Scam in DR CongoChanging money
Poor exchange rates at businesses in DR Congo
How it works
Businesses set their own dollar-to-franc conversion rate. An unfavourable rate can make a purchase cost more than expected, especially if you only discover the rate when paying.
Warning signs
- The conversion rate is not explained before payment.
- The total changes when you switch currencies.
- The business uses a rate that differs sharply from other quotes you have checked.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the total in the currency you will use.
- Confirm the conversion rate before agreeing to buy.
- Count your change before leaving.
- Compare rates before a large purchase.
If it happens to you
Ask the seller to explain the calculation before completing payment. Keep the receipt if you need to dispute the charge.
- Get to a safe place. If threatened, avoid a physical struggle and put your safety first.
- Seek urgent medical care for injuries or suspected poisoning.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer about suspicious payments.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amounts and any vehicle details. Save receipts and booking records.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference for insurance.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are stranded or you need serious assistance. Notify your insurer and a trusted contact.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the poor exchange rates at businesses scam in DR Congo?
Businesses set their own dollar-to-franc conversion rate. An unfavourable rate can make a purchase cost more than expected, especially if you only discover the rate when paying.
How can I spot it early?
The conversion rate is not explained before payment. The total changes when you switch currencies. The business uses a rate that differs sharply from other quotes you have checked.
How do I avoid poor exchange rates at businesses in DR Congo?
Ask for the total in the currency you will use. Confirm the conversion rate before agreeing to buy. Count your change before leaving. Compare rates before a large purchase.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask the seller to explain the calculation before completing payment. Keep the receipt if you need to dispute the charge.
Where in DR Congo does this happen?
Businesses accepting dollars and francs, including airport establishments. It has been reported in Kinshasa.
How common is this scam in DR Congo?
Occasional. Travellers face theft, demands for bribes, fake police and inflated prices, especially in Kinshasa. Serious risks include robbery by taxi drivers and people posing as police; conflict and limited medical care add dangers beyond scams.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when you can do so safely. Ask a trusted local or your accommodation to help you find a police station. Request a written report or reference. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's official contact channels for a lost passport, serious crime or help when stranded. Bank or card issuer: use the bank's app or official contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims or assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and records of losses. Hotel management or transport provider: report incidents involving a room, driver or arranged airport service. Give the booking details and keep a record of the response.
Reviewed by @snuck