, and transferring money to a secure crypto wallet.

We then research the specific needs of Rwandan users, such as which payment methods are available, which currencies you can deposit, and the trading fees for buying Bitcoin in Rwanda, and surveyed those users to find out what they think about each service.

Each expert assigns a score, which is combined with the results of the further research to create a final ranking in order to answer the question: what are the best crypto exchanges in Rwanda for Rwandan users? 

Learn more about our panel and how we rate and review platforms. Or read on to find out what is the best Rwanda crypto exchange.

What is the best crypto exchange Rwanda in 2025?

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Our expert rankings reveal that Coinbase is the best cryptocurrency exchange in Rwanda.

The list below shows the three best Rwanda crypto exchanges that excelled in our tests, by combining low transaction fees, high security, and ease of use.

We found 29 crypto platforms for users based in

Coinbase review
4.2
Coinbase
Min. Deposit $10
Fees Up to 0.6%
No. assets 150+
Demo account No

Coinbase review

Kraken review
4.0
Kraken
Min. Deposit $10
Fees 0.10% – 0.26%
No. assets 200+
Demo account Yes

Kraken review

AvaTrade
Min. Deposit n/a
Fees
No. assets n/a
Demo account

AvaTrade review

Top 7 best Rwanda based crypto exchanges & apps, reviewed

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We found 29 crypto platforms for users based in

1. Coinbase. Best secure trading platform for all types of trader

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4
Ratings

$10

Min. deposit

Up to 0.6%

Fees

200

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Coinbase because it’s the leading public crypto platform. Coinbase offers more than 170 cryptocurrencies to trade, a secure wallet to store your coins in, and automatic staking rewards on 10+ cryptos through Coinbase Earn.

Coinbase’s user-friendly platform simplifies the buying, selling, and trading processes, making it one of the top crypto exchanges for all levels of trader. But, Coinbase isn’t just an easy to use platform, it’s one of the safest and most secure. 

A public company brings transparency and renown, so you can trust that any money on Coinbase is safe and you’re sharing the platform with over 100 million other users. It stores 98% of customer assets offline in cold storage, minimizing the risk of theft. There is also insurance on all cash balances up to $250,000

The fees: Trading fees start from 0.6% but reduce the higher your trading volume. Bank transfer deposits and withdrawals are free, other payment methods may be charged. There is no fee for wallet-to-wallet crypto transactions but you will have to pay blockchain fees. Coinbase charges a 25% fee for its staking services.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

2. Kraken: Best for simple, global cryptocurrency trading from your phone

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4
Ratings

$10

Min. deposit

0.10% – 0.26% (volume dependent)

Fees

200

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Kraken because it’s a beginner-friendly crypto trading platform, one that’s designed to make it quick and convenient to buy and sell crypto on the go. The Kraken mobile app provides access to over 200 cryptocurrencies making it one of the most diverse platforms around. 

With an intuitive interface and many advanced features, the Kraken crypto app is suitable for those just starting, or experienced traders wanting to enhance their trading experience. The Kraken mobile app caters to different trading styles and preferences with spot, margin, and futures all available. 

Kraken’s mobile app also supports up to 5:1 leverage allowing you to amplify your position and potentially increase your returns. With such a wide selection of tokens available and a solid range of features and tools, the Kraken app is one of the top cryptocurrency trading platforms while on the go. 

The fees: Kraken charges a fee of between 0-0.26% on every crypto trade. There are no costs to set up an account and no flat trading fees.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

3. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading

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Avatrade_logo
4
Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.13%

Fees

500

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love AvaTrade because it is a reliable CFD broker, that gives users access to a wide range of markets. As a CFD broker, AvaTrade lets you speculate on the price movements of various crypto markets without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs on many of the biggest cryptos including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and more. 

AvaTrade is also highly regarded for its strong regulatory framework and commitment to security. AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the British Virgin Islands, which means it must adhere to stringent regulatory standards across the world. 

AvaTrade isn’t just well regulated, it also employs advanced security measures to protect client funds and personal information, including segregated accounts and robust encryption technology. 

