DRC Congo Travel Tips, Information

Language

The Official Language of DRC is French but there are other common languages like Swahili, Tshiluba, Lingala being the largest native language.

Currency

Franc Congolais (CDF) is the currency of the Congo. The banknotes are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 francs, while coins are in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes. The most common bills in circulation are 50, 100, 200, and 500 francs.

Time

Being a large country it is Congo is on two different time zones: Central Africa Time (UTC+1) and West Africa Time (UTC+2).

Electricity

The Congo uses the standard European plug, which is 220V/50Hz. Most electrical outlets are Type C, Type E, or Type F

Communications

+243 is the dialing code for DRC and telephones are found in all the major cities in the country. Of course cell phones are the most used and reliable means of communication.

You will access internet at most of the hotels you will visit. Most restaurants also have WIFI.

Duty-free

People over the age of 18 are allowed to import one bottle of alcohol and 227 grams of tobacco, 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes without incurring customs duty.

Cameras, as well as a reasonable amount of personal-use perfumes may be imported temporarily by tourists. All gifts, audio equipment, and radios are subject to tax. Those who need to bring in ammunition and arms must have an import license.

Tourist Office

The Tourism Office, Kinshasa-Gombe: +243-893-22-38, +243-815-0916-25, +243-816-871-184.

Consulates in the Congo

US Consulate, Kinshasa: +243-81-556-0151 German Consulate, Kinshasa: +243-89-48-201 or +243-89-48-202 Consulate of the Netherlands, Kinshasa: +243-9800-1140 or +234-9800-1142 Canadian Consulate, Kinshasa: +243-9960-21-500 Spanish Consulate, Kinshasa: +243-81-88-43-195 Consulate of Austria, Kinshasa: +243-83-107 British Consulate, Kinshasa: +243-98-169-100 or +243-98-169-111

Emergency

Emergency services: +242-6-665-4804