What does groceries cost in Kinshasa?

Basic groceries in Kinshasa cost: milk (1L) ($2), bread (500g) ($1), rice (1kg) ($3), eggs (12 pack) ($3), chicken breast (1kg) ($6), apples (1kg) ($3), bananas (1kg) ($2).

What does dining out cost in Kinshasa?

Dining out in Kinshasa: inexpensive meal ($8), mid-range restaurant meal ($50), local beer ($2), coffee ($4).

What does housing cost in Kinshasa?

Average monthly rent in Kinshasa: 1-bedroom apartment in city center ($1204), 1-bedroom apartment outside center ($461), 3-bedroom apartment in city center ($2585), 3-bedroom apartment outside center ($1035).

What does transportation cost in Kinshasa?

Transportation costs in Kinshasa: public transport ticket ($0.50), monthly transport pass ($21.37), taxi starting fare ($5.50), gasoline per liter ($1.02).

What does utilities cost in Kinshasa?

Monthly utilities in Kinshasa: basic utilities for 85m² apartment ($241), mobile phone plan ($28), internet ($70).

What does entertainment cost in Kinshasa?

Entertainment costs in Kinshasa: gym membership ($65), movie ticket ($13), theater ticket ($15).

What does personal care cost in Kinshasa?

Personal care items in Kinshasa: toothpaste ($2), haircut ($9), deodorant ($4), shampoo ($4).

What does clothing cost in Kinshasa?

Clothing prices in Kinshasa: jeans ($42), dress ($33), sneakers ($103), leather shoes ($77).

What does healthcare cost in Kinshasa?

Healthcare costs in Kinshasa: cold medicine ($4), antibiotics ($8), doctor visit ($25).

What does education cost in Kinshasa?

Education costs in Kinshasa: preschool (monthly) ($725), international school (monthly) ($4800).

What does other expenses cost in Kinshasa?

Costs in Kinshasa include: averageSalary ($350), tablet ($385), tv ($318), microwave ($113), laundryDetergent ($10).

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Image by MONUSCO Photos via wikipedia

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa City Guide

Kinshasa

Explore Kinshasa City Guide

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located on the Congo River. It is busy and lively, known for music, markets, and culture. The city faces infrastructure and safety challenges but offers an authentic experience for visitors.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️

Food Scene

Good

Local dishes like Moambe chicken are popular. Options range from street food to upscale places like Majestic River and Koi Zen. Late-night spots serve goat meat and beer.

Local Dishes:

Moambe chicken

International Cuisine:

Majestic River, Koi Zen

🌙

Nightlife

Excellent

Kinshasa has an energetic nightlife with clubs and bars in neighborhoods like Matonge and Chez Ntemba. Music and dancing are highlights.

☕

Coffee Culture

Limited

Cafe Kivu offers good coffee and a work-friendly vibe. Broader coffee culture details are limited.

💰

Tipping

Not Required

Tipping customs are unclear.

Top Attractions

Musée National de Kinshasa

Culture

Museum showcasing local history and culture.

Palais de la Nation

Sightseeing

Government building and presidential residence.

Mount Mangengenge

Nature

Mountain about an hour away with hiking and views.

SIM Cards

SIM cards are sold in kiosks and shops. Providers include Vodacom, Airtel, and Orange. Plans start at about $5 for 5GB data.

Available at:

• Vodacom kiosks

• Airtel shops

• Orange shops

Recommended Apps

TransferWise(Finance)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness

Poor

The city is busy and chaotic with sanitation challenges.

24/7 Services

Poor

24/7 services are limited, but mobile veterinary clinics like Véto-Mobile Kinshasa operate round the clock.

Groceries

Marché Central

Marché de Matete

Marché de la Liberté

Marché Gambela

Fresh produce and goods are found at markets like Marché Central and Marché de Matete. Expect to bargain prices. Information on supermarkets and opening hours is limited.

Cashless Payments

Cash preferred

Cash is preferred, though some places accept cards.