The fees: There is no commission on any trading. AvaTrade makes money from the Bid/Ask spread instead. Crypto spreads start from 0.13%. Positions left overnight are charged a swap fee that varies depending on size. An inactivity fee of £/€/$50 per month is applicable if you don’t log in to your account for three consecutive months.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

4. KuCoin. Best social trading altcoin exchange

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4
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

Fees

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love KuCoin because it’s a great place for beginners to trade more than 700 altcoins. Kucoin offers a vast range of cryptocurrencies including all the big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, together with hundreds of altcoins and newly released tokens. 

The exchange gives you multiple ways to trade and invest in crypto, including spot trading, futures trading, margin trading, and staking. This choice allows you to choose the method that best suits your trading strategies and risk tolerance. 

Kucoin is a top platform for both beginners and experienced traders. Its intuitive interface is easy to get to grips with and its advanced trading features mean even high volume traders can make use of it. Kucoin also offers an earn feature, where you can generate passive income through staking and lending, making it one of the best all round crypto exchanges. 

The fees: Trading fees are charged on a sliding scale. Fees are 0.1% on trading volumes below 50 BTC in a 30 day period. Discounts are available if you pay fees in KCS or store more than 1000 KCS in your account.

Highlights

Pros & Cons

5. Exness. Best for tight spreads and a pro-style trading experience.

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4
Ratings

$10

Min. deposit

From $0.2 per lot

Fees

300

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Exness because of its tight spreads, which make it a top choice for traders looking to minimize trading costs and maximize profitability. The brokerage offers some of the most competitive spreads in the industry, especially on markets like stocks. Excess offers 80+ stocks via CFDs from some of the worlds largest companies.

Its focus on low trading costs is ideal for both newbies and experienced traders looking to trade with minimal overheads. Exness also stands out for its range of trading terminals. It offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the Exness web terminal. There’s also a dedicated mobile app meaning you’ll be able to always access your account. 

Beginners can take advantage of a free demo account or micro-lots for low minimum trades, while more experienced traders can use the hundreds of pre built indicators available on the MetaTrader suite. 

The fees: Standard accounts aren’t charged a commission but are charged through the spread. Spreads start from 0.3 pips on stocks. Overnight fees apply on some assets (exc. swap-free accounts).

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

Exness does not offer services to residents of certain jurisdictions including the USA, Iran, North Korea and others. The content of the website including translations should not be construed as means for solicitation. Investors make their own and independent decisions. Trading in CFDs and generally leveraged products involves substantial risk of loss and you may lose all of your invested capital.

6. Nexo. Best for earning interest & rewards

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4
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

Fees

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Nexo because you earn rewards every time you make a purchase. You can trade 60+ cryptocurrencies and earn rewards of up to 0.5% on every transaction, then store your coins on Nexo to build your wealth through passive interest payments.

You can trade on the go from a mobile app and Nexo is designed for simplicity. Every trade is locked in at the rate you see on your screen, so you won’t suffer from price slippage, and it has the added bonus that any crypto held in your account automatically starts to earn interest. 

The fees: Nexo charges a 2% spread on buy and sell transactions. There are no fees for storing coins in your Nexo account. Depending on your loyalty tier, you receive a fixed number of free withdrawals, and any additional withdrawals will be charged a network fee. 

Highlights

Pros & Cons

7. OKX. Best for futures and margin trading

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4
Ratings

$-

Min. deposit

Fees

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love OKX because it’s an adaptable and flexible exchange, with an app that’s available in three different versions depending on how you trade. Choose from the beginner-friendly Lite version, Web3 option for NFT traders, or the Pro version for a plethora of trading tools. 

From an app or desktop you can trade 350+ crypto coins on one of the world’s top crypto exchanges. You can fund your account easily, through a variety of simple payment methods, and a sliding scale of fees that means you can access discounts by holding the OKB token or trading high volumes.

The fees: Regular users pay a 0.1% fee on spot crypto trades. OKB crypto holders are entitled to a discount, up to 0.02% off for holding more than 2,000 coins. High volume traders are also entitled to a discount, with the cheapest fees available for traders with a 30 day trading volume above $10,000,000,000.

Highlights

Pros & Cons

What do I need to buy Bitcoin in Rwanda?

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As long as you have a phone or an internet connection you can invest in Bitcoins in Rwanda. However, to make your experience as quick and seamless as possible, these are the things you need to get started.

