Expatriates Forums in Congo-DRC

SHOPPING IN D.R. CONGO / D.R. CONGO SHOPPING GUIDE

Congo-DRC Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:19 am

Author: Congo-DRC Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:19 am

SHOPPING IN D.R. CONGO

Local craftware includes bracelets, ebony carvings and paintings. The large towns all have markets and shopping centers, selling everything from fresh ginger to baskets and African carvings.

Shopping hours

Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1800.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1130.

Currency

Franc Congolais (CDF) = 100 centimes. Owing to the precarious nature of the economy, the denominations of the currency are subject to rapid change.

Note: The Franc Congolais has been revalued.

Currency exchange

Because of the parlous state of the economy, the only true repository of value is the US Dollar. Free circulation of foreign currencies is now allowed within the country. Note that purchase of airline tickets within the country can be made only with money exchanged officially.

Credit & debit cards

The use of MasterCard and Visa is limited to Kinshasa’s major hotels. Credit cards cannot be used to obtain cash advances at banks.

Traveller's cheques

Not recommended. Commission fees are very high, and traveller's cheques are not accepted outside Kinshasa.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is limited to US$10,000. The export of foreign currency is unlimited.

FOOD & DINING IN D.R. CONGO / D.R. CONGO DINING GUIDE

Congo-DRC Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:18 am

Author: Congo-DRC Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:18 am

FOOD & DINING IN D.R. CONGO

GENERAL

There are a number of good restaurants in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, but prices are high. Hotels and restaurants which cater for tourists are generally expensive and serve international and national dishes. Small restaurants and snack bars offer Chinese, French and Belgium food.

National specialties

• Moambe chicken with rice and spinach.

• Fried yams.

• Corn and beans.

National drinks

• Paupau paradise.

• Pineapple bugada.

• White elephant (coconut, rum and milk).

Tipping: 10 per cent service charge is added to hotel and restaurant bills. Extra tipping is unnecessary.

NIGHTLIFE IN D.R. CONGO / D.R. CONGO NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

Congo-DRC Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:17 am

Author: Congo-DRC Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:17 am

NIGHTLIFE IN D.R. CONGO

Kinshasa is the best place for nightlife, especially in the sprawling township of the Cité, where most of the population live. In spite of recent political turmoil, the local music scene is thriving. There are hundreds of dance clubs in Kinshasa. Congolese music is popular throughout Africa as well as in Europe and the USA. Home entertainment such as dinners, small parties, and card games are also popular. Other cultural events including local dance shows and art exhibits occur from time to time as well.

Travellers who are interested in knowing about Kinshasa’s nightlife after taking those risks into consideration will want to know about two neighbourhoods in Kinshasa. One is Gombe and the other is Matonge. These are the two neighbourhoods in which most of the nightlife of the area can be found. The latter tends to be trendier and more upscale, but it also tends to close down a bit earlier than its counterpart.

Travellers, especially females, should know that much of the nightlife in Kinshasa includes something of an illicit nature. To put it more bluntly, prostitutes are frequently found at Kinshasa clubs. This is true of the small clubs as well as the larger ones. One of the most popular clubs, which is known for having this and which is also recognised as one of the safer places in Kinshasa, is Ca Va Nana, which is located near the Meming Hotel. Speaking of hotels, the hotels in the area also often have bars and travelers may find that these are a safer option than nightclubs for enjoying the nightlife.