Unlike many African cities, it is quite safe to walk in the main parts of the city and the beach area. There are relatively few beggars.
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Credit cards are not accepted in many places - only the very best hotels. Internationally linked ATM's are also not too common. Credit du Congo have a few branches with machines that will accept foreign cards.
There are several FM radio stations all French language, including RFI on 93.2MHz.
Not many people in the town speak English.