Kasongo, a young Congolese man living in Brussels, balances his life between university studies and a part-time job at a local café. Despite the challenges of expatriate life, his thoughts often turn to his family back in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His parents, siblings, and grandparents rely on his financial support to cover their essential needs.
For Kasongo, sending money home is not just a financial act; it’s a vital link that connects his new life in Europe to his roots in the DRC. Every euro he earns is carefully allocated to ensure the well-being of his family, whether it be for urgent medical care, buying food, or paying rent.
Remittances are crucial for his family’s survival, and Kasongo is not alone. Thousands of Congolese around the world face similar challenges, striving to support their loved ones back home.
This article aims to provide a detailed guide to understanding the legal and fiscal implications of money transfers to the DRC, while helping to choose the most suitable method for your specific needs, whether for education, health, or simple daily support. We will explore the fastest, most cost-effective, and most efficient options for sending or receiving money in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What are the different ways to send and receive money in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
While many Sub-Saharan African countries are in the development phase to improve the system of fund transfers to their nations, it should be noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is significantly behind in terms of financial inclusion.
Numerous fintech companies have partnered with the Congolese government to enhance the inclusion rate, which so far stands at only 40%.
However, it remains underdeveloped in a country where even the majority of employed people receive their salary in cash (over 60%).
Today, most Congolese face difficulties accessing numerous fund transfer services from their families.
1 – Traditional Banks
Traditional banking services are among the reliable and secure options for sending and receiving money in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Advantages:
- Security and Trust: Banks are regulated by financial oversight agencies, offering a high level of security and protection for your funds.
- Additional Services: Besides money transfers, banks offer a range of financial services, such as investment advice, loans, and credit facilities.
- Direct International Transfers: You can send money directly from your bank account to one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, simplifying the process without the need for intermediaries.
Disadvantages:
- High Costs: Transfer fees and exchange rates applied can be particularly high. Additional costs can accumulate, especially for frequent or large transfers.
- Slower Process: The processing of international transfers can take several business days, which is not ideal for urgent needs such as healthcare.
- Complexity and Documentary Requirements: Sending funds abroad through banks can require extensive documentation and administrative formalities, sometimes making the process tedious.
- Necessity of a Bank Account: This requirement can be a major obstacle, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where only 26% of the population has a bank account. The main reasons are the lack of funds, the cost of opening an account, and the absence of necessary documents (such as proof of residence, proof of income, and an ID or its equivalent). This financial barrier limits access to money transfers for those who may need it most. Source
2 – Online Services and Apps
Online services such as Wise (formerly TransferWise), WorldRemit, PayPal, MoneyGram, and Cash App have revolutionized the way we send and receive money worldwide.
They offer a convenient and often more economical alternative to traditional money transfer methods, suited to our digital age.
Further along in this article, you will find our ranking of the fastest and least expensive ways to send or receive money in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Advantages:
- Speed and Ease of Use: These platforms enable quick, often instant money transfers with a simple online operation or through a mobile app. Their intuitive user interface makes the process accessible to everyone.
- Cost-effective: The fees charged by these services are generally lower than those of traditional banks, especially for international transactions. They also offer competitive exchange rates, which can lead to significant savings.
Disadvantages:
- Necessity of an Account on the Same Platform: To receive money through these services, the recipient often needs to have an account. This can be a barrier for those who are not accustomed to using such services or who do not have access to technological means in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Only 16% of adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have a mobile money account, and 17% of Congolese have a mobile phone or internet access to manage an account).
- Lack of Personalization for Specific Needs: These services are not specifically designed for needs such as healthcare access. They do not provide the same assurance that every cent transferred will be used for medical purposes or to improve the well-being of loved ones.
- Lack of Transparency and Tracking: Although these platforms offer some transparency regarding fees and the transfer process, they do not provide a detailed mechanism to track how funds are specifically used once received. This is crucial for donors who wish to ensure that their financial support is directly allocated to specific needs, like healthcare for their relatives.
- Geographic Limitations: Often, these apps are designed to operate mainly in a single country or specific region, posing a problem for immigrants wishing to financially support their relatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Data Security: Although these apps take measures to protect users’ financial information, concerns about the security of personal data remain.
3 – The Online Health Credit Solution
If you wish to support your loved ones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the health sector, health credits offer a solution that combines speed, security, and positive impact.
KimboCare was inspired by the experiences of two African immigrants who faced challenges in supporting the health of their relatives in Africa while navigating their own lives in the United States and Europe, a story similar to Kasongo’s, which we mentioned in the introduction.
