Welcome to Democratic Republic of the Congo 😊
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often referred to as DRC, is a country located in central Africa. With a population of over 85 million, it is the second-largest country in Africa by area and the fourth-largest in the world. DRC is rich in natural resources, including diamond, gold, and copper, and the country has a complex history of colonialism, war, and political instability. Despite these challenges, DRC has a vibrant culture and is home to several ethnic groups, with Lingala, Swahili, and French being the official languages of the country. While there are still some ongoing conflicts in certain areas, the government and people of DRC are working towards stability and welcoming visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of the country.
Quick Facts About Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Currency: Congolese franc
- Population: Over 85 million
- Languages: French,Lingala,Swahili
Money and Finances
The currency in Democratic Republic of the Congo is the Congolese franc (CDF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, as well as 1, 5, and 10 francs. Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs in Democratic Republic of the Congo are not widely available. They can be found in main cities and towns, but it is advisable to bring cash and traveler's checks with you in case of difficulty accessing an ATM.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is advisable to bring cash and traveler's checks with you, as these are more widely accepted. While Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted, American Express is not widely accepted.
Internet and Phones
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a slow average internet speed of 1.8 Mbps for downloads and 0.6 Mbps for uploads. There are reports of government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The major telco companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are Vodacom Congo, Airtel Congo, and Orange DRC. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $10-15 USD per month. There may be compatibility issues with some sim cards.
Dialling to Democratic Republic of the Congo
To call the Democratic Republic of the Congo from another country, dial +243 followed by the area code and phone number. The following area codes are used within the country: 1 for Kinshasa, 2 for Bas-Congo, 3 for Bandundu, 4 for Équateur, 5 for Nord-Kivu, 6 for Sud-Kivu, 7 for Maniema, 8 for Katanga, and 9 for Kasai-Oriental and Kasai-Occidental.
Transport Around Democratic Republic of the Congo
Air Travel
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a few major airports, including N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi International Airport, and Goma International Airport. These airports offer domestic and international flights.
Train Travel
The inter-city train network in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is limited, with only a few routes available. Some example fares and journey times include: $50 for a 10-hour journey from Kinshasa to Matadi.
Metro / Local Trains
There is currently no metro system in the major cities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Buses
The bus network in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is extensive, with both local and long haul services available. Some example fares and journey times include: $20 for a 6-hour journey from Kinshasa to Matadi.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are not available in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, there are local ride-hailing services such as AfrikaTaxi that offer relatively cheap travel options.
Driving by Car
Driving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be challenging due to poor road conditions and unpredictable drivers. The speed limit is generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h in rural areas. The country uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tipping is not customary. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, and it is respectful to use titles such as 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' when addressing someone. Women may also curtsy as a sign of respect. When speaking with strangers, it is customary to engage in small talk before getting to business matters. Men and women generally address each other formally, especially in professional settings.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is underdeveloped and lacks adequate resources. Medical facilities are scarce in rural areas, and patients are often expected to pay for consultations, medications, and treatments upfront. Travelers are advised to have comprehensive health insurance and carry enough cash to cover potential medical expenses. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor ranges from $50 to $200.
COVID Situation
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to other countries in the region. The government has implemented measures to control the spread of the disease, including the mandatory wearing of masks in public places and the suspension of international flights. However, the true extent of the pandemic in the country is difficult to assess due to limited testing and a weak healthcare infrastructure.
Common Health Risks
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a high-risk area for various tropical diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, and cholera. Travelers are advised to take appropriate precautions, such as using mosquito nets, taking anti-malaria medication, and getting vaccinated before arrival. Other common health risks include food and waterborne illnesses, respiratory infections, and injuries from road accidents and crime.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol consumption is allowed but can be restricted in certain areas during holidays and other special events. However, alcohol production and sale is regulated by law, and anyone caught selling alcohol without a license may face legal consequences.
Recreational Drugs
The possession and use of illegal drugs, including soft drugs such as cannabis, is strictly prohibited in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Those who are caught using drugs may face severe penalties, including long imprisonment or deportation. Drug trafficking is a serious crime, and those caught with large quantities of drugs may even face the death penalty.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are generally accepted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, although some communities may still hold more conservative views on the matter. There are no laws which prohibit them, and it is typically seen as a personal choice.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex relationships are illegal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are punishable by law. The country is known for its homophobic attitude, and the LGBTQ community is subject to discrimination and mistreatment. It is advised for individuals in same-sex relationships to exercise caution and discretion.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is highly regulated by law. Those wishing to own a firearm must obtain a license and meet certain requirements, including background checks and firearms training. The government heavily restricts the use of firearms, and any misuse or possession of unlicensed firearms is considered a serious crime.