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Digital Nomad Guide to Congo | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Congo

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Congo is not a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Congo are Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma. Digital nomads like living in Congo because of its low cost of living, its vibrant culture, and its diverse landscape. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 in Congo. This budget should cover basic living expenses such as food, transportation, and accommodation. The culture of Congo is diverse and vibrant. It is a mix of African, French, and Belgian influences. Congolese culture is known for its music, art, and cuisine.

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How do I meet people in Congo?

When we asked people living in Congo about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Congo often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, expats can join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Congo. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending church services, volunteering, or joining a local gym," said one expat who made the move to Congo.

What is life like in Congo?

When we asked people living in Congo what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Congo can be both exciting and challenging. The country is rich in culture and natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore and experience the local way of life. However, the infrastructure is still developing, and the political situation can be unstable at times. Expats and digital nomads should be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Despite the challenges, many expats and digital nomads find Congo to be a great place to live and work, with a vibrant and welcoming community," explained one expat living in Congo.

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Where should I live in Congo?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding a place to live in Congo can be a challenge, but there are a few options available. One option is to look for rental properties in the major cities such as Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Mbuji-Mayi. You can also look for furnished apartments or houses for rent in the smaller towns and villages. Additionally, you can look for shared housing options such as hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. Finally, you can also look for short-term rental options such as Airbnb or Couchsurfing," said one person in Congo.

What do I need to know before moving to Congo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Congo, they said:

"Before retiring in Congo, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local laws and regulations, as well as the language and culture of the country. It is also important to ensure that they have access to quality healthcare and that they have the necessary visas and permits to stay in the country. Additionally, expats should make sure that they have a reliable source of income to support themselves during their retirement," explained one expat living in Congo.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Congo?

"Expats in Congo appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the diverse cuisine, the music and the art of the country. Additionally, they appreciate the strong sense of community and the strong family values that are so important in Congolese culture," said one expat who made the move to Congo.

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Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Congo?

"Expats in Congo often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to, which can be challenging. Language barriers can be a challenge, as French is the official language and many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the lack of infrastructure and resources to be a challenge, as well as the lack of reliable internet and phone services. Finally, the political and security situation in Congo can be unpredictable and dangerous, making it difficult for expats to feel safe and secure," said one expat in Congo.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Congo for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Congo for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa from the Congolese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You may also need to apply for a residence permit, which is issued by the Congolese Ministry of Immigration and is valid for up to one year. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to renew your residence permit. Additionally, you may need to register with the local police station in the area where you are staying," said one expat in Congo.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Congo?

We asked people in Congo if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Congo. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people, as this can be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking in a loud or aggressive manner. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local religious beliefs and to respect them," explained one person living in Congo.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are healthcare services like in Congo?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Congo, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Congo are limited and the quality of care is generally poor. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, and is unable to meet the needs of the population. The majority of healthcare services are provided by private providers, which are often expensive and out of reach for many Congolese citizens. Foreign residents have limited access to the public healthcare system, and most expats in Congo rely on private healthcare providers. Expats may be able to access some public healthcare services, such as vaccinations, but they are generally not eligible for the same level of care as Congolese citizens," said one foreigner in Congo.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Congo?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Congo often appreciate the country's vibrant culture and friendly people. They also enjoy the country's natural beauty, with its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. On the other hand, they may find the infrastructure and public services lacking, as well as the lack of reliable internet access. Additionally, the political situation in Congo can be unstable, making it difficult for expats and digital nomads to feel secure," said one digital nomad in Congo.

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Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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