This story is not unique, but our response to this challenge certainly is.
KimboCare was created to transform the way we care for our families from afar, whether in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or other developing countries.
Now, you can purchase digital health credits so your loved ones can access preventive and curative care services without needing a bank account or a digital currency platform.
This process is simple, direct, and can be executed from anywhere, at any time. These credits will be immediately usable by patients who will be welcomed in medical facilities that are always verified and controlled by KimboCare.
Rather than simply sending money, often without assurance that it will be used for the necessary healthcare or without being able to ensure the quality of the care received, health credits offer a transparent and secure solution.
You get real-time tracking of the medical services purchased with the health credits, ensuring that every cent truly contributes to the health and well-being of the recipient.
The commitment lies in empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, to access quality healthcare, thereby contributing to a longer and healthier life.
The utility of health credits lies in protecting your data with advanced encryption protocols, offering you additional peace of mind while contributing to the health of your loved ones.
The adoption of digital currency has provided significant security benefits, reducing the risk for families of exposing their loved ones to dangers by transporting large sums of money from banks.
The fastest ways to send or receive money in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
To send or receive money quickly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, several options are available, each with its own specifics, advantages, and limitations.
It is crucial to choose the method that best suits your needs, while considering speed, costs, and specific requirements.
Service | Transfer Fees | Exchange Rate | Delivery Time | Payment Options |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Low | Very Competitive | Instant to 1 day | Bank transfer, debit card |
WorldRemit | Low to Medium | Competitive | Instant to 1 day | Bank transfer, mobile wallet, cash pickup |
PayPal | High | Average | Instant to 1 day | Bank transfer, credit card |
MoneyGram | Medium to High | Average | Instant to 1 day | Bank transfer, cash pickup |
Cash App | Low | Competitive | Instant | Mobile app |
KimboCare | Low | Transparent | Instant | Credit card, digital wallet |
Health Credits
By purchasing health credits, you can ensure that your financial support is directly used for quality health services.
For urgent health needs, prioritize services that offer instant or same-day transfers. Some platforms, like KimboCare, inform the patient directly via SMS or a call.
Not only does this allow for an efficient and rapid transfer of funds, but it also ensures that your money contributes to a vital cause: the health of your loved ones.
Purchasing health credits frees you from the uncertainties and delays often associated with traditional money transfers.
When you buy health credits for someone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the recipient can access necessary care without delay, thanks to a network of reliable and verified medical partners.
Additionally, you benefit from total transparency and real-time traceability of the medical services provided, which is not always the case with other money transfer methods.
Online Services and Mobile Apps
Online services and mobile apps are often the fastest for money transfers.
Platforms like PayPal, Western Union, World Remit, and TransferWise (now Wise) enable almost instantaneous transfers.
However, it is important to note that these speeds can vary depending on the amount sent and the necessary security checks.
Some platforms limit the amount you can send over a given period without additional verification, while others may require detailed information about the recipient for compliance reasons.
Moreover, mobile wallets indeed allow instant transfers, but the lack of digital payments in the DRC means that your recipient might not be able to access the money immediately, or at least use it swiftly.
This is partly because the digital payment system in the DRC is not sufficiently developed.
Even if your loved ones have a digital account, they will still need to withdraw cash to pay for most goods or services.
Some companies charge high fees for withdrawing money from their system. For example, PayPal charges around 5%, which is about the same as a bank transfer fee.
International Banks
International bank transfers can also be fast, especially if both parties use the same bank or banks with cooperation agreements.
However, interbank transfers may be subject to delays due to stricter verification processes and the need to go through clearing systems.
The limits on amounts and specific requirements vary significantly from one bank to another.
This is particularly important in the DRC, where most households are limited in their withdrawals because some banks impose daily limits.
Moreover, it should be noted that the Congolese banking system is not easily accessible, with only 11 ATMs per 100,000 inhabitants.
In a country where cash payment is preferred, this makes transfer funds less accessible for your loved ones.
The least expensive ways to send or receive money in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sending or receiving money from a loved one involves adopting a strategic approach to minimize costs while ensuring the security and efficiency of transactions.
Online services and mobile apps often offer more favorable rates than traditional banks, thanks to their reduced cost structures.
Western Union and MoneyGram are optimized for international transfers, offering reasonable fees and competitive exchange rates.
The biggest issue is getting a good exchange rate.
Even if you send the same amount of money each time, the actual amount your family receives can vary.
Before choosing a service, compare transaction fees, applied exchange rates, and look for reviews to ensure reliability and security.
