Money and payments
Cards and cash
There are Ecobank ATMs in Chad where you can get a cash withdrawal with a MasterCard or Visa card.
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Africa · Middle AfricaOutline guideCountry in Central Africa
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Central African Republic (French: République centrafricaine or Centrafrique, Sangho: Ködörösêse tî Bêafrîka), also known by the acronym CAR, is located in the heart of Africa. The former French colony has borders with six countries and has had a very troubled history since the 1960s.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Central African Republic.
Cards and cash
There are Ecobank ATMs in Chad where you can get a cash withdrawal with a MasterCard or Visa card.
French, Sango
The main language is French with a dialect called Central African French, which is easily understood by speakers of French. There are a lot of indigenous languages also.
Some areas of Bangui have clean and filtered drinking water, so it is safe to drink water served at some restaurants and bars.
Some areas of Bangui have clean and filtered drinking water, so it is safe to drink water served at some restaurants and bars.
The locals often eat with their hands. If you are eating with them, and using your hands as well, eat with your right hand.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital and the starting point for most travel in the country
a market city and mining centre that is the third largest city in the country
home of the Kembe Falls and right on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
sparsely populated, the city was completely burned down during the Central African Republic Bush war
home to many megaliths and natural attractions
a small city close to Bangui and known for its large Pygmy community
a large national park that attracts adventurous tourists and researchers from all over the world. Has a sizeable Pygmy community. This might be the safest area to visit in the whole of CAR
a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Places in Central African Republic on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Public transport and paid services in Central African Republic.
By bus
There are a few companies that offer intercity bus service in the country, primarily between the capital city of Bangui and other major cities.
By shared taxi
Shared taxis use large cars called "taxis-brousse". These vehicles typically carry multiple passengers along designated routes.
By boat
Traditional trade is carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts.6 m or less.8 m.
By regular taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands in busy areas. Most taxis in CAR do not use a meter. It is crucial to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
By standard taxi
You can flag down a taxi on the street, especially in busy areas.
By ride-hailing
Yango is a ride-hailing company based in the United Arab Emirates. You can check its availability in Bangui or other major cities.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Central African Republic.
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Other ways to travel:By hitchhiking
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Bangui · International · BGF
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Bangui
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 34° | 36° | 34° | 31° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 30° | 32° |
| Avg. low | 19° | 21° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 21° | 21° | 20° | 21° | 21° | 20° | 18° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 9 | 24 | 105 | 148 | 166 | 161 | 166 | 198 | 211 | 224 | 71 | 8 |
| Humidity | 44% | 45% | 61% | 73% | 77% | 78% | 79% | 81% | 82% | 81% | 74% | 58% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$45
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$130
Per person, per day
Luxury
$340
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 4 of 4Do not travel
Do not travelto Central African Republic due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health, and terrorism. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic. U.S. government employees working in the Central African Republic must get special authorization to travel outside of Bangui. They are required to travel in armored vehicles in Bangui and are subject to a curfew. Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Central African Republic. Unrest There is a continuing risk of civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence. This includes renewed outbreaks of armed conflict occurring throughout the country. Unrest can happen in the capital of Bangui. Armed groups and opposition forces control large areas of the country. They regularly kidnap, injure, or kill civilians. Airport, land border crossings, and road closures may occur without warning. Crime Violent crime is common. It includes homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated battery, and larceny. Kidnapping Criminal gangs and armed groups kidnap for ransom on a frequent basis, mainly outside of Bangui. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping. Other - Landmines Unexploded landmines are unmarked. They are a known risk. Landmines may be present anywhere outside Bangui, particularly: Along the border with Cameroon In the tri-border region with Chad in Sector West Near Bambari in Sector East Health Medical services in the Central African Republic are…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic, including the areas of Bimbo, Begoua and Coline, except to the capital, Bangui. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Limited consular support There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic, and consular support is severely limited. The British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, can provide limited remote consular support to British nationals. Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Central African Republic.
Nature & adventureMany of these parks are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They can be visited for safaris, to see the African flora and fauna.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureAs of 2023 the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is made up of 738 reserves in 134 countries of which 22 are transboundary.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe European theatre of World War II (see World War II in Europe) included a major campaign in North Africa and there was also fighting in several other parts of the continent.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsEurope is a continent that is relatively small but with many independent countries. Under normal circumstances, travelling through multiple countries would mean having to go through visa applications and passport…
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureFor anyone who has ever spent time reading the Guinness Book of Records, records are often shocking and amazing.
Wikivoyage
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