ATMs

ATMs from local banks like BCDC and Rawbank are common, but some may charge fees. International banks like Ecobank and United Bank for Africa are popular with expats.

Schools

Local only

Information about schools is limited and unclear.

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces

Available

Available Spaces:

LumumbaLab

Shared innovation space with WiFi and AC, open weekdays and Saturdays.

COWO Kinshasa

Shared office and networking space.

Bureau E

Popular coworking with high-speed internet.

TEXAF Digital Campus

Center for entrepreneurs and digital economy training.

RH-Consulting

Offers private and hot desks with city views.

Congo Workspace

Located in Gombe with virtual office services.

Silikin Village

Largest coworking space in Central Africa.

Work-Friendly Cafés

Limited

Cafe Kivu

Good coffee and solid Wi-Fi for work.

Questions Café

Comfortable spot with reliable Wi-Fi.

Meraki Spa

Peaceful place to work with massages available.

Alternatives:

Bibliothèque de Kinshasa

National library good for reading and studying.

Digital Nomad Community

Limited

Nomads connect via Kinshasa Entrepreneurs Club, expat Facebook groups, and meetups at places like The Lounge.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces

Good

Parks and river walkways offer green space access, including Parc de la Vallée de la Nsele and Mont Ngaliema.

Running

Poor

Walkways along the Congo River offer running space but safety is a concern, especially when alone or at night.

Gyms

Available

Gyms and sports complexes like Cercle Elais and Amicale Sportive Kinoise offer fitness and swimming options.

Available Gyms:

• IRON GYM

• BALLERS HOUSE

Tennis

Poor

Tennis courts may be found at sports complexes, but details are limited.

Padel

Poor

No known padel courts in Kinshasa.

Yoga

Poor

No specific yoga studios found; Meraki Spa offers wellness treatments.

Martial Arts

Poor

No clear info on martial arts availability.

Skiing

Poor

No skiing options in Kinshasa.

Water Sports

Limited

Swimming pools and water activities are available at clubs like Yacht Club Kinshasa and Cercle Elais. Jet skiing is offered.

Surfing

Poor

No surfing spots near Kinshasa.

Diving

Poor

No diving or snorkeling sites nearby.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare

Poor

Healthcare quality is generally low, with limited emergency services. No general emergency medical number; hospitals must be contacted directly. Expect challenges accessing care.

Hospitals:

• Clinique Ngaliema

• Mater Dei Hospital

• Kinshasa General Hospital

Pharmacies:

• Pharmacie Centrale

• Pharmacie de Gombe

Tap Water Safety

Not recommended

Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.

Common Scams

Locals asking to take photos then demanding payment, Taxi drivers overcharging or not using meters, Helpers at ATMs trying to skim cards or watch PIN, People throwing paste on you then helping to clean while pickpocketing, 'Friendly' strangers seeking financial help, Express kidnappings posing as police to withdraw money

Community & Family

Family Friendly

Limited

Some attractions like the Kinshasa Zoo and Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary are kid-friendly. Limited info on other family facilities.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Poor

Information on LGBTQ+ friendliness is limited; general acceptance seems low.

Pet Friendly

Limited

Veterinary services are available with some mobile clinics open 24/7. Pet-friendly accommodations or parks are unclear.

Communities

Kinshasa Entrepreneurs Club (Business)

Expats in Kinshasa Facebook groups (Social)

Quick Facts

Population

11,855,000

Power Reliability

Poor

3/10

Frequent power outages; electricity runs at 230V, 50Hz with Type C and F plugs.

Mountains

Available

Mount Mangengenge offers hiking and fresh air about 30 km from the city.

Languages

French(68.5%)

Lingala(50%)

Swahili(30%)

Kikongo (Kituba)(25%)

Tshiluba(20%)

Emergency

118

Fire Department

112

Police Emergency

117

Child Helpline

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊

Tsunami

Very Low Risk

🏔️

Earthquake

Low Risk

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