Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Overview
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Democratic Republic of Congo
Capital
Kinshasa.
Geography
According to a2zgov, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the third largest African state, borders the Central African Republic and Sudan to the north, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania to the east, Zambia and Angola to the south, and the Congo Republic and the Angolan enclave of Cabinda to the west. The only 27 km long coastline at the confluence of the Congo in the Atlantic offers the only sea access. The Congo is the second largest river in Africa. The country offers various landscapes, mountain ranges in the north and west, the Congo Basin in the interior, the highlands of Shaba in the south and the volcanoes and lakes of the Kivu region. Tropical rainforests lie on the western border with the Republic of the Congo.
Government
Form of government: Republic. Semi-presidential system of government since 2006 according to the constitution. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has an authoritarian regime. Presidential republic from 1978 to 2006. New constitution from 2006. Senate and National Assembly with a total of 608 members, election every 5 years. After taking power in 1997, the former President Laurent-Désiré Kabila ordered the renaming of Zaïres in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Independent since 1960 (former Belgian colony).
Head of state
Joseph Kabila, since 2001. His term of office officially ended on December 19, 2016. New elections are to take place in April 2018. Until then, Kabila wants to continue the presidency.
Head of government
Bruno Tshibala, since April 2017.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz available in the larger cities. Generator sets are often used inland.
MONEY
Currency
1 Franc Congolais = 100 Centimes. Currency abbreviation: FC, CDF (ISO code). Due to the domestic political situation, the approved banknotes are constantly changing. Banknotes in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 FC are currently in circulation. Coins only exist as collectibles. Payment in US $ is common.
Credit cards
MasterCard and Visa are only accepted in the two large hotels in Kinshasa (Memling and Grand Hotel), on the airlines SN-Brussels and Air France, and in large supermarkets. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. It is hardly possible to withdraw cash with a credit card in banks. There is a great risk of abuse here.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 7.30am-11am and sometimes 2.30pm-4pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export of the local currency prohibited. Unlimited import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare from the equivalent of US $ 10,000. Export of foreign currencies only up to the equivalent of US $ 10,000 (excluding business and transit travelers).
Currency Exchange
The US dollar is the only currency in the country that has real value and is used as a common means of payment. US $ and Euro can easily be exchanged in banks and exchange offices. Receipts are to be kept. Sometimes you can also pay with euros.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is French, as well as four national languages: Chiluba, Kikongo, Lingala (commercial language) and Kingwana (a Kiswahili dialect). In addition, Luvena, Chokwe, Gbaya and Kituba are spoken (over 400 languages in total).
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into the Democratic Republic of the Congo duty-free:
100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 bottle of alcoholic beverages;
Perfume for personal use;
1 camera when running again.
Import restrictions
Radios, CD / MP3 players and gifts are subject to duty.
Import regulations
An import permit is required for firearms or ammunition.
Prohibited imports
Satellite phones, GPS receivers, and military clothing.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. The internal telephone network is limited to the larger cities and is often unreliable.
Cellphone
GSM 900/1800. Cellular network in the greater Kinshasa area. Main providers: Congo GSM (Internet: www.africanwireless.com), Celtel Congo (Internet: www.cd.celtel.com/fr/index.html or www.msi-cellular.com), CELLCO, SAIT Telecom, Supercell Sprl, Vodacom Congo and Intercel Congo. There are roaming agreements with numerous international providers, including German providers. Cell phones can be rented from local telephone companies. Anyone who uses cell phones in public is at risk of being robbed.
Internet
There are internet cafes in Kinshasa. Internet / email access is often hampered by power outages.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes 4-18 days, often longer. Post office opening times: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Beautiful souvenirs include handcrafted bracelets, ebony carvings, and local paintings. You can get everything from fresh ginger and basketry to beautiful African wood carvings in the markets and shopping centers. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Kinshasa offers the most interesting nightlife, most of which takes place in the Cité district. There are many nightclubs and live open-air music clubs.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
50% Catholics, 20% Protestants and 10% other Christian faiths (mainly Kimbangists). 10% followers of natural religions and 10% Muslims.
Social rules of conduct
Casual clothing is accepted everywhere; swimwear belongs on the beach or swimming pool. Taking photos: You need a permit to take photos, and even then difficulties cannot be ruled out. Public buildings and facilities should not be photographed. Tip: 10% service charge is added to all hotel and restaurant bills, extra tips are unnecessary.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The climate depends on the distance from the equator. Dry season in the north of the equator from December to February, rainy season April to October, south of the equator dry season April to October, rainy season November to March. Temperatures are high almost everywhere all year round with high humidity. Pleasant mountain climate in the Kivu region, at high altitudes (1500-4000 m) temperatures between 6 ° C and 20 ° C
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +243 Area (km2) 2345410 Population 79375136 Population density (per km2) 34 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No
