The medical care cannot be compared with Europe, it is often problematic in terms of technology and equipment, the hygienic standards are fundamentally inadequate and catastrophic in the interior of the country. In many cases there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. The Center Médical de Kinshasa (CMK), Avenue de Wagenia 168, BP 95 86 Kinshasa, Tel: (00243) (089) 50 300, corresponds to some European standard. All treatments, including emergencies, must be paid for in advance in cash. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Most medicines are available in the capital Kinshasa, but very expensive – temporary bottlenecks can never be ruled out. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take out travel health insurance with the option of picking you up. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers over one year old. This does not apply to transit passengers who do not leave the airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the yellow fever endemic zone, vaccination is strongly recommended. [2] A vaccination certificate against cholera is not an entry requirement. However, valid proof of a cholera vaccination may be required upon entry. The risk of infection, which mainly affects the local population, is high. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently affected by a cholera epidemic. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is recommended obtain medical advice in good time before the start of the journey. [3] Year-round protection against malaria nationwide required. The predominant dangerous form of malaria tropica is usually fatal in non-immunized Europeans if left untreated. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water is not germ-free and should either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a major problem in the country and a major risk for everyone who takes risks of infection: especially sexual contacts, but unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can also pose a life-threatening risk. Outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis do occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. Cases of the plague are common, especially in the Ituri region in the north-east of the Orientale province. With 1,000 plague cases per year, Ituri district is the most affected area in the world. Protection against rats and fleas through safe sleeping places and more frequent linen changes as well as keeping away those who are already sick reduce the risk of infection. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. The sleeping sickness occurs across the country, but mainly in the provinces of Equateur and Bandundu. Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended. The hemorrhagic Ebola fever also occurs in areas that are not developed for tourism. Rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt.
Health certificate
For a work permit (work visa), a Certificat Médical in French must be presented. An HIV test is not currently required.
Money
Currency
1 Franc Congolais = 100 centimes. Currency code: FC, CDF (ISO code). Due to the domestic political situation, the banknotes allowed are constantly changing. Banknotes are currently in circulation in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 FC. Coins only exist as collectibles. Payment is usually in US$.
Credit cards
Mastercard and Visa are only accepted in the two large hotels in Kinshasa (Memling and Grand Hotel), on the airlines SN-Brussels and Air France, and in large supermarkets. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With a credit card (Visa) and pin number, money can be withdrawn at a few ATMs in larger cities. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash (US dollars). Further information from banks and financial institutions.Warning: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank before they travel whether they can use their card.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 07.30-11.00 and sometimes also 14.30-16.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export of local currency prohibited. Unlimited import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare from the equivalent of US$ 10,000. Export of foreign currencies only up to the equivalent of US$ 10,000 (business and transit travelers are excluded).
Currency Exchange
The US Dollar is the only currency in the country that represents real value and is used as a common means of payment. US$ and Euro can easily be exchanged in banks and exchange offices. Receipts are to be retained. Sometimes you can also pay in euros.
