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.

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