DRC Tourism
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    Language Tips for DRC Travelers

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    French is official; Lingala dominates Kinshasa/west, Swahili in east. Essential phrases: Bonjour/Mbote (hello), Merci/Matondi (thank you), S'il vous plaît (please). Guides translate; locals appreciate any effort. Learning greetings creates immediate goodwill.

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    Last updated: February 2026

    Reviewed by DRCTourism Research Team — Travel Planning Division

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