Cost of Living in DRC (Congo) 2021

Since 2021, the Congolese have become accustomed to a sluggish economy. Shop owners struggle to survive while citizens rely on their government jobs for income. Over the past 7 years, DRC has been plagued with corrupt leaders and a fragile political state that led to civil war.

This instability forced many would-be entrepreneurs to abandon their endeavours and seek employment in the government or in the private sector. However, out of necessity, shop owners have resorted to unconventional means of making a profit. These include selling handmade trinkets instead of genuine products, and buying goods from sellers on the street in order to sell them at an inflated price

Despite these measures by local business owners, prices continue to climb leaving people unable to meet even their most basic needs. However, the average daily wage in 2021 is estimated to be $1.25, barely enough to purchase a loaf of bread.

Moreover, the current minimum wage in Kinshasa is just above $0.70 because the government cannot afford to pay more money. Without further ado, below is a detailed analysis on the cost of living in DRC as of 2021.

Public Holidays in Congo 2021

Congo has all kinds of public holidays, some that are unique to Congo and others that happen in many other countries. Let’s take a closer look at the public holidays in Congo 2021.

New Year’s Day: January 1st

This is the start of each year. It is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Congo. As a result, it is a great time to spend with family and make resolutions. It is also a holiday on which many people will be traveling for this reason there are lots of traffic jams on the road. Congolese youth celebrate New Year’s Eve by going out on the streets to dance, meet new friends or love ones, and drink alcohol.

Easter Monday: April 24th

This day is the Monday after Easter. The holiday is celebrated by doing something with family or friends. It can be anything from going to eat out or having a barbeque at home with your neighbours. People also take the opportunity to reconnect with relatives they haven’t seen in a while.

May 1st Labour Day: May 1st

This holiday is on May 1st. It celebrates the contributions of the labour class to the economy. People go out on the streets with their families, friends, or co-workers and eat pancakes while hanging out downtown. When it gets dark people have fireworks displays.

June 30th Independence Day: June 30th

This is the day that Congo declared independence from Belgium. It is a big holiday in Congo. People spend most of their time outdoors visiting parks, celebrating with family or friends, or just strolling around downtown. Because this is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Congo, it can be difficult to find flights, hotel rooms, or buses at this time.

Official Holiday Summary in Congo 2021

• January 1^st
• New Year’s Day January 2^nd
• Epiphany February 18^th
• National Unity March 25^th
• Easter April 24^th
• Easter Monday May 1^st
• Labour Day June 30^th
• Independence Day July 14^th
• Martyr’s Day September 24^th
• Eid al-Fitr December 25^th
• Christmas March 18^th
• Anniversary of the death of Thomas Sankara April 4^th
• Good Friday May 1^st
• International Labour Day

Getting a Work Permit in Congo as an Expat

Getting a work permit might seem easy but you will need the following things: an employment contract, a letter from your embassy stating that you are not a spy and actually have reasons for working there (and if possible a few stamps on it) and lastly some character references.

Normally, the first two of those listed above should be provided by your employer but you can give yourself a head start by asking them for the information. This will allow you to have it ready when your visa is due to be renewed.

Moreover, your embassy should also provide character references after they have done a full background check on you. If you use the same employer for all of this, then that should speed things up. Or, if they have vouched for you previously then you will not need to provide the employment contract again (although they should ask for this anyways).

The process can be done entirely at the immigration office or after some people have gone through it this way, you are allowed to spread it out over several trips. You’ll need at least two working days before your visa expires (a week might bej safer) so you should leave at least three weeks to get your work permit sorted.

How to Get a Residence Permit

If you are working in the public sector then this is not necessary. On the other hand, if you are working for a company that has more than 10 local employees or is running medical services then it will be expected. The requirements are similar to the work permit, but this time you will need to provide proof of payment of taxes and a criminal background check.

As a rule, residence permits cannot be done at the immigration office but must be arranged at your local police station. This can take up to three months so make sure you give yourself enough time. Do not attempt to renew your visa while you are waiting for your residence permit to be sorted out.

That’s why, before you start making plans to move to Congo, check the website of the embassy in your country. Take a look at other websites about living there for advice on what to expect from the process. After this process, you can proceed to whatever you’d like to do in Congo as an expat.

Top 7 Jobs for Expat in Congo

Have you ever wondered how your life would look like if you were born and raised in Congo? You might not be able to answer this question yet. But, once you get a taste of the African culture and lifestyle, it is highly unlikely that you will want to go anywhere else.

