Congo, Republic of the
Jackets and ties are not usually worn by men on business visits but are expected when visiting government officials. Knowledge of French is essential, as professional translators are not readily available. Normal courtesies should be observed. Office hours are usually 0700-1400 Monday to Friday; 0700-1200 Saturday. Many civil servants arrive late and leave early, especially on rainy days, so appointments between the hours of 9 to 12 are most likely to be successful.
Street crime, including mugging and purse snatching, is common in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, as well as in some parts of the countryside. Disorganized bands of armed former militiamen remain a security threat in some areas of the country. There have been violent clashes between armed bands and government security forces, particularly in the Pool Region and, to a lesser extent, Bouenza. Travel to these regions is not recommended. Night travel anywhere in the country should be avoided.
There are five good hotels in Brazzaville, three in Loubomo and four in Pointe-Noire. Prices and advance bookings can be obtained via Air France. Outside the towns mentioned above, accommodation for visitors is limited.
Telephone IDD service is available in major cities only. The country code is 242 and the outgoing international code is 00. Links with Western Europe are, in general, good. Post office hours 0730/0800-1200 and 1430-1730 Monday to Friday; and (for stamps and telegrams) 0800-2000 Monday to Saturday; 0800-1200 Sundays and public holidays.
Electricity is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
220/230 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,E
The main hotels in Brazzaville have good restaurants serving French cuisine, and there are also restaurants specializing in Italian, Lebanese and Vietnamese dishes. Some restaurants, such as those at Nanga Lake and Grand Hotel in Loubomo, specialize in African dishes. Pointe-Noire and Loubomo also have restaurants and bars, usually in hotels, with table service. Some bars also have counter service.National specialties:
• Fish (giant oysters and shrimps).
• Piri piri chicken (with pepper).
• Mouamba (chicken in palm oil).
• Saka saka (ground cassava leaves cooked with
palm oil and peanut paste).
• Maboke (freshwater fish cooked in large marantacee leaves).National drinks:
• Beer.
• Fruit juice (pineapple, and mango are the favorites). Tipping
: Normally 10 per cent in hotels and restaurants. Porters and taxi drivers do not expect tips.Nightlife
Local groups are popular in the main towns. Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire have several nightclubs.
