Language
Overview
The official language is French, as well as four national languages: Chiluba, Kikongo, Lingala (commercial language) and Kingwana (a Kiswahili dialect). Other languages spoken include Luvena, Chokwe, Gbaya and Kituba (over 400 languages in total).
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
01/04/2022 Commemoration for the Martyrs of Independence
01/17/2022 Folk Heroes Day
05/01/2022 Labor Day
05/17/2022 Liberation Day
06/30/2022 Independence Day
01.08.2022 Parents Day
11/17/2022 Memorial day in honor of the military
12/25/2022 Christmas
Source: Top-mba-universities.com
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into the Democratic Republic of the Congo: 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g 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. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Import regulations
An import permit is required for firearms or ammunition.
Prohibited Imports
satellite phones, GPS receivers and military clothing.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sulgenheimweg 21, PO Box 2235
Bern
Switzerland
+41 (0)31 371 35 38.
http://www.missionrdcgeneve.ch
http://www.missionrdcgeneve.ch
Mon-Fri 10am-3pm.
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(Also responsible for Austria.)
Honorary Consulate General without a visa in Bremen. Honorary Consulate in Dusseldorf.
Ulmenallee 42a
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 30 11 12 98, +49 (0)30 30 11 12 96, +49 (0)30 30 11 12 85, +49 (0)30 30 11 16 85, +49 (0)30 30 11 16 93.
http://www.ambardc.de
http://www.ambardc.de
Mon-Fri 9.30am-3.30pm.
Honorary Consulate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(With visa issue.)
Ignaz Köck Strasse 8
Vienna
Austria
+43 (0)1 21 16 61 06 30.
Appointments by telephone agreement.
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. The internal telephone network is limited to the larger cities and is often unreliable.
Mobile phone
GSM 900/1800. Mobile network in Greater Kinshasa. 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. Those who use mobile phones in public run the risk of becoming victims of robberies.
Internet
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, 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 hours: Mon-Sat 08.00-18.00.
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 for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
