Car rental in Congo (Kinshasa) - Currency Regulations

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Currency Regulations

CURRENCY REGULATIONS: Although plagued in the past by high inflation, Congo-Kinshasa has stabilized its currency through recently implemented reforms. U.S. dollars continue to circulate freely alongside Congolese francs in Congo-Kinshasa. Dollars can be exchanged for francs at commercial banks, licensed money-changing operations, and on the street. Travelers should carry only the new-style U.S. currency featuring the large-size facial portraits, as nearly all merchants and financial institutions will not accept older currency featuring smaller facial portraits. Some banks will exchange the older U.S. currency for new, but at a substantial discount.

American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diner's Club are accepted for payment of bills at Kinshasa's two major hotels, the Memling Hotel and the Grand Hotel. No other businesses in Congo-Kinshasa accept credit cards. Credit cards may not be used at banks to obtain cash advances. It is very difficult to cash traveler's checks in the Congo. Traveler's checks may occasionally be accepted if accompanied by a letter from a bank confirming the issuance of the traveler's checks to the individual cashing them, but this is at the bank's discretion. Generally, the use of traveler's checks is not advised in Congo-Kinshasa because banks charge substantial fees for cashing them. Traveler's checks are rarely accepted outside of Kinshasa. There are no ATMs in the Congo.