Sarah S wrote:
> Fascinating experience with the ferry, Riverman! That sounds like
> quite a trip.
>
> Wojtek - I just wanted to chip in that my flight to Kinshasa goes
> through Douala, Cameroon. It's on SN Brussels Airlines (formerly
> Sabena Air), which I believe to be quite reliable.
> http://www.flysn.com/com/home/
>
Yes, SNBA is very fine, but you'll find that no one gets onboard in
Douala on your flight, Sarah. Likewise, on their northbound leg, no one
can disembark in Douala. SNBA does not transport anyone between Douala
or Kin, only between Brussels and Douala, or Brussels and Kin.
> btw, Riverman, do you have any advice on bringing money to Kinshasa?
> Should I exchange some into francs beforehand or do most places
prefer
> US $? I understand credit card facilities are very limited, but do
you
> think it would be pretty straightforward to cash traveler's checks at
a
> bank in town? I hate carrying a lot of cash.
> Thanks!!
> -Sarah
Don't bother bringing credit cards....they are useless here. I've heard
rumors that you can use them at the Grand, but I don't know anyone who
has, and I think its only to pay your hotel bill and not for cash
advances. Bring US cash, even though you don't prefer to carry it, and
keep it hidden in your carry-on. I often carry a few thousand in US
currency when I travel. I keep it on my person (but not in my wallet)
when I go through security so the guards don't see it. I don't even
know if the banks will cash travellers checks; and if they do I'm
certain they will take a VERY hefty commission.
Bring US$100 bills, be CERTAIN that they are new ('big heads') with no
markings on them whatsoever. You can spend them locally as easy as
Congolese franks, and get change in dollars at most restaurants, etc.
Also bring a good supply (maybe $20-400 worth) of smaller
bills....fives and tens. Again, be CERTAIN that these are the new issue
ones, with the 'big heads', and without any markings at all. Otherwise,
they will be useless.
The current exchange rate is 500CF to the dollar, and the largest bill
in francs commonly used is the 100CF note (although 200cf and 500cf are
around). You can easily change dollars of any denomination into francs,
but ALWAYS count your exchanges. Pretty much all of the street
moneychangers will try to rip you off in various ways, so its best to
have the manager of your guesthouse do it for you if you are changing
more than $50. I usually carry a few thousand franks ($5-$10 worth) to
pass out as handouts for the guys guarding my car, carrying my bags,
blocking traffic, etc, and the rest in dollars.
--riverman
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