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Lots of scams

Middle Africa

Tourist scams in DR Congo

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.
  1. 1 TheftVery commonPickpocketing in busy marketsThieves take money, phones or other valuables from pockets and bags. Busy markets give them chances to get close.Markets in larger cities and other public places. 1Read
  2. 2 Airport and borderCommonAirport bribe demandsCorrupt officials or police ask travellers for bribes during airport procedures. These demands are separate from airport charges that come with receipts.Kinshasa 3Read
  3. 3 Fake officialsCommonFake police asking you to enter a carPeople claim to be police to take your money or valuables. A group of men may show a fake police identity card and tell you to get into their car to go to a police station.Kinshasa 2Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonCar-door snatchingOpportunist thieves try unlocked car doors and snatch bags or other belongings from inside.Kinshasa 1Read
  5. 5 TaxisCommonTaxi price premiums for visitorsTaxi rates vary widely. Drivers may add a premium for passengers they perceive as foreign, particularly those who do not appear to be of African descent.Kinshasa 3Read
  6. 6 ShoppingCommonInflated opening prices for artArt sellers start with high asking prices and expect bargaining. A visitor who accepts the first price can pay far more than the price the seller would accept.Kinshasa 2Read
  7. 7 Airport and borderCommonUninvited airport bag helpersVolunteer 'helpers' crowd around arriving passengers and offer to carry bags. They expect tips, even when the traveller did not clearly request a paid service.Kinshasa 2Read
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalSmash-and-grab theft at intersectionsThieves smash a vehicle window and grab visible valuables before escaping.Kinshasa 1Read
  9. 9 TaxisOccasionalTaxi diversion and robberyA driver takes a passenger to a remote location and robs them.Kinshasa 2Read
  10. 10 Fake officialsOccasionalFake police road abductionFake police in an unmarked 4x4 stop a lone driver. They force the person into their vehicle, drive into the countryside, steal their belongings and leave them stranded. Foreign drivers can be targeted.Kinshasa 2Read
  11. 11 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rates at businessesBusinesses 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.Kinshasa 1Read
  12. 12 Hotels and roomsOccasionalTheft risk in poorly secured hotel roomsFlimsy door locks and ground-level windows that do not lock can leave rooms and belongings exposed to theft. Missing curtains can also leave possessions visible from outside.Hotel rooms outside the biggest cities, particularly rooms with weak doors or accessible windows. 2Read
  13. 13 Food and drinkOccasionalLocal gin adulterated with methanolSome dishonest vendors mix toxic methanol into local gin. Drinking it can cause blindness and serious poisoning.Vendors selling local gin. 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • N'djili International Airport, KinshasaBribe demands, uninvited bag helpers, taxi risks and potentially unfavourable business exchange rates.
  • Le marché des valeurs, KinshasaArt sellers quote high opening prices. Bargaining is expected.
  • Le Surcouf, KinshasaArtists approach customers to sell their work. The same bargaining advice applies as at Le marché des valeurs.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Arrange airport pickup through trusted local contacts or a travel agency.
  • Use drivers recommended by people who have used them.
  • Agree on the total fare before leaving.
  • Avoid driving alone, especially after dark.

Money

  • Confirm the price, payment currency and exchange rate before buying.
  • Count change before leaving the counter.
  • Carry cash in more than one secure place.
  • Bargain when buying art at Le marché des valeurs or from artists at Le Surcouf.

Cards and ATMs

  • Do not rely entirely on cards; acceptance is limited.
  • Use an ATM at a bank or another controlled location where possible.
  • Cover your PIN and put cash away before leaving.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available separately from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Lock car doors before setting off.
  • Keep bags, phones and cameras out of sight in vehicles.
  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in markets.
  • Keep hold of your luggage outside the airport.

Where you stay

  • Check door and window locks before accepting a room.
  • Ask to change rooms if a door or accessible window cannot be secured.
  • Keep valuables away from uncovered windows.
  • Store spare cash and important documents securely.

Police and officials

  • Be wary of people without uniforms who claim to be police.
  • Do not enter a car because someone shows a police identity card.
  • Stay calm and respectful during encounters.
  • Keep airport documents, luggage tags and payment receipts accessible.
  • Ask a trusted local companion for help if an encounter becomes difficult.

Nights out

  • Avoid local gin of uncertain origin because it may contain toxic methanol.
  • Choose drinks from sellers you trust.
  • Arrange a trusted driver for the return journey.
  • Keep your phone and cash secure when out.

What travellers say about DR Congo

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How serious is the scam risk in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The overall risk is high. Pickpocketing, bribe demands and inflated prices occur, while some taxi and fake-police incidents involve serious robbery. Conflict creates additional dangers beyond scams.

How should I handle someone claiming to be police?

Be especially wary if they are not in uniform or ask you to enter a car. A police identity card can be fake. Stay calm, do not enter the vehicle and leave if you can do so safely.

What should I watch for at Kinshasa airport?

Watch for unexplained payment demands and people taking your bags without agreement. Keep your luggage tag stub, travel documents and receipts ready. Arrange a trusted pickup before arrival.

Are taxis safe to use in Kinshasa?

Some drivers have taken passengers to remote places and robbed them. Use a driver recommended by trusted local contacts or arranged through a travel agency. Agree on the fare before departure.

How can I protect my belongings in a car?

Lock all doors before setting off. Keep bags, cameras and phones out of sight and away from windows. Thieves may open unlocked doors or smash windows at intersections.

Where should I be most alert for pickpockets?

Busy markets in larger cities are a particular concern. Keep your bag closed and in front of you, and avoid carrying a phone or wallet in a back pocket.

Should I bargain when buying art?

Yes, at Le marché des valeurs and when buying from artists at Le Surcouf. Opening prices can be much higher than the final negotiated price. Compare pieces and decide your limit before bargaining.

Can paying in dollars make a purchase more expensive?

Businesses can set their own exchange rates. Ask for the total in your chosen currency and confirm the rate before paying. Check the calculation and your change.

What should I check before accepting a hotel room?

Check that the door and accessible windows lock properly. Be cautious about flimsy locks and uncovered ground-level windows. Ask for another room if you cannot secure it.

Is local gin safe to drink?

Some vendors adulterate local gin with toxic methanol, which can cause blindness. Avoid gin of uncertain origin. Seek urgent medical care if you suspect poisoning.

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