Republic of the Congo: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types C and E, 230 V. Emergency: Police 117, Fire 118. Tipping: Not expected; round up in restaurants and give small tips to guides and drivers. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Republic of the Congo Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and E, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

Police	117
Fire	118

Tipping

Not expected; round up in restaurants and give small tips to guides and drivers.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies
Malaria: Risk throughout the country year-round; antimalarial tablets recommended

Apps To Download Before You Go

MTN MoMo: Mobile money is the standard way to pay and transfer; MTN Mobile Money is the leader.
Airtel Money: The other main mobile money service.
Yango: Ride-hailing app operating in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Heetch: French ride-hailing app present in Brazzaville.
WhatsApp: The standard way to reach hotels, guides and drivers.
Trip.com: Easiest way to book the domestic flights and international connections between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Facebook: Many local businesses and events are found only on Facebook.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A formal handshake is standard; French is the administrative language alongside Lingala and Kituba.

Dress and respect. Dress modestly and conservatively, and show deference to elders and officials.

Checkpoints. Expect ID checks on the road; keep document copies and stay calm and courteous.

Safety And Scams

Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire are calmer than DRC's Kinshasa, but several governments still advise increased caution or against travel to certain areas (including the Pool region's history of unrest); petty crime and bribery at checkpoints are the most common issues.

Bribery at checkpoints. Unofficial 'fees' are sometimes requested by police/military; travel with a local contact where possible.

Overcharging foreigners. Agree taxi and market prices in advance.

Women travelers. Extra caution advised, particularly outside the two main cities and after dark.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Use Caution

Same-sex relations have been legal since 1940, but the law sets an unequal age of consent (21 for same-sex acts vs. 18 for opposite-sex), there is no marriage equality or anti-discrimination protection, and social stigma is significant; there are no laws restricting LGBTQ+ expression or association.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	approx. 1,800 CFA	approx. $3
Local bus or metro ride	700 CFA (shared taxi)	approx. $1.20
Mid-range restaurant meal	approx. 10,000 CFA	approx. $17
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	approx. 20,000 CFA	approx. $33
Mid-range hotel (night)	approx. 90,000 CFA	approx. $150
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	approx. 80,000 CFA	approx. $130

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

June to September (dry season, 'cool' season) is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity.

Phrases

Basic French phrases · Basic Lingala phrases · Basic Kituba phrases · Basic Kikongo phrases