Shopping In Kinshasa

The following are some of the best supermarkets:

• Peloustore can be found on the boulevard (large orange/yellow building with green lettering). Excellent veggies and other dry items available in Belgium.
• Expresse is situated on the boulevard, a bit farther away from Peloustore. Good veggies and the finest “charcuterie,” or cold cut meat, may be found here.
• City Market. This enormous supermarket will be on your left hand if you turn on the corner of Expresse. It serves the greatest bread in town. Alternatively, across the street at Patisserie Nouvelle, you’ll find wonderful bread (and more) as well as lunch options.
• Hasson et Freres is situated right off the roundabout near the central station, on the street immediately before going into the boulevard: this is without a doubt the greatest location to acquire your meat: the “filet pur” is superb.

The US Dollar (USD) is the most often used currency for most large-scale transactions. Payment in USD for a purchase will most likely result in you receiving change in USD for quantities more than $5-$10. Lesser sums, as well as any remaining balance, will be paid in Congolese Francs (approx 900 CF per 1 USD – as of 22 MARCH 2010). Credit cards are not frequently recognized; you should not rely on them to keep you afloat. Only prominent hotels (such as The Memling) and a few stores accept them (if there are no connectivity issues). With a valid international VISA ATM card, cash may be withdrawn from the PRO CREDIT Bank. The denominations are in USD and/or CF. Make sure you’ve informed your bank of your plans to travel so that you may use international ATMs without difficulty.