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Central African Republic Practical information Central African Republic

 
 
Area : 240533  sq.mi - Population 4423000 hab.
Central African Republic

Our expert Central African Republic

map

map Central African Republic

Weather

Practical information Central African Republic

superficie

Area

240533  sq.mi
vol

Flights

10 hrs.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

4423000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

The international airport, Bangui-M'Poko, is $6 miles from Bangui. Taxis are the only way of getting to the town centre: allow XAF 300 for the trip.
securite

Security

Attacks by armed gangs make the country unsafe, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. You are advised not to drive at night. Be particularly vigilant and stay informed at the control posts along the roads.
However, since the events of March 2003, security in Bangui and its immediate surroundings has gradually improved. Road checks are frequent, day and night, although the curfew from midnight to 5.00am has been lifted since last 25 October. As security in the provinces has not been completely re-established, it is recommended that trips there are limited to strictly professional and essential travel.
langue

Languages

French is the official language. Sango is also spoken.
formalites

Requirements

For European citizens, a visa and a passport valid for at least six months after the return date are required. The single entry visa is valid for a month and costs ?50 (£40). The multiple entry visa, valid for three months, costs ?152.50 (£121). Bring two passport photos and a certified travel document.
religion

Religion

51% Protestant, 33% Catholic, 12% Animist, and 3% Muslim.
monnaie

Currency

The currency is the CFA Franc (XAF). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are only accepted in big hotels and for car rentals. The country's only banks are located in Bangui. You can withdraw cash from them on presentation of a credit card, but they do not have any cash machines. Bring cash with you and traveller's cheques in Euros. Banks are open during the week from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.
transports

Local transportation

The towns served by plane leaving from Bangui are Bambari, Bangassou, Bouar, Berbérati, Birao, and Ouanda-Djallé and N'Délé. The road network is only tarmacked within a 120 miles radius around Bangui. Beyond that, all the routes are tracks. Rain makes them impracticable between July and November. To rent a car, the national license is sufficient. With regard to public transport, you have the possibility of taking buses for long-distance trips, and shared taxis between villages. You can also hire a taxi for the day (allow for XAF 50,000).
sante

Health

In addition to the mandatory vaccine against yellow fever, take an antimalarial treatment. Do not swim in lakes or rivers. Only drink bottled or sterilised water.
electricite

Electricity

220 V. An adaptor is not needed.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

taxe

Taxes and tips

telephone

Telephone

To call the Central African Republic from UK, dial 00 236 + the number of the person you are calling.
To call UK from the Central African Republic: 19 + 44 + n° without initial 0.