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NEWS

Democratic Rep. Congo ( Zaire )

INTRODUCTION
VISITOR INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION
BOOKS AND MAPS
MUSIC

CLIMATE

The climate is tropically hot and humid in the lower western and central regions, which frequent heavy rains from October or November through May south of the equator and from April to November in the north, whilst along the equator itself there is only one season. The higher regions of the east, though, have fairly temperate weather. Average annual temperatures are 25°C (77°F) in the low central basin and 17° to 20°C (63° to 68°F) at altitudes of 5,000 ft. Average annual rainfall in Kinshasa is 56 inches while in Lubumbashi it is 45 inches.

Climate Chart for Kinshasa

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all visitors and they are expensive. You may to be asked to show you have sufficient funds to support your stay . Passports are required by everyone with the exception of children under 6 years of age, travelling on their parents passports as long as they are accompanied by the passport holder.

MONEY

Official Currency: Congolese Franc (CDF)
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards have a very limited use as do traveller cheques. It is best to take US Dollars in hard currency .

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking: Monday to Friday : 0800-1130
Shops: Monday to Saturday 0800-1800

LOCAL TIME

Dem. Rep. Congo is one hour ahead of GMT in the west part of the country and 2 hours ahead in the east part.

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights into Dem Rep. of Congo Air France - Flights from Europe to Kinshasa KLM - Flights from Europe to into Kinshasa Domestic Flights There is a domestic service from Kinshasa to the main towns throughout the country. All flights must be paid for in foreign currency. Hewa Bora Airways
Train:	The main railway line serves Lumbumbashi to Ilebo, with a branch to Kalemie via Kabalo and Kisangani.
River:	There are boats and barges travelling up the Congo river from Kinshasha to Kisangani, which you can jump onto at Lisala or Bumba. This is a wonderful way to see the country if you are not limited on time. There are no regular timetables and often the boats run out of fuel or get stuck on sand banks. Many people rely on the river for their livelihood, they meet the boats in canoes ("piroques") to sell food and wares to passengers. Photo - sellers rushing to meet the boat to sell their wares (33kb) Photo - Sunset on the Congo river (25kb)
Bus:	Bus service run to main towns but these are unreliable and very crowded.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Maps & Atlases for Sale
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Road conditions are extremely poor, at the best of times but during the rains they are for the most part impassable with many bridges down. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. There are few car hire companies, and they are probably the best source of information with regards to restrictions of travel for tourists.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Year's Day
4th January	Commemoration of Martyrs of Independence
1st May	Labour Day
20th May	Anniversary of the Mouvement Populaire de la Revolution
30th June	Independence Day
1st August	Parents Day
14th October	Youth Day
17 November	Army Day
25th December	Christmas Day

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - view
Round pins with ground - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Dem.Rep. Congo, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.

	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....

	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .

	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.