Obtaining cash in the Congo is hard; even in Bukavu which is Congo's fifth biggest city (after Kinshasa, Kisangani, Goma and Lubumbashi). Thus when I heard rumors about an ATM in Bukavu in the weeks leading up to my previous trip to Bukavu I was exited. And indeed, the BIAC bank had a sign outside "cash point", and thus all thrilled I asked the clerk for the ATM... He looked at me as if I was crazy.
About three months ago I again received word that an ATM had been build. After questioning my informant intensely he promised me that he had actually physically seen it. Thus, yet again, I was all exited when I took the plane from Johannesburg to Bukavu last month. Today was the big day: I went again to the BIAC, indeed saw the ATM, took out my card, tried to withdraw money and... it worked.
After taking the picture below and "high-five"-ing the AK-47 carrying security guards, I returned to work a happy man. Incredible. It should not become much more crazy here in Bukavu; next thing you know they are building traffic lights.
Bukavu's (working!) cashpoint.
Good news, reading so many articles about how hard it is to get access to your money when travelling... all good thanks for the heads up
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