Congo (Democratic Republic Of) Communications

Telephone

Country code: 243. Internal telephone service is often unreliable and exists only in major towns. Satellite or cellular telephones are often used by international organisations.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Note: Using a handset in public can attract unwanted attention and make the user a target for robbery.

Internet

Available, though power shortages may cause difficulties. There are Internet cafes in Kinshasa.

Post

The country is included in the Universal Postal Union and the African Postal Union. Airmail to Europe takes officially takes four to 18 days but in practice can take much longer.

Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1700.

Media

The Congolese media operate against a backdrop of political power struggles and sometimes violent unrest. The press has been able to criticise the Government bodies in certain publications but the media still do so at the risk of threats and possible violence. There are several daily newspapers; many more publications appear sporadically. There are many privately-run TV and radio stations. Church radio networks are growing, but the state-controlled broadcasting network reaches the largest numbers of citizens.

Press

• The daily newspapers are in various African languages.
• The main newspapers are L’Analyste, Boyoma and Mjumbe.

TV

Radio-Television Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) operates state-controlled terrestrial and satellite TV.
Television Congolaise is a Government commercial station run by RTNC.
Canal Kin and Raga TV are private stations.
Antenne E is a private, commercial station.
Canal Z is a commercial station.

Radio

Radio Okapi is UN-backed and aims to become the only media outlet with national coverage and to enable dialogue across the political divides; available on FM and shortwave.
La Voix du Congo is state controlled and operated by RTNC, broadcasting in French, Swahili, Lingala, Tshiluba and Kikongo.
• The BBC and Voice of America can be heard in Kinshasa via Raga FM.
• Kinshasa listeners can hear Radio France Internationale broadcasts from neighbouring Brazzaville.
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement

Travel Deals

Advertising features
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Spot the holiday killer - Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.

Quick links