Democratic Republic of the Congo Basics

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The Basics

Time: GMT +1 in the west (Kinshasa) and GMT +2 in the east.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round two-pin attachment plugs and round pin plugs with grounding.

Money: The official currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF). Credit cards have a very limited use, as do traveller cheques, usually only in Kinshasa. It is best to take US dollars in hard currency. Banks are closed on weekends and credit cards cannot be used to obtain cash advances. The economy is highly unstable in the Congo, and therefore denominations of currency and exchange rates are subject to change at short notice.

Currency Exchange Rates
CDF100.00 =	US$ 0.12	£ 0.07	C$ 0.13	A$ 0.13	R 0.94	€ 0.08	NZ$ 0.16

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: French is the official language, but Lingala, Kingwana, Kikongo and Tshiluba are also spoken.

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter the DRC.

Passport/Visa Note: All foreigners entering the DRC require a visa obtained in advance, as well as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If no diplomatic representation in country of origin, visas will only be granted on arrival to passengers holding a pre-notification letter issued by the Direction Generale de Migration officials. Documents and tickets for return or onward travel are required. Tourist visas are valid for three months.

Travel Health: Yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry for everyone over one year, and vaccinations against cholera, meningitis, typhoid and polio are highly recommended. Large numbers of cases of acute watery diarrhoeal syndrome have been reported in North Kivu province (easter DRC) since September 2008. In many instances these have been fatal. In areas of poor sanitation it is not advisable to drink water unless it has been treated by boiling and filtration or with a chemcial purifier. There is a significant malaria risk throughout the country, and advice should be sought in advance about preventive measures. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is endemic to the DRC, and monkeypox occurs, which is a virus usually transmitted to humans from infected ground squirrels and rodents. Regular outbreaks of pneumonic plague also occur, particularly in the district of Ituri, and is fatal if left untreated. An outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus occurred in September 2007. The Centre Prive d'Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. However, medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) would be advised as soon as possible. Outside Kinshasa, western standard medical facilities are practically non-existent. Visitors are advised to take their own basic medical supplies with them, as medicines are in short supply. Medical insurance with provision for emergency air evacuation is essential for visitors. All water should be regarded as contaminated, and milk is unpasteurised, therefore consume only imported bottled water and avoid dairy products.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills and further tipping is unnecessary. In general, tipping (known as 'Mahtabish' or 'something extra') is a way of life and it is routine to give some small change for all services.

Safety Information: Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to the DRC because of continuing tension and insecurity. The east and north east of the country are insecure and travellers should be cautious if travel to the region is necessary, particularly near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda. All travel to Bas-Congo should be avoided. There are frequent armed clashes in the district of Ituri near the Ugandan border, as well as Kivu province and northern Katanga. There is a high level of street crime and armed robbery, particularly in Kinshasa, where armed gangs or criminals posing as plain-clothes policemen regularly attack foreigners. Security officials have also been known to arrest foreigners and demand payment for their release. Do not display valuables on your person, walk the streets alone or carry large amounts of money, and keep car doors and windows locked. Demonstrations and political gatherings should be avoided. Boats and ferries are poorly maintained and have low safety standards; on 16 January 2005 an overcrowded ferry on the Kasai River sank, killing 35 people. The DRC also has one of the world's worst air safety records. Due to violent attacks, the border between Angola and the DRC is now closed.

Local Customs: Do not take photographs of uniformed officials or any military equipment and installations; in general be discreet when taking photographs in public places.

Business: By rights, the Democratic Republic of Congo should be one of Africa's richest countries due to its abundance of natural resources, yet it has suffered from corrupt leadership and extensive civil war. The business world in the DRC is relatively undeveloped and one has to ensure business is conducted with the correct (legal) establishments. The principal language used is French and interpreters are available. Business tends to be formal and suits should be worn, although a lightweight material is best due to the heat. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, closing at 12pm on Saturdays.

Communications: The international dialling code for the DRC is +243 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). International direct dialling is available. Domestic telephone connections are unreliable. There are GSM 900 and 1800 networks with variable coverage and roaming agreements covering Kinshasa, but it is unwise to use a mobile phone in public because of the likelihood of robbery. There are some Internet cafes in Kinshasa, but power failures can be a problem.

Duty Free: Visitors to the DRC may import 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol; perfume for personal use and a camera to be used for touristic purposes, without paying customs duty.