Opting for platforms that offer a transparent exchange rate and as close as possible to the market rate without hidden fees can greatly reduce the costs of transferring money to the DRC.
Even though mobile money accounts are increasingly used (now 26%), it is interesting to note that most money transfers in the country are still received in cash, rather than being transferred directly to mobile wallets. Source
Moreover, it is observed that informal channels (such as physical cash delivery and informal business models like Hawala) account for nearly 80% of money transfers.
Is It Possible to Transfer Money with Zero Fees?
Platforms like TransferWise (now Wise) and Remitly are known for their competitive costs and transparency.
While the offer of zero-fee money transfers may seem appealing, it can often be misleading, especially in countries like the DRC.
Money transfer companies need to generate revenue to operate, and if they do not impose explicit transfer fees, they may recover these costs in other ways.
This can include the application of exchange rates.
The Congolese Franc (CDF) is known for its volatility against strong currencies like the US Dollar (USD) and the Euro (EUR).
This instability can lead to significant fluctuations in the exchange rate, thus impacting the amount of local currency recipients receive.
It is therefore important to be vigilant about hidden fees, which can appear as additional service charges or indirect costs.
Reading the terms of service carefully can spare you from unpleasant surprises.
When the purpose of your money transfer is specifically to support the healthcare needs of your loved ones in the DRC, purchasing health credits presents itself as an innovative solution offering affordable costs.
This guarantees that your loved ones receive the necessary best healthcare while avoiding unnecessary fees or exchange rate fluctuations.
You know exactly what care was provided, when, and at what cost, ensuring that your contribution has the desired impact.
Additionally, no money transfer is necessary, so you minimize the risks of hidden fees.
Transferring funds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on different needs
Sending money to the DRC goes well beyond a simple transaction; it is an expression of support, love, and investment in the future of your loved ones.
Whether it’s promoting access to education or ensuring family health, every Congolese Franc sent carries within it the potential for change and empowerment, enabling your loved ones to pursue their dreams and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Education and Work
Investing in education is a priority for many families in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the burgeoning educational system produces thousands of graduates each year.
Money transfers intended to cover tuition fees, books, equipment, and supplies are crucial.
These funds can be sent via banks or online transfer services offering direct delivery options to educational institutions or specific bank accounts. This direct approach minimizes intermediaries and ensures that the funds reach their intended purpose.
However, the saturated job market struggles to absorb all these qualified young people, exacerbating unemployment challenges.
Take the example of Patrick Konga, a young man from Kinshasa who graduated in international relations.
Like many of his peers, Patrick faces a high unemployment rate and remains jobless despite his qualifications. In this difficult context, money transfers from his expatriate family become a vital support.
His aunt, Marie, a nurse in Paris, understands the challenges Patrick faces.
Each month, she strives to send about 300 dollars, an amount that, while modest in France, is significant in the DRC.
This financial support allows Patrick not only to meet his basic needs but also to pay for advanced courses and participate in training programs that increase his chances of finding stable employment.
These remittances directly support the schooling of children and young adults like Patrick, offering a glimmer of hope in a country where access to quality education and job prospects remain major challenges.
They also illustrate the vital importance of money transfers not only for education but also as an investment in the human potential of the DRC, enabling the next generation to effectively contribute to the country’s economy.
Health
When it comes to caring for those who are far away, especially in terms of health, the biggest concern for expatriates is often ensuring that the help sent truly reaches its intended purpose.
This concern is particularly valid in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where finding a competent and reliable healthcare professional can be a real challenge, especially in emergencies.
The weeks of searching to locate an adequate doctor, the stress of having to navigate a healthcare system that is often complex and sometimes opaque from a distance, and the fear of unofficial extra fees are major obstacles to equitable access to healthcare.
Take the example of Luc, a Congolese expatriate living in Brussels, whose family in Kinshasa depends on him for essential medical care.
His mother, Antoinette, was diagnosed with hemorrhagic fevers that require regular and costly monitoring.
Faced with this situation, Luc often felt helpless, particularly with the barrier of distance and the lack of accurate information about the treatments available in the country.
However, everything changed when a colleague told him about KimboCare. This platform allows expatriates like Luc to pay directly for quality healthcare for their loved ones in the DRC, ensuring transparency and follow-up.
Intrigued by this possibility of supporting his mother more effectively, Luc signed up for the platform and began using the service for Antoinette’s care.
Thanks to KimboCare, Antoinette was able to access a series of medical exams necessary to accurately assess her condition. The results were clearly communicated, and a detailed treatment plan was established, transforming her healthcare experience.
