Cost of living in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Dear expat,

Hi. I'm a Indian Citizen who is having more than 6 years of experience in South Africa, Congo, Angol, Ghana & Tanzania. This TOPIC is dedicated to the all the Indian expats (not limited to them only) who is trying a Job here or already having an offer from Employer in Africa.

Following are very IMP points to discuss & know from Employer

1. Try to get reference from someone for the company you are going for
- Salary on monthly basis (Many employers do not pay monthly salaries & they keep your money on hold)
- USD Transfer to India (It cost you to transfer)
- Company reputation
- Work permit (many employer do not make WP & keep rolling to save money)
- Type of accommodation
(They talk good in interview & promise many things but once you are here NOTHING happens same way)

2. Take CONTRACT in writing (these are MUST)
- Basic family medical (Med. treatments are expensive here)
- Company vehicle
- Child schooling
- Paid house expenses(Electricity+Water charges)
- Yearly Paid leave + paid family travel to India

3. Work profile (In here Nothing is fixed , they will ask you to do anything !- BEWARE), you can not change a job in abroad as its ban by law here, so they use this as a weapon against you

4. Working hrs (Many companies work for 12-15 hrs, no time limits, even Sunday & holidays are working days!, I worked same way so BEWARE)

5. Increments (Most of the companies do not have this system, you keep working for same salary for years)

Basically I did not see any much of professionalism, all customized, & this is I have seen with several employees & not alone my experience.

If you need information on any companies in Africa write me back, I will happy to give you true report.

Few VISA information for DR Congo

Once you have WORK PERMIT & if you wish to go out from Congo. You have to take VISA call Sortie-Retour (In and Out) if you do not get this stamp your Work permit will expire automatically.
This VISA cost you 250 USD.

Air Travel TO-FROM Congo is comparatively expensive, Return ticket to India is 1100 USD approx. (www.expedia.com), you require a Protocol/Agent at Airport (It may very difficult for you to handle Immigration issues) which is 50 USD.

So if you wish to travel on your personal expenses (Medical reasons, attend some urgent matters at your origin country)
This is what to have in your Pocket:

1100 TICKET + 250 VISA + 100 PROTOCOL + 50 TAXI

If you get offer in DR Congo, it should NOT be less than 2500 USD.

Write me back if you need any info.

Few calculation to make before step in to AFRICA

Most of the Indian Expats make a BIG mistake of Salary calculations, savings etc. Here is the actual FACTS about what do you save.

Example:

Your current salary in India
30000 Rs a month, you have to pay everything from this amount.
You can have Medical & life covers, family to help, friends, festivals to enjoy.

Your offer in AFRICA.

1500 USD a month salary in Hand
-Average spending for family for food etc. - 500 USD minimum
-Your NET saving is 1000 USD a month (50000 Rs in India as per present rate), this saving is only possible if you do not spend for entertainment, parties, tourism etc.

+++ Now actual issue starts here+++
You think you are savings 50000 Rs ! No dear wait,
How much you need to spend from 50000 Rs in India? E.g. taking care of your house, your parents, any other liabilities, Insurance, emergency expenses,unexpected travel to India.
Now just  - minus all this Expenses & count. Got it!!

AFRICA now is no more about savings, its about living a different life style. So again think before you step in here, you are going to loose so much -Your nice career, family, festivals, help & much more.

Hi.Im Jan from Poland.I try to go to DR Congo.First sorry my english is not so good.I have one question.How I find job in DR Congo.I want go there and stay there for all live.What You think.What w`ll be good?Go there and looking for the job or try get job by intrnet.Greeting from Poland.How big is salary per month for one person/mechanic/?

MUliving wrote:

DR Congo is one of the MOST expensive place for EXPAT in the world as per recent research reports.

> accommodation prices
1000 USD minimum for good Apartment, Villa etc in good area of Kinshasa -capital of RDC.

> public transportation fares (tube, bus etc ...)
EXPAT can not travel in Public transport. Don't even think about that! EXPAT requires his own vehicle

> food prices(per month, how much does it cost you?)
Like Europe.

> health prices (for those who need medical insurance)
No INSURANCE in DR Congo, NO Insurance companies supports Health, Life insurance in DRC. Presently banking sector is coming up & you may get these options.
Medical facilities are good but quality of consultancy & treatment is depends, if you have a major illness do not go for here.

> eduction prices (if you need to pay)
American School (TASOK) 500-700 usd a month
Jewels International School - 300-500 USD a month
Indian school - 150 to 300 USD a month (NOT GOOD EDUCATION)
French school
Belgique school


> energy prices (oil, electricity)
Oil/Petrol - 1.5 2 USD per ltr approx
Electricity - 30-50 USD a month (There is a big electricity cuts, in Kinshasa itself)

> common bills (Internet, television, telephone, mobile phone)
Internet - 300-500 USD , 100-150 USD per month charges (Wifi)
Only Cellphone services available, no Landline.

> prices of a good menu in a traditional restaurant
30 USD per person

> prices of a beer and or a coffee in a regular pub
1 USD for local beer

> price of the cinema
NO Cinema in Congo !!

FRENCH (official language) & Lingala are main languages of Congo. East congo use Swahili much. English do not have any use

Write me for more details. If you need particular info about EMPLOYER, just write a name & I will tell you ALL !