Nowadays there are several opportunities for expats in Congo; no matter what your experience level is, there are jobs suitable for you. We will share with you some of the most rewarding positions that can be found on this African country. These positions include everything from well-paid jobs to volunteer positions, and they include the following.

Teacher

In Congo, there are thousands of people who have no access to education. Many school-aged children do not attend class because their parents feel that they cannot afford the monthly fee. However, if you want to give back to a community in need and at the same time, make a good living for yourself, then working as a teacher is the best option for you.

If you are passionate about teaching, you should consider working as an English teacher in Congo. The African culture is rich with different cultures, customs and traditions. If an expat was to start writing short stories that are set somewhere in Africa, then it would be quite challenging to describe all these aspects.

To become a teacher in Congo, you have to have a degree from your home country. If you lack experience, you can get a certificate after attending an intensive in-class seminar in Congo.

Computer Technician

Believe it or not, many people living in Congo do not have access to computers. This does not mean that they are not interested in technology; this means that they simply cannot afford it. If you are a computer enthusiast and want to help aspiring young people learn how to use this technology, then you should become a computer technician.

You can offer your service either in Congo or from overseas. This profession is in high demand all over the country, so if you know something about computers and have a little bit of spare time, you can make some extra money by helping others get connected with the world.

Volunteer

There is plethora of opportunities for expats in Congo when it comes to volunteer positions. Even though you might be living on a tight budget, there are still several rewarding opportunities that will not cost you anything. One option is to take up volunteering at an orphanage.

By helping out children who have lost their parents, you can give back to the community while also making a positive impact on the orphans’ lives. There are other options that do not include children, but they can be equally rewarding.

Volunteering at an animal shelter will also allow you to meet different kinds of pets while at the same time giving back to society by helping abandoned animals find new homes. If this is not for you, then consider helping out at a local school.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in DRC (Congo)

Are there lots of bugs?

The insects in DRC Congo are mostly very small, except for the mosquitoes which are plentiful during certain months. Although they can cause discomfort, but not considered dangerous. There are also some ants that can bite, but again the problem is not serious and we do not take into account these insects when considering whether it is dangerous to live in DRC Congo or not.

Is it safe? Can I travel around freely?

Safety in DRC Congo is an illusion for many people who come to live here with the idea that everything is dangerous and that no liberty is allowed here. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that there are regions which are not completely safe for foreigners, but in general, travelling around DRC Congo (in Kinshasa and Goma at least) does not pose any particular problems.

How much does it cost to live in Congo?

Because of high inflation, the cost of living varies from day today. Generally speaking, rent costs between 1,000 and 2,000 Congolese francs per month for a house or apartment. A loaf of bread generally costs between 500 and 700 Francs. Transportation costs around 10 Francs for a bus ride and 75 for a taxi.

How do I live with locals if I don’t speak French?

Most Congolese people understand Basic English and French words. However, in most areas of the country, you will be hard-pressed to find anyone who speaks English. If you learn some basic phrases in French or Swahili you should do just fine when conversing with local Congolese people.

Conclusion

Living in DRC is one of the things you need to put in your 2022 budget. If you’re just relocating to Africa for the first time, we advise you to research about the weather conditions and everything you need to know. Nonetheless, you’ll never regret moving to this country, as there are friendly locals.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (known as DR Congo, DRC or formerly Zaire) is a country in Central Africa. It borders the Central African Republic and South Sudan to the north; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania to the east; Zambia to the south; Angola to the southwest; and ex-Katanga Province in the northwest.

As discussed earlier in our recent post about moving to this country, there are more to explore. The country is extremely rich in natural resources, but these are located almost entirely in the eastern part. If you’re reading this, chances are that you have already agreed to live in the DRC Congo.

However, few people know what it’s really like to be a foreigner living here. To help new residents get started with their lives here, we’ve put together a list of some things you should know before living in the DRC. But before we unleash that, the capital city, Kinshasa, has a lot to offer expats in the country.

And this is because it’s known to have approximate population of 10 million people thus; making it one of the largest cities in Africa. Not only is that, but also a common destination for refugees from other nations. On the flip side, poverty levels are also very high. Besides, it is estimated that 70% of the country’s population lives under $1.25 a day.