  • A crypto exchange account. Choose a crypto exchange and set up an account in advance. Then you’re primed to invest in Bitcoin when the price reaches a level you’re happy with.
  • A way to pay. Many people in Rwanda buy Bitcoin with a bank account or card payment. You can also buy crypto with PayPal or another e-wallet. Make sure you have the details of the account you want to use, whether that’s your credit card, PayPal, or a different service.
  • Copy of your photo ID. You usually have to provide ID when you’re buying Bitcoin in Rwanda. Rwandan crypto brokers ask for ID verification in order to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations, which are in place to prevent fraud. 
  • A personal crypto wallet (optional). Once you’ve purchased your Bitcoin, you can choose to either leave it on the exchange or move it to a personal crypto wallet for extra security. To save time, set up a wallet on a popular wallet like MetaMask in advance.

It is possible to buy cryptocurrency in Rwanda without providing ID through a P2P exchange, but these are a bit less secure and more challenging to use, so we suggest only experienced crypto investors go down this path. Most people, on most exchanges, need to provide some form of ID.

How to buy crypto on the best Bitcoin broker in Rwanda

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Follow this short guide to learn how to buy Bitcoin in Rwanda. This method is simple, and is the same process whether you want to buy and sell Bitcoin, or whether you prefer to trade crypto instead. 

Step 1. Sign up to Coinbase

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We recommend Coinbase as the best crypto exchange in Rwanda for Rwandan users.

Step 2. Create an account

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You need to supply some personal contact details, such as your name and email address, in order to set up an account. Many Rwandan crypto exchanges require a form of photo ID as verification before you can use your account to buy cryptocurrency in Rwanda.

Step 3. Deposit funds in your chosen currency

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Go to the bank or deposit section of your crypto trading platform account. Here, you can enter the amount you wish to deposit, choose your preferred payment method, such as a bank account, credit or debit cards, and transfer the money you want to use to buy crypto onto the exchange.

Step 4. Search your favourite crypto

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You purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by first typing the coin name or symbol into the search box. For example, to buy crypto online, search for the symbol, BTC. Then you enter the details of the trade. 

Step 5. Buy cryptocurrency in Rwanda

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Finally, to buy Bitcoin or any other crypto asset, hit the ‘buy’ or ‘trade’ button. Fill in how much cryptocurrency you want to buy, and execute the trade.

 

Step 6. Transfer your cryptocurrency to a crypto wallet (optional)

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Your crypto assets will show up in your exchange wallet once the trade goes through. You can leave them there, or you can move them to a dedicated crypto wallet. 

With a wallet, you have more control over your money, but it’s a bit more inconvenient if you plan on trading regularly. You can learn more about how to find the best Bitcoin wallet in Rwanda below.

What is the best Bitcoin wallet in Rwanda?

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Wallets are private and unregulated, so they are available everywhere, to everyone, rather than being restricted according to where you live. MetaMask and Trust Wallet are a couple of the best crypto wallets and they are available all over the world. 

However, there’s a trend towards crypto services operating as all-in-one platforms, where you can use one account that acts as both your exchange and wallet. The best option for most beginners is to sign up for a service like Binance or OKX, where you can buy crypto on the exchange and then store it on the same platform.

How to choose the best Rwanda crypto app

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Choosing where to buy Bitcoin in Rwanda is important, and the right Rwandan crypto platform can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Things like the exchange fees, storage facilities, and range of altcoins available should all impact your choice.

Here’s some advice on how to find the best way to buy crypto in Rwanda.

1. How much does the exchange charge to trade?

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There can be a big difference in the trading fees charged by each Rwanda based crypto exchange. While all exchanges generally offer low cost cryptocurrency trading, what they charge may vary widely. Taking the time to compare them can save you money. Below is a summary of the different types of fees crypto exchanges in Rwanda charge.

Fee Coinbase fees Kraken fees Finansero fees
Trading fees Yes Yes Yes
Inactivity fees No No Yes
Rollover/overnight fees No No Yes
Withdrawal fees Yes No No
Spreads Yes Yes Yes
Conversion fees Yes Yes Yes
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

Trading fees are usually charged as a percentage of the trade. The best crypto exchange in Rwanda with low fees will charge 1% or less of the trade amount. Some services charge a lot higher. Here’s a look at the specific trading fees each of the top Rwandan crypto trading platforms charge.

