Congo - Kinshasa

Travel tips for Congo - Kinshasa: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Recent travelers in 2025 report that cash is required for daily expenses like ride-hailing and food; bring plenty of USD or use mobile money apps to get cash, as ATMs charge steep $10 fees and frequently run out of money.

Try the food

  • Poulet à la Moambé: A rich, savory stew made of chicken simmered in a thick palm nut extract, often served with cassava leaves.
  • Fufu: A dense, sticky dough made from boiled and pounded cassava or plantains, used to scoop up sauces and stews.
  • Liboke: Fresh river fish or meat seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices, then steamed inside banana leaves.
  • Chikwangue (Kwanga): A fermented cassava bread wrapped tightly in banana leaves, offering a distinctively sour flavor and chewy texture.

Say it in French

  • Hello: Bonjour
  • Thank you: Merci
  • Please: S'il vous plaît
  • Excuse me: Excusez-moi
  • How much is this?: C'est combien ?
  • The bill please: L'addition, s'il vous plaît
  • Yes / No: Oui / Non
  • Goodbye: Au revoir

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type D / Type E
Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
112 (Police), 118 (Fire)
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Vodacom or Airtel at N'djili Airport upon arrival, but be prepared to show your passport and visa for mandatory registration.

Etiquette

Always greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' before asking a question or starting a transaction, as skipping the greeting is considered highly disrespectful.

Airports in Congo - Kinshasa