Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
#137
-4.321853, 15.311837
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 12 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Congolese Franc (CDF); 1 USD ≈ 2,000 CDF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is typically 230V, 50Hz, with Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Airtel and Orange; 4G coverage is available in many areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Rawbank and Ecobank; international transfers may take longer. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is still widely used, though mobile payments are growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses are available in the city for around $10-30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kreative Coworking in Gombe offers good infrastructure for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kivu offers a pleasant environment with decent WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups can be found through platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | A Facebook group titled 'Expats in Kinshasa' facilitates community interaction. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Kinshasa and is recommended for safer transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are not widely available, but biking is a popular local activity. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Congo River has several beach areas that can be reached within an hour. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Congo Airways offers flights within DRC and nearby countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major routes include the N1 highway connecting to other parts of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main station is Kinshasa Central Station, though rail travel is limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options include buses and 'taxi-bus'; no formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Kinshasa to nearby cities like Matadi and Kisangani. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinique Ngaliema is one of the best hospitals in Kinshasa. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | There are limited yoga studios, but some gyms offer group classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Fitness Factory are popular gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many guesthouses and hotels offer laundry services for a fee. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular food delivery service in Kinshasa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Saka Saka, a dish made from cassava leaves. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; some local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Patisserie provides a range of delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché Central provide affordable fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia operates in DRC and offers e-commerce options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumia Food offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Gombe district has a lively nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de l'Océan is a local brewery worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | N/A; wine bars are limited, but some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is popular, with options like grilled meat skewers and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Italian and Lebanese restaurants are available in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the People's Palace and the Kinshasa Presidential Palace. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo showcases cultural artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kinshasa Memorial and other colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fespam (Festival de la Musique) celebrates Congolese music annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Gombe district features art galleries and cultural spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Marche de Matete for a genuine local market experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Congolese rumba and soukous music is integral to the local culture. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for street murals around the university area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options available through local hospitality schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art is a leading art gallery promoting local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old railway station and various colonial buildings are significant. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Congo's rich heritage is reflected in its music, dance, and arts traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Go to the Zongo Falls, just a few hours from Kinshasa. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lola ya Bonobo Park is a sanctuary for bonobos. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; caution advised when walking in urban areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The banks of the Congo River offer beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in parks like Kinshasa Botanical Garden. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated parks and picnic areas in and around the city. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops offer phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French language classes are available at local institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a quiet spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Kasinos in Kinshasa provide entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., a 80 m² apartment = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., a 80 m² apartment = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% dividend tax rate. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system; individuals taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max personal income tax rate is approximately 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is set at 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 10% on property transactions. |