Currency in Zaire: CDF Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Zaire with the Congolese franc.
What's in this Zaire currency guide?
What currency is used in Zaire?
The official currency of Zaire (country code: CD) is the Congolese franc, with symbol FC and currency code CDF.
What is a good Congolese franc exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Congolese franc
The Congolese franc (CDF) is the official currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here are a few things you might want to know about the CDF:
The CDF has been the official currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1997, when it replaced the Congolese zaire.
The CDF is not pegged to any other currency, and its value is determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market.
The central bank of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Banque Centrale du Congo, is responsible for issuing and regulating the CDF.
The CDF is not a widely used or traded currency outside of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it can be difficult to exchange it for other currencies in some parts of the world.
Inflation has been a significant issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the value of the CDF has declined significantly over the years.
The CDF is divided into 100 centimes. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 francs, as well as 1 and 2 francs. Banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 francs.
For more CDF information check out our selection of Congolese franc news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Zaire?
The domestic currency in Zaire is the Congolese franc.
What is the Congolese franc currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Congolese franc is CDF — symbol is FC.
What does the Congolese franc look like?
Here is an example Congolese franc banknote:
Which countries use the Congolese franc?
It is the domestic currency in Zaire.
Is the Congolese franc a closed currency?
No, the Congolese franc is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and CDF?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to CDF (US dollar to Congolese franc)*.
*Converted at the current USDCDF interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Zaire
Using Wise for Congolese franc travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Congolese franc otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Congolese franc cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the CDF cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Zaire: Travel Guide
Traveling to Zaire requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Here are a few things to consider when planning a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire):
Safety: The DRC is a country with ongoing conflict and political instability, and there are certain areas that are considered unsafe for travelers. It's important to research the situation in the areas you plan to visit and consider the risks before making a decision to travel.
Health: The DRC has a high risk of infectious diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and Ebola. Make sure to get all necessary vaccinations before your trip, and consider taking preventative measures like using insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Visa and passport requirements: All travelers to the DRC must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and apply for a visa in advance of your trip.
Transportation: The DRC has a limited infrastructure, and many roads and bridges are in poor condition. Travel within the country can be challenging, so consider using air travel when possible.
Accommodation: Accommodation options in the DRC can be limited, and facilities may not be up to the same standards as in other countries. Research your options carefully and consider staying in a reputable hotel or guesthouse.
Top Things to do in Zaire
Visit Virunga National Park: Virunga National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants. You can join a guided tour to see these amazing animals up close.
Explore Kinshasa: Kinshasa is the capital city of the DRC and it's a vibrant and bustling place with a rich culture. Visit the city's markets, museums, and art galleries to learn more about the country's history and culture.
Visit the Okapi Wildlife Reserve: The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the endangered okapi, a rare species of giraffe found only in the DRC. Join a guided tour of the reserve to see these and other animals in their natural habitat.
Go rafting on the Congo River: The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and it's a popular spot for white-water rafting. Join a guided rafting tour and experience the thrill of navigating the river's rapids.
Visit the Kahuzi-Biega National Park: The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants. Join a guided tour of the park to see these animals up close and learn more about the park's conservation efforts.
Everyday Costs in in Zaire
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Zaire? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (ISO code: CD)
When planning a one-week mid-range stay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), travelers should budget around 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 Congolese Francs (CDF), which is roughly $500 to $750 USD depending on the current exchange rate. This budget should adequately cover accommodations, meals, transportation, and leisure activities. A typical day may involve the following expenses:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 20,000 CDF
- ☕ Coffee: 3,000 CDF
- 🚍 Public transport fare: 1,500 CDF
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 20,000 CDF
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 120,000 CDF per night
Overall, the cost of visiting the DRC is considered average compared to countries like the United States and the UK, where daily expenses are generally higher. For instance, a meal in the U.S. might set you back about $15, whereas in the DRC, local dishes are very affordable. Comparatively, the cost of living is lower in the DRC than in Australia, where you might spend approximately AU$20 for a similar meal in a casual setting.
Living in the DRC for Expats
For expats looking to settle in the DRC, typical monthly living costs can range from 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 CDF ($750 to $1,750 USD), depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation standards. Key expenses include rent, utilities, groceries, and local services. To navigate financial transactions effectively, it's advisable to maintain a local bank account for regular expenses while making use of credit cards for larger purchases. While cards are increasingly accepted in urban areas, cash is still king in many local transactions.
When it comes to exchanging money, using local exchange services can yield favorable rates, but don't overlook the convenience of online transfer services like Wise and OFX, which often provide better rates than traditional banks. For expats, these services can also facilitate international money transfers with lower fees, making them a practical choice for remittances or paying for services while ensuring you get the best value for your money in the vibrant DRC.
USD/CDF Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/CDF change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Zaire - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Zaire you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Zaire
When sending money to Zaire it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Congolese franc amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted CDF amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Zaire.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Congolese franc deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Zaire
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Congolese franc currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the CDF exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Congolese franc bank account: A local CDF bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Zaire. It may also be more convenient to use a local CDF bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Zaire. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Zaire. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Zaire, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Zaire.
How is the DRC economy?
The economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is considered to be one of the poorest and most underdeveloped in the world. Despite its vast natural resources, including significant reserves of copper, cobalt, diamonds, gold, and other minerals, the DRC has struggled to attract foreign investment and build a stable, diversified economy.
The DRC has a long history of political instability and conflict, which has greatly hindered its economic development. The country has also been plagued by corruption, poor infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labor. The COVID-19 pandemics also impacted the economy.
The DRC's economy is largely based on the extraction of its natural resources, with mining accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. However, this sector has been hampered by poor infrastructure, lack of investment, and lack of transparency. Agriculture is also an important sector in the DRC, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming.
Inflation is also high and has been on the rise, which is impacting negatively the purchasing power of the population.
Despite these challenges, the DRC government has taken some steps to improve the country's economic situation in recent years, such as implementing economic reforms and investing in infrastructure projects, however, the progress is slow. The World Bank and IMF, among other international organizations, are providing support to the DRC to improve the economy, but it will take time for the economy to improve, and for it to be perceived as a stable and attractive destination for investment.