The official language is French. Lingala and Monokutuba are trade languages. Many regional dialects such as Sanga, Téké, Ubangi and Kikongo are also in use.
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into the Republic of the Congo (persons aged 18 and over): 200 cigarettes or a box of cigars or a box of tobacco; 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages; Perfume for personal use (opened bottle). When importing expensive items (cameras, watches) it is advised to take the invoice with you and fill out a customs declaration. A laptop should be declared as a necessary tool for the work.
Prohibited Imports
Weapons may not be imported. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Republic of the Congo
Rue Chabrey 8
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 731 88 21. Embassy of the Republic of the Congo
(Also responsible for Austria.)
Honorary consulates in Erbach, Hanover-Laatzen and Munich.
Wallstrasse 69
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 49 40 07 53.
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.
Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of the Congo
(No visa issued.)
Rathausstrasse 15/1
Vienna
Austria
+43 (0)1 404 41 300
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.
Business
Business etiquette
A suit and tie or suit is usually only customary when negotiating with government officials, but not at business meetings. Knowledge of French is required as translation and interpreting services are not available. Business trips are best scheduled for the months of January to March and June to September. Business hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operator is CelTel Congo SA (Internet: www.cg.celtel.com/fr/index.html or www.msi-cellular.com) and Libertis Telecom. Mobile phones can be rented. Network coverage is limited to Brazzaville, Point Noire and the larger cities in the south and center of the country. Roaming agreements exist with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others.
Internet
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, main providers are CelTel Congo SA. Internet access is available in larger hotels.
Post office
The post office is rather unreliable. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 07.30/08.00-12.00 and 14.30-17.30; for sale of stamps and delivery of telegrams Mon-Sat 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays 08.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
