I found out that only notes of 5,10 and 20 Francs are in use (read: legal) in Goma.
The bigger notes carry a portrait that they don't like ;-|
So if you want to change money (on the border or at the minibus station in Gisenyi) don't accept any bigger notes or old Zaire money.
$10 equalled 3000 Francs in 02/2003, which means at least 150 notes.
It was therefore very useful to carry some small $ notes like $1 and $5, that are very much appreciated.
***True feb 2003***
Updated Jun 12, 2003
Since Goma is not controlled by DRC government it's important to check if the situation is quiet.
Good sources are the various Western embassies in Kigali (Rwanda), organisations like Croix Rouge (that has an office in Gisenyi just across the border in Rwanda) and the "prefecture" in Gisenyi.
Less good sources are probably the Kinshasa based embassies since they have hardly any influence in the Goma region that is controlled by the pro-Rwandans rebelgroup RCD-Goma.
This is true feb 2003
Updated Jun 12, 2003
The Rwandese will stamp your passport on exit which means that you'll need a new one when you return, even if it's the same day! Keep in mind that this will cost you $60 (!!!!!) unless entry to Rwanda is free because of your nationality (f.e. British,US & Germans are that lucky...).
The perfect solution if is to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY Rwandese visa, which cost the same as a single entry but is ONLY available if you get it from an embassy (f.e. in Kampala-Uganda) in advance!!!
On the DR Congo side you can buy your way through for $30, you'll be given a stamp but it's unclear what it means. Very likely it's useless outside the RCD-Goma controlled part of the country. Also the validity is not clear.
Due to rebel activity at the moment nobody would recommend to try to reach Goma in other ways than cross the border at Gisenyi in Rwanda and return the same way, but this will hopefully change.
If so, it would be possible to visit Goma (and the mountain gorilla's) on your way between Uganda and Rwanda.
***True feb 2003***
Updated Jun 12, 2003
Mt. Nyiragongo is still very active (03/2003) and it's probably dangerous to go up unless you go with experienced geologists.
When we followed the road to the base of Mount Nyiragongo we were stopped by some armed men who told us to pay $30 for National Parc fee which would include a guided and guarded climb to the crater rim.
However it didn't look very official and I could easily imagine that some further on another one would show up to demand something similar. I didn't pay (and didn't climb) so cannot tell you about that.
There's an alert system showing coloured flags (green,yellow,orange or red) everywhere in & around town.
But if it's red you'll probably have already wondered why some 100.000's people are running away. In that case it would possibly be very wise to stay away from Goma and watch the eruption from Rwanda.
Updated Jun 12, 2003
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