She began to feel adequately cared for, with regular visits scheduled with her medical team, ensuring reassuring and regular follow-up.
KimboCare makes a difference by enabling expatriates to directly finance preventive and curative health services, thus transforming financial support into tangible and quality healthcare.
Instead of just sending money, expatriates can purchase health credits that are exclusively used for medical care through reliable and verified local medical partners.
This method not only ensures that the funds are used as intended but also eliminates the stress and uncertainty associated with managing healthcare from afar. Moreover, KimboCare intervenes as needed to coordinate communications with medical staff, ensuring the best possible experience for patients.
By providing direct access to reliable medical facilities and offering the ability to monitor care and receive feedback from patients themselves, KimboCare restores peace of mind to expatriates, allowing them to ensure that their support translates into quality care.
Nutrition
Ensuring access to adequate and nutritious food is essential, especially in a country like the Democratic Republic of Congo where access to quality food can be hindered by economic constraints.
Sending money to cover food needs is crucial not only for the physical well-being of families but also for their happiness and daily security.
Congolese cuisine, rich and diverse, reflects the culture and history of the country. Staple ingredients such as cassava, corn, and plantains are used to prepare dishes that are more than just sustenance for the body; they also nourish the soul of the communities.
A quintessential dish is “Pondu,” a recipe using cassava leaves often accompanied by fish or meat, symbolizing a connection with ancestral traditions.
Consider “Fufu,” a dough made from boiled and pounded root flours, often served with sauces or stews rich in vegetables and meats.
This central dish in Congolese cuisine is a strong link for expatriates, reminding them of the flavors and moments shared around family tables.
These traditional dishes are a foundation of Congolese cultural identity and play an important role in family gatherings and celebrations.
For Congolese living abroad, sending money home often goes beyond mere financial aid; it is a way to ensure that their families can access these traditional ingredients and dishes.
Each money transfer is thus a way to perpetuate traditions, support local communities, and maintain a vital link with their cultural heritage.
These acts of sending money support not only immediate needs but also strengthen social and cultural bonds, essential for the cohesion and well-being of families back home.
Safety tips for making money transfers to Democratic Republic of Congo
In an ideal world, sending and receiving money across borders would be as simple and secure as making a phone call.
However, the reality of international money transfers can sometimes be complex, with risks of fraud and scams targeting the most vulnerable.
- Verify and validate your fund destination
Ensure that the money you send reaches the person you intend to help.
This may seem obvious, but in the rush of the moment, mistakes can occur.
Double-check the recipient’s contact details and information before proceeding with any transfer.
We recommend opting for well-established money transfer services that offer complete transparency about the journey of your funds throughout the process.
- Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers
Scammers often use the promise of extremely favorable exchange rates or zero transaction fees to lure their victims.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Similarly, a common scam tactic involves creating a sense of urgency, such as a fake health problem of a loved one, to push you to send money quickly without verification.
- Never Share Your Personal Information
Be vigilant with your personal and financial data. Fraudsters may try to obtain it via phone, email, or social networks.
A legitimate company will never ask you to provide sensitive information through these channels.
It is preferable to use a service where your data is protected by advanced encryption protocols, and you have access control.
- Ensure you track your funds
Having a record of every money transfer can prove invaluable in case of any issues.
This information can be used to trace and dispute any suspicious transactions.
After sending money, check with your recipient to confirm receipt of the funds.
This simple step can help you quickly detect any potential fraud.
The best help you can get for sending or receiving money in Democratic Republic of Congo is from an organization that ensures every penny is invested in specific needs (such as healthcare costs), with zero risk of diversion by unreliable intermediaries.
Overview of money transfer laws in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Money transfers to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) play a crucial role in the country’s economy, with significant remittances coming from the diaspora.
The DRC is currently among the top 10 African countries receiving the most fund transfers, with nearly $1.4 billion recorded in 2023.
These money transfers originate primarily from a diaspora community in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, France, the United States, Italy, and Belgium.
The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) regulates international money transfers, imposing strict standards to combat fraud, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism.
Money transfer service providers must obtain a license from the BCC and adhere to rigorous controls. These measures aim to protect consumers and enhance the transparency of financial transactions.
The entry of major technology companies into the financial sector has also highlighted the need for more robust regulations.
These BigTech companies, offering mobile and online payment services, must navigate an environment where regulatory frameworks are still too unstable due to an economy largely dependent on cash and informal transactions.
