Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Congo or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
During my Congo River shoot, I only found working ATMs in Brazzaville. Once tried using one around 8:45 PM - it was functional, but the street lights went out midway, and I had to rush out. Lesson learned. Night ATM use in Congo isn’t just unsafe - it’s unreliable. Carry cash before you travel inland.
Been here a year. Trust me, you don’t want to use roadside ATMs after sundown. The city empties out quickly, and electricity blackouts are common. I always use ATMs inside supermarkets or malls during the day. Even fellow expats avoid late cash runs unless absolutely necessary. Best tip: carry a backup cash supply for weekends.
I had a short stay for work and needed to pull out CFA francs late. Ecobank near the main boulevard was open, and a security guard was present - felt safe enough. Still, I used hotel ATMs when possible. Congo isn’t the most dangerous, but it’s not built for easy or secure banking at night. Better to plan ahead.
Used an ATM near the Total station in downtown Brazzaville at 9 PM - there was foot traffic, but honestly, I didn’t feel relaxed. ATM safety at night in Congo is mixed. The ATM worked, but I wouldn’t do it again. Locals suggested using bank branches only during office hours. After dark, it’s just not worth the stress.