River Crossing from Brazzaville to Kinshasa – How To Avoid Getting Scammed

From Brazzaville to Kinshasa, crossing the Congo River Kinshasa can be an unforgettable adventure!

Asia’s top cities are exciting places to be. But nothing can match nature’s beauty. It’s truly an experience to explore one of the world’s great rivers. To stay healthy while traveling, you’ll need a good remote work budget and a few wise habits.

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It stretches over 4,700 km (about 2,920 miles) through Central Africa. That’s more than 1.7 million square miles of basin! It flows through countries like Angola, Zambia, Cameroon, and Tanzania. The Congo River is also the deepest river in the world and plays a vital role for local communities, trade, and geography across the Congo Basin.

Here are 7 smart ways to stay safe and avoid getting scammed during your Congo River crossing:

1. Prepare All Documents and Essentials

A brief but important adventure is the river crossing between Congo Brazzaville and Kinshasa. Make sure you have all of your travel documents together before you leave. If required, an international driving permit.

Before you head out, make sure all your documents are complete. This includes your passport, visa, and, if needed, your international driving permit. Missing paperwork can lead to fines or denied entry by strict Congolese authorities.

Carry local currency for taxis and small fees. Unfortunately, some officials or police may ask for sudden “charges.” Avoid paying bribes unless truly necessary.

Bring a backpack with a portable power bank, extra passport copies, and your travel health insurance card.

2. Choose Your Transportation Wisely

Ferries are the most common way to cross the Congo River. To reach them, you’ll likely need a taxi. Be careful when choosing your ride.

Choose a trustworthy taxi driver. Avoid suspicious or unlicensed vehicles. Some drivers may try to take you to unknown areas, which increases the risk of scams.

I found it safest to use well-known routes. Never travel with strangers. Apps like Yesim provide mobile data. This lets you check routes and taxi reviews in real time.

3. Crossing the Congo River

The boat trip is brief. But there are some important things to…