Asset Coinbase fees Kraken fees Finansero fees
Crypto Up to 0.6% 0.10% – 0.26% (volume dependent) Spread only
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

You may also have to pay deposit and withdrawal fees. You rarely have to pay for depositing fiat currency via a bank account or credit or debit card, but you may be charged a flat withdrawal fee. There’s often a significant charge for withdrawals made in digital currency.

2. How does the exchange store customer funds?

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Crypto exchanges are available widely, but the important question is whether they are regulated in Rwanda. The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) is the financial body that decides whether crypto exchanges in Rwanda have a license to operate, and decides what type of crypto assets are permitted in Rwanda.

It’s the regulation that provides protection in the event that something happens to the exchange and you lose the money you hold on there. Crypto regulation varies around the world, and in many cases crypto platforms are based outside of Rwanda and licensed to operate internationally by their local regulator. Here are the top Rwandan crypto exchanges and the financial bodies that regulate them around the world.

Region Coinbase regulators Kraken regulators Finansero regulators
Africa
Asia FSA FSA
Australasia AUSTRAC
Europe FCA FCA, MiFID II CySEC
International
North America NFA FinCEN, FINTRAC
South America
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

In addition to the regulation, you want to pick a reputable exchange that stores its customers’ funds safely. The best Bitcoin exchanges in Rwanda should store your funds in segregated accounts and, ideally, in cold storage (offline). Choosing a Rwanda crypto exchange that has been audited by a reputable accountancy firm can give you extra peace of mind.

3. Is the platform easy to use?

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A good user experience means more than being able to navigate around the website with ease. Think about how you plan to trade: are you going to trade from your phone? How are you going to manage your crypto portfolio? Are you after particular analysis tools, charts, or software integrations?

For new users, the focus should be on educational tools, like a demo account, trading tutorials, and walkthrough guides. Here’s a comparison of the resources available from each top Rwandan exchange.

Educational resource Coinbase resources Kraken resources Finansero resources
Demo/virtual account No Yes No
Video tutorials/webinars Yes Yes Yes
Walkthrough guides Yes Yes Yes
Copy trading No No No
Trading academy Yes Yes Yes
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

For more advanced crypto investors, your focus might be on the additional trading tools on offer. These tools can be things like adjustable charts that you can use to track specific technical indicators or identify patterns, or it might be more analysis based, making it easier to assess the state of the crypto market as a whole.

Trading tool Coinbase tools Kraken tools Finansero tools
Charts Yes Yes Yes
News feeds Yes Yes No
Analyst recommendations No No Yes
Fundamental analysis Yes No Yes
Financial calendar No No No
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

Armed with that information you can start to narrow down your shortlist by considering if the exchange suits you. For instance, if you plan to do a lot of trading on the go, then you should focus on the platform that offers the best crypto app in Rwanda.

4. What is the account verification process?

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When you create an account, you’ll often be asked to supply some personal details and a form of ID to verify your identity. It’s normally a prerequisite for any crypto exchange to be regulated in Rwanda.

It’s a good idea to check what the verification process is before you sign up. That way, you can have the relevant documents to hand to create a seamless sign up process. Or, if you want to avoid supplying personal details, you can filter out the crypto exchanges in Rwanda that demand verification in order to use them.

5. How many cryptocurrencies are available?

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You can buy Bitcoin in Rwanda through any cryptocurrency exchange, but beyond that the number of available coins can vary. If you want to trade altcoins, look for a Rwanda crypto exchange that offers a large number of coins and ‘crosses’, where you can swap from one crypto to another. 

6. Which currencies can you deposit?

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For most people, a crypto exchange in Rwanda is a means to transfer local fiat currencies into cryptocurrency. However, lots of crypto exchanges in Rwanda only accept US dollar deposits, which can be an issue if that is not your primary currency.

If you don’t have access to US Dollars, then it might be best to choose a large exchange like Binance or a local exchange that’s specifically designed for crypto traders in Rwanda. 

7. Which payment methods are accepted?

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Decide how you want to pay for your crypto. If you want to fund an account with the best Rwanda crypto exchange using bank transfers or debit card payments, then most Rwandan crypto exchanges accept deposits from bank accounts and you don’t need to worry.

A cryptocurrency exchange in Rwanda is less likely to accept alternative payment methods, like PayPal and other e-wallet services. The larger ones, such as Binance, do accept a wide variety of payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to check whether you can pay how you want before signing up.

