In the age of mobile money, QR codes, and the promise of digital finance, Kinshasa still beats to the rhythm of cash. Here, banknotes are more than just a means of payment: they are a key to survival, a common language, and an immediate guarantee. In markets, on street corners, in taxi-buses, and even in some businesses, cash remains indispensable.

At the heart of this circulation: the U.S. dollar. In Kin, the dollar is more than a foreign currency—it is an economic benchmark. It offers reassurance amid the instability of the Congolese franc, protects savings against inflation, and facilitates transactions, particularly for rent, informal wages, and major purchases. For many, the dollar is synonymous with stability in an uncertain environment.