Congo (Democratic Republic)
Despite chaotic conditions, business meetings have kept an air of formality. Business people should wear lightweight suits and ties. Interpreter and translation services are available, as business is mainly conducted in French. Commonsense courtesy and European traditions of social etiquette apply. Hands are shaken with men and women on first meeting and on leave-taking. Do not address people by first name until invited to do so. Since the end of the Second Republic in 1990, "Monsieur," "Madame," and "Mademoiselle" are the usual forms of address.
Tipping, known locally as mahtabish ("something extra") is part of almost every transaction conducted with Congolese. "Tips" are expected for even routine job performance, particularly in the public sector where salaries are low and often unpaid. Gifts are often expected by decision-makers, in both the public and private sectors. The use of a local agent or representative is essential in conducting business in the DRC.
Office hours are 0730-1500 Monday to Friday, 0730-1200 Saturday.
Dire economic circumstances coupled with sustained political turmoil and a bloody civil war have exacerbated the crime rate in the DRC, and criminals are well-armed. Vehicle thefts, armed carjackings, and burglaries have become common occurrences in all areas, especially in the cities. Civil disturbances are prone to erupt without warning especially in urban areas and sometimes overtake unwary expatriates. Due to a violent colonial past, most foreigners are looked upon as accomplices to the violent and the corrupt system that ruled since the country gained independence. Caution must be exercised at all time and traveling alone is to be avoided at all costs. There has been an increase in the number of muggings and armed robberies committed in the "Cité" (where the majority of Kinshasa's residents live). Although expatriates do not reside in the Cité, it does border on the Gombe section where there are expatriate residential sites.
No element of the government is capable of adequately providing assistance to a crime victim, let alone in a timely fashion. In fact, government employees are often the perpetrators of criminal acts. Summoning the police for assistance in all but the most severe emergencies (i.e. homicide) may only serve to exacerbate the situation.
Accommodation is essentially restricted to the main cities, and is virtually non-existent in the interior. The few hotels that cater for European visitors are expensive and generally booked up well in advance. The majority of hotels are in Kinshasa, with others in Muanda, Boma, Matadi, Mbanzangunu, Mbandaka, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, Kolwezi, Kerning and Kisangani.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 243 and the outgoing international code is 00. Internal telephone service is often unreliable and exists only in major towns. A few hotels have fax facilities. Post offices are generally open from 0800 to 1800 Monday to Saturday
Electricity is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Social conventions
Casual clothes are widely suitable although scanty beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Photography: A permit is required. Even then, local authorities are likely to be sensitive. Avoid official areas, airports and riverbanks.
C,D
There are a number of good restaurants in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, but prices are high. Hotels and restaurants which cater for tourists are generally expensive and serve international and national dishes. Small restaurants and snack bars offer Chinese, French and Belgium food.National specialties:
• Moambe chicken with rice and spinach.
• Fried yams.
• Corn and beans.National drinks:
• Paupau paradise.
• Pineapple bugada.
• White elephant (coconut, rum and milk).Tipping:
10 per cent service
charge is added to hotel and restaurant bills. Extra tipping is unnecessary.Nightlife
Kinshasa is the best place for nightlife, especially in the sprawling township of the Cité, where most of the population live. In spite of recent political turmoil, the local music scene is thriving. There are hundreds of dance clubs in Kinshasa. Congolese music is popular throughout Africa as well as in Europe and the USA.