8. Does it offer additional features, like staking or lending?

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Think about what you might want to use the exchange for and use that to influence your decision. Do you want to store or stake your coins? Lend them to earn interest, or borrow crypto yourself?

You can buy crypto in Rwanda through any Rwanda based crypto exchange that’s regulated, but not all platforms offer all these services. You may be happy to juggle multiple logins and use different exchanges, but it’s normally easier to use one service, at least to start with.

9. What’s the customer service like?

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One final point to consider is how the exchange deals with its customers and how well it responds to any queries you may have. One way to judge this is by assessing how easy it is to contact them. An extensive help centre or FAQ section is useful, but you should also consider whether there’s a live chat feature or another convenient way to speak to customer support, such as WhatsApp or Telegram.

Support type Coinbase customer support Kraken customer support Finansero customer support
Help Centre/FAQs Yes Yes Yes
Email Yes Yes Yes
Live chat Yes Yes Yes
WhatsApp No No No
Telephone Yes No No
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

Another way to judge how well an exchange treats its customers is to read what those customers have to say about them. There are many third-party review platforms where regular users can rate the service. Use their feedback to help you judge whether a Rwandan crypto exchange is for you.

Review source Coinbase rating Kraken rating Finansero rating
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

What type of Rwandan crypto exchanges are there?

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Most crypto investors use a centralised, global exchange, like Binance or Coinbase. But cryptocurrency exchanges in Rwanda come in different forms. Here is a breakdown of the most common types:

  • Centralised. In a centralised exchange, there is an authority – in this case a company – that operates the service. You create an account and deposit money, and the funds are held by the entity in the middle. When you make trades, they go through the central authority. The biggest crypto exchange, Binance, is an example of this type of platform.
  • Decentralised. On decentralised exchanges there is no central authority. Instead, buyers and sellers deal with each other directly, and the crypto trading platforms are just the mechanism for connecting them. You can’t create an account, the crypto is sent from one wallet to another when a transaction takes place
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P). A peer-to-peer exchange operates like a decentralised exchange, but there’s still a central body that acts as the intermediary. Each side in a transaction makes the payment, and the central body releases the funds as soon as both sides have sent money.

Can I buy traditional financial assets on a crypto exchange in Rwanda?

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On some platforms you can, but a better option is to sign up for a dedicated service that offers the specific assets you want to trade. The best trading platforms in Rwanda allow you to buy and sell stocks, while the best forex brokers in Rwanda is best for currency trading. The best forex brokers in Rwanda offer a mixture of all these assets.

Which crypto exchange in Rwanda has the best user reviews?

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We surveyed our Rwandan users to find out which crypto exchange provided the best service to everyday people, just like you. Below we’ve summarised their findings, with each exchange ranked out of five.

Review source Coinbase rating Kraken rating Finansero rating
View more > Coinbase > Kraken > Finansero >

To summarise

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To invest in cryptocurrency in Rwanda, whether that’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or something else, you need to sign up to a crypto exchange or app. Preferably one that’s regulated in Rwanda by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), so that your funds are protected online.

This guide explains how to buy cryptocurrency in Rwanda using a top crypto exchange in a simple, straightforward way. You can invest in Bitcoin as a means to find a long term store of value or short term speculation. Consider which approach you want to take when choosing the best app to purchase Bitcoin in Rwanda, then choose a low-cost, intuitive platform to start your crypto journey.

FAQs

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01

Is cryptocurrency legal in Rwanda?

02

Can I buy Bitcoin in Rwanda?

03

Is it safe to buy Bitcoin in Rwanda?

04

What is the best Rwanda crypto app to buy Bitcoin?

05

What’s the best crypto broker for beginners in Rwanda?

06

What’s the cheapest crypto exchange with the lowest fees in Rwanda?

07

What’s the safest crypto exchange in Rwanda?

08

Which Bitcoin wallet is best in Rwanda?


Sources & references

James Knight

James Knight

Editor of Education

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James is the Editor of Education for Invezz, where he covers topics from across the financial world, from the stock market, to cryptocurrency, to macroeconomic markets. His main focus is on improving financial literacy among casual investors. He has been with Invezz since the start of 2021 and has been...