The DRC is working to improve these frameworks to better regulate BigTech activities and minimize associated risks, including corruption and misappropriation of funds.
If the goal is to increase the financial inclusion rate to 55% by 2028 (currently at 40%), it poses a challenging task for future sectors due to the significant backlog that has accumulated so far.
Taxation on sending or receiving money in the DRC
Family remittances sent to the DRC by members of the diaspora are generally not subject to direct taxes.
This means that when an expatriate sends money to their family in the DRC, neither the sender nor the recipient has to pay a specific tax on the transferred amount.
This practice encourages the sending of financial support to families without imposing an additional tax burden, which is crucial for many families who rely on these funds for their daily livelihood.
However, financial inclusion, for Congolese wishing to obtain online payment services or via their phone, is largely hindered by significant taxation on mobile telephony.
In addition to VAT, mobile telephony services are subject to an additional excise duty of 10%, which is applied directly to consumer prices, in the same way as VAT.
As a result, many inhabitants today do not have access to the internet and the financial resources that their families can send them.
About 9% have a mobile account used to pay bills, receive salaries, government transfers, or payments for goods.
When it comes to cash transfers, although remittances are not directly taxed, they are often subject to transaction fees, which can include service charges imposed by banks, financial institutions, or money transfer services.
Additionally, for security reasons and to combat money laundering, limits may be placed on the amount one can send or receive without additional verification.
These regulations are designed to protect the financial system and prevent abuse, but they can also influence the costs and ease of money transfers.
At KimboCare, we emphasize the importance of being well-informed about these aspects, as it not only helps ensure hassle-free money transfers but also supports our mission to ensure equitable and affordable access to services, such as healthcare, for those in need in the DRC.
FAQ
How do I send health credits to relatives in DRC ?
You can start managing access to reliable healthcare for your loved ones back home in a few easy steps.
- Visit app.kimbocare.com or download KimboCare’s free app from the App Store or Play Store.
- Select the country, medical facility, and health bundle(s).
- Add a beneficiary.
- Review your order and make your payment.
That’s it! Your relative can now visit your selected medical facility and receive care services while you monitor the usage and effectiveness of your gift from your tablet or smartphone.
How can I send money to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the safest way possible?
To ensure the security of your money transfer to the Democratic Republic of Congo, choose recognized services with robust security protocols. Always check user reviews and ensure that the service is regulated by competent financial authorities.
If you wish to send money for healthcare expenses, opt for recognized services with strong security protocols. Our platform ensures that each financial partner meets high security standards, thus guaranteeing that your funds reach your loved ones safely.
Are money transfers to the Democratic Republic of Congo taxed?
Family remittances sent to the DRC by members of the diaspora are generally not subject to direct taxes. This means that when an expatriate sends money to their family in the DRC, neither the sender nor the recipient has to pay a specific tax on the transferred amount.
However, financial inclusion for Congolese wishing to obtain online payment services or via their phone is largely hindered by significant taxation on mobile telephony. In addition to VAT, mobile telephony services are subject to an additional excise duty of 10%, which is applied directly to consumer prices, just like VAT.
How long does a money transfer to the Democratic Republic of Congo take?
The transfer time can vary depending on the service used. Electronic transfers can be instantaneous or take a few hours, while traditional methods such as bank transfers may take several business days.
For urgent healthcare needs, prioritize services offering instant or same-day transfers. Some platforms like KimboCare directly inform the patient via SMS or a call.
What are the typical fees associated with sending money to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Fees vary widely depending on the chosen service, the amount sent, and the payment method. Some services charge a percentage of the transferred amount, while others apply fixed fees. Look for options that offer total transparency on fees to avoid surprises.
Are there any amount limits for sending money to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Yes, most money transfer services impose limits, which can vary depending on the chosen transfer method and the regulations of the service. It is also important to note that on-site, your relatives may have bank withdrawal limits.
It is essential to check these limits before making a transfer, especially if you plan to send large sums for needs like covering medical expenses.
How can I ensure I get the best exchange rate when sending money to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Compare the exchange rates offered by different services before making your transfer. Some services allow you to lock in a favorable exchange rate in advance or offer more competitive exchange rates for larger amounts. Be wary of hidden fees that can affect the final amount received!
How can my relatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo receive money?
Recipients in the DRC can receive money through direct deposits into their bank accounts, cash withdrawals at local service points, or even, for some services, home delivery. Ensure you choose a receipt method that best suits your recipient in terms of convenience and security.
Regarding health credits, each credit purchased can then be offered to your loved ones for access to quality care in approved medical facilities.