Useful tips
What should I bring with me to Kinshasa?
- A yellow fever certificate – this is mandatory and you may be asked for this on arrival
- A photocopy of your passport – as it is always advisory to carry your ID with you
- Insurance – you are responsible for arranging your own travel cover
- Credit card – Visa, American Express and Master Card are accepted at the main hotels and some restaurants. However do not always rely on this and it is better to carry some funds in cash.
- Medical Kit – always a good option just in case
- Malaria tablets and mosquito spray – you are in a malarial zone
- Your mobile phone – you can buy a local SIM for less than $10
Important information
New Departure Tax for all visitors!
On March 30, 2009, the DRC introduced a new departure tax for air passengers, called the "Redevance de Développement des Infrastructures Aéroportuaires" (IDEF). The IDEF fee is US$50 per passenger boarding any international flight, and US$10 per passenger boarding an in-country flight. The IDEF proof of payment (called "Go Pass") is available at designated kiosks and banks or at airports, including the N'djili Airport. Passengers who do not have an IDEF proof of payment will not be permitted to check in or board their flight.
Water
Do not drink from the tap. Bottled water is readily available.
Time
GMT +1 in the west (Kinshasa)
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round two-pin attachment plugs
Language
French is the official language, but Lingala, Kingwana, Kikongo and Tshiluba are the main local languages
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.
Customs
Do not take photographs of uniformed officials or any military equipment and installations; in general be discreet when taking photographs in public places.
Communications
The international dialling code for the DRC is +243 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0033 for France). 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.
Climate
The climate is Kinshasa in March usually can be changeable with a minimum temperature of 22C and maximum of 32C, on average during this period there is 5 hours of sunlight per day and average precipitation per month is 196 mm, with 12 days of rain. We therefore recommend take light clothing and also some protection from the rain.
Currency
The Congolese Franc ( CDF) is the legal currency in the DRC. Banknote denominations are CDF 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Settlement in foreign currencies such as US Dollars and euros is allowed. In general the US dollars is the most widely accepted currency, and we advise participants to bring this currency. Please note however that notes should be in pristine condition, otherwise they may be refused!