Aside from telling you everything you need to before living here, we are keen to explain the cost of living. So, if you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in the DRC, worry less, as we’ve got you covered here. Would you love to see what we have today? Read further for more!

10 Things to Do in DCR as an Expat

The people of Congo have been known for being giving and smiling from the times when beautiful things were a part of life which is a good starting point if you are an expat. There are plenty of things to do in Congo as an expat.

It is not only about the amazing culture and history, but there are many opportunities for expats like you to make new friends, find community or learn something new. Below are the 10 things to do in DCR as an expat.

1.       Traveling With Pygmy Children in the Rain Forest

Traveling with Pygmy children in the rain forest is one unforgettable experience that expats living in Congo will never forget. Since 1998, the “Pygmy Safaris” have been conducting tours for people who want to experience the life of a Pygmy and interact with them in their environment.

Depending on your Congo itinerary you can go deep into the rain forest on foot, by dugout canoe or on motorcycles. These are remote areas seldom travelled by Westerners and you will see an area that few outsiders have ever seen. During your stay with the Pygmies, you can learn about their way of life, traditions and customs; how they hunt, fish and build shelter.

You may even be able to share a meal together made from forest plants & animals such as crocodile, monkey, antelope or rat that may be caught during your time in the forest. Pygmy children in the rain forest always seem to have a smile on their face especially when they are hunting with you in the jungle.

2.       Visiting Gorillas in the Wild

There are only a handful of areas in the world where you can safely go to visit gorillas in their natural habitat and one of them is the rain forest of Odzala National Park. Gorilla tracking expeditions with a qualified guide will take you deep into this lush, green Congo jungle. 

Gorilla tracking is best done in the early morning when it’s cool and misty with light rain called “mugu” in Lingala. Guides are familiar with gorilla trekking routes since they have logged over 100 hours of experience with this particular group of gorillas, enabling them to predict which areas they will be moving into next.  

Your chances of seeing a gorilla are about 85% since there are only two habituated family groups in Odzala National Park. Meanwhile, you have to consider the 2% chance that you won’t see any gorillas at all. If your Congo itinerary allows it, another option is to do a gorilla trekking adventure to see Mountain Gorillas in neighbouring Rwanda.

3.       Hiking the Ruwenzori Mountains

One of my favorite places to hike is the Ruwenzori Mountains in Rwanda, a mountain range known as Africa’s “Mountains of the Moon”. High altitude hikes are also one of the highlights of living in Eastern Congo where you can hike to over 4000 meters. 

Hiking Ruwenzori has been something I’ve wanted to do since I first read about it over 20 years ago, but it’s also on my wife’s bucket list.    For some reason both expeditions are not allowed during the rainy season. That’s too bad because it would be a totally different experience in the rain forest during that time of year.

In October 2004, my wife and I finally made it there when we were in Uganda for a conference, but were not able to do any hiking in Rwanda due to the rainy season.   The only option was to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda.

4.       Taking a Shopping Trip to Brazzaville

It’s very easy to get to Brazzaville since it’s just a short 30-minute ferry ride across the Congo River from Kinshasa.    The best time to go to this capital city of Congo is on a Saturday, and you should plan your visit for early in the day before the stores close down at 4:00 in the afternoon.

You can find almost anything in Brazzaville since it’s an open market city with several different stores selling items made out of wood, local fabrics and jewellery. You can’t take any suitcases larger than 14″ X 21″, but you are allowed to bring home a few hand-carved souvenirs in your carry-on luggage.

5.       Riding in an African Bush Taxi

If you like nature and want to catch a glimpse of it as you travel, taking an African Bush Taxi is one way to do it. These buses take tourists deep into the Congo jungle where they can see waterfalls, animals, birds and plants.

Bush taxis are very different from bush taxis in other parts of Africa because they are almost as comfortable as a caravan. There is an air conditioner in the back, and the entire inside of this bus has been decorated to look like a big wooden hut with a bed, a couch and even a table for your backpack or suitcase.

The driver will usually stop somewhere along the way for a few hours so you can take a walk into the forest or go on a boat ride in a nearby lake. Moreover, a trip to the Congo rainforest is best made between April and October when it’s dry season in this part of Africa.

6.       Catch a Fish in the Congo River

If you like fishing or catching edible crustaceans, here’s a chance to do both at once while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Congo River. There are several fishing tour companies in Kinshasa that offer trips down the Congo River.   You might even get to keep one of the fish you catch if you are lucky.