Kinshasa - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you have any other comments?
Check to see the current status of security restrictions before you consider a move here. These might change with time. - Sep 2024
If going here for diplomatic mission put airtags in your shipments. We were told several times that our stuff was in transit when in fact it never left Kinshasa and sat there for months. This place doesn't run like it should and you have to stay on top of everything, don't assume. If you have a family with kids, you might reconsider this post. Several families went back to the U.S. for stints while we were there. - May 2024
Come here if you are a single officer and you want to advance in your career. If you have teenagers in your family, do yourself and your family a favor and don't come here. - Aug 2022
Know thyself. If you don't do hardship well - and you expect toilets to be fixed within 24 hours, if anger is your default reaction to stress - spare yourself and your family and choose somewhere else. - Aug 2019
Things are changing in Kinshasa right now with the change in government. It's an exciting time, and I'm hopeful that things will improve. - Apr 2019
I really don't like being here and can't wait to get out. - Dec 2017
- Mar 2017
There are lots of things that are hard about living in Kinshasa (hence the reason it is a hardship post) - but almost a year into our tour it is clear to me that there are a lot of things I am going to miss very much about this city, this country and the people here - both expat and Congolese, and I wouldn't trade this experience for all the paved roads and pubic transportation in London! - Apr 2016
Kinshasa can be very hard, but it is also eye-opening and there is beauty if you can look beyond the outward appearance. - Feb 2012
It will be a frustrating experience. - Nov 2011
Enjoy your time in Kin. Even though it can be frustrating at times, time passes too quickly... - Aug 2011
i like Kinshasa, and i've had a very good time. I think life is very easy here, and there's plenty to do. I also appreciate that it is not for everyone. It can be difficult with regular power outages, regular water service interruptions, slow and frustrating services from the embassy, the cultural gap between westerners and congolese, and the absence of malls and other conveniences. If you will miss those things, or miss going to the theatre, library, or Starbucks, then this might not be a very good post for you. The driving also drives some folks nuts. There are numerous opportunities to be frustrated if you look for them -- but also many opportunities to have a good time -- again, if you look for them. - Oct 2010
If you want to come to Africa, go to a West African country where you'll see beautiful masks, beads, textiles, etc. The traders at the local markets seem to import a lot of junk from China, and mass-produce masks. Very disappointing, especially after having lived in Nigeria, where the people are inventive and creative. - Jan 2009
