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Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
#137
,
Nomad Score:
43%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located on the banks of the Congo River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 14 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 10-15 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,000 CDF (Congolese Franc). Major banks include BCDC, Rawbank, and the Congolese Postal Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates at 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available mobile providers include Vodacom, Airtel, and Orange. SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks and shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Various international banks like Ecobank and local options. Services like TransferWise can be used for money transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb and local listings on Jumia House. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property sites like Afrikrea offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Kinshasa Hostel and guesthouses like La Fleur are available. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Gombe area is popular for its nightlife, attractions, and accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Gombe and Ngaliema provide access to coworking spaces and amenities with a better infrastructure. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWO Kinshasa offers shared office space and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kivu on Avenue Colonel Mondjiba is known for its good coffee and conducive working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events often organized by the Kinshasa Entrepreneurs Club and Expats in Kinshasa Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups and social gatherings at venues like The Lounge and local expatriate organizations. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify is widely used, but traditional taxis are also available and can be arranged through hotel concierge services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited, but some local companies provide bike rentals in specific areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Kivu, located approximately 4 hours away, is the closest beach escape. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Congo Airways operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route National No 1 connecting to various regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Kinshasa serves as the primary transit station for rail travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No standardized public transport passes; fares are typically paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis (shared vans) are commonly used for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinique Sainte Anne and Hopital Ngaliema are among the best medical facilities in Kinshasa. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Kin is a popular place for yoga enthusiasts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Planet offers various fitness programs and facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie du Fleuve offers laundry services across various districts. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most popular app for food delivery in Kinshasa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fufu and moambe chicken are must-try dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like La Ville des Saveurs provide vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Boulangerie Gâteaux d'Or is known for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercure Market offers local goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kinoz is a notable online marketplace for local products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Kasavoo offers grocery delivery services in Kinshasa. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gombe district is known for its nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Kinshasa produces local beers popular among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Maison du Vin offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Gombe offer popular snacks like brochettes and grilled plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants are prevalent, with places like La Pizzeria being well-reviewed. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame du Congo and the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum and L'Institut National des Arts showcase Congolese art and heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort de la République offers a glimpse into the colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica of Kinshasa is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Kinshasa Jazz Festival attracts local and international talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Marche des Artisans showcases local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centre Culturel de l'Ur présence offers performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kinshasa's Zando Market is popular for local goods and artisan crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city is renowned for its vibrant music scene featuring Congolese rumba. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art scene around Central Kinshasa, particularly in Gombe. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes that focus on traditional Congolese cuisine are offered at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Huit showcases contemporary Congolese artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is an architectural highlight, though not open to the public. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kinshasa is rich in cultural heritage, with influences from numerous ethnic groups. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parc de la Vallée de la Lua offers green spaces and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Virunga National Park is about a 6-hour drive away, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Congo River walkways allow for recreational walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Mont Ngaliema for scenic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lac Tumba is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas along the Congo River offer bonfire-friendly locations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like COTRAL provide parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops can be found in Gombe, with quick service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreation centers in residential areas often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering French classes are available throughout the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque de Kinshasa is a popular spot for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events and activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming spots can be found in various entertainment complexes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Le Casino de Kinshasa provides gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio costs around $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio costs around $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment costs around $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment costs around $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment costs around $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment costs around $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system with a varying tax rate based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on estimated value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 2% when purchasing property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Limited tax benefits, expats should seek local advice for specific situations. |