Welcome to Central African Republic (CAR) 😊

Quick Facts About Central African Republic (CAR)

Money and Finances

The official currency of the Central African Republic is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 francs, and notes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs.

ATM Network

ATMs are not widely available in the Central African Republic, particularly outside of the capital city of Bangui. Visitors are advised to bring enough cash for their trip and to exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally not accepted in the Central African Republic, and visitors are advised to bring enough cash for their trip. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by some hotels and restaurants in Bangui, but American Express is not widely accepted.

Internet and Phones

Central African Republic has an average internet speed of 4 Mbps for downloads and 2 Mbps for uploads. There are no known government interferences in internet use in the country.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Telco companies in Central African Republic include Orange and Telecel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around XAF 15,000 per month. There may be sim compatibility issues with some phone models.

Dialling to Central African Republic (CAR)

To call Central African Republic from another country, dial the country code +236 followed by the phone number. Within the country, the area codes are single-digit numbers from 1 to 8.

Transport Around Central African Republic (CAR)

Air Travel

The major airports in Central African Republic (CAR) are the Bangui M'Poko International Airport and the Berberati Airport, both of which offer international flights.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Central African Republic (CAR).

Metro / Local Trains

There is no local train network in Central African Republic (CAR).

Buses

Buses are the primary mode of transportation in Central African Republic (CAR), and they are relatively cheap. For example, a bus ride from Bangui to Berberati costs around 10,000 XAF and takes approximately 10 hours.

Rideshare

There are no major rideshare companies in Central African Republic (CAR), but locals often use shared taxis for shorter trips, which can cost around 500 XAF.

Driving by Car

Driving in Central African Republic (CAR) can be challenging due to poor road conditions and lack of signage. The speed limit on highways is 60 km/h, and the country follows right-hand driving.

Local Customs

In Central African Republic, tipping is not very common and not expected. French is widely spoken in the country, so it is a good idea to learn a few basic phrases. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake. Men may also embrace and pat each other on the back. Women may hug and kiss each other on the cheek, or simply shake hands. It is uncommon to see people bowing in CAR. It is important to note that in traditional Central African society, men usually take the lead in conversations and decision-making. Women may be less vocal in group settings and may defer to men. However, in more urban and educated settings, women are often seen as equal partners and are able to express their opinions freely.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in CAR is severely underfunded and understaffed, leading to a lack of resources for basic medical care. Medical facilities are generally limited to major urban areas and may be of poor quality. Medical insurance is not widely available, and visitors should plan on paying for any medical care out of pocket. A visit to a doctor in CAR may cost around $50 USD.

COVID Situation

CAR has handled the COVID-19 pandemic relatively well, with a low number of confirmed cases and deaths. As of September 2021, there have been 11,354 confirmed cases and 140 deaths in the country.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is a significant health risk in CAR, and visitors should take prophylaxis and use mosquito nets. Other common diseases include typhoid fever, yellow fever, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. Visitors should take precautions with food and water to prevent food poisoning and other illnesses.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in Central African Republic (CAR) is 18 years old. However, in some regions of the country, alcohol consumption is prohibited due to religious beliefs.

Recreational Drugs

The use, possession, and sale of drugs is strictly prohibited in CAR, and offenders may face severe punishment, including imprisonment and fines. This also includes the use of cannabis and other party drugs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In CAR, pre-marital relationships are generally accepted and common. However, there are laws against adultery and engaging in sexual activities with minors.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment in CAR. Same-sex relationships are not socially accepted, and members of the LGBTQ community face discrimination and harassment.

Firearms / Guns

The use, possession, and sale of firearms is regulated by the government in CAR. Only licensed individuals are allowed to own firearms, and there are strict laws against the use of guns for illegal activities.