Central African Republic: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Central African Republic?

Police: 117, Ambulance: 1220, Fire: 118

Plugs: Types C and E, 220 V. Emergency: Police 117, Ambulance 1220, Fire 118. Tipping: Not expected; small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Central African Republic Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and E, 220 V

Emergency Numbers

Police	117
Ambulance	1220
Fire	118

Tipping

Not expected; small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis
Malaria: Risk throughout the country year-round; antimalarial tablets recommended

Apps To Download Before You Go

Orange Money: Mobile money is the main way to pay and transfer; Orange Money is the largest service.
Telecel Money: Mobile money from the other main operator.
WhatsApp: The standard way to reach hotels, drivers and NGOs.
Air France: Bangui is reached mainly by air; Air France, ASKY and Ethiopian Airlines serve it, booked through their apps.
Orange Centrafrique: Manage SIM credit and data bundles, the main way to get online.
Facebook: Local news, businesses and events circulate mostly on Facebook.
Google Translate: French is the working language; Sango is not well covered, so learn a few words.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A formal handshake is standard; French and Sango are both widely spoken and either is appreciated.

Dress and conduct. Dress modestly and conservatively; avoid photographing security forces, checkpoints, or government buildings.

Travel logistics. Any visit realistically requires organizational support (NGO, diplomatic, or specialized fixer), not independent tourism.

Safety And Scams

The Central African Republic is under a 'Do Not Travel' advisory from most Western governments due to armed conflict, banditry, landmines in some regions, kidnapping risk, and virtually no emergency medical care; there is no formal tourism industry, and Bangui's relative calm can deteriorate quickly.

Bribes at checkpoints. Expect informal 'fees' demanded by security forces; this is best navigated with an experienced local fixer, not alone.

Overcharging in Bangui. Agree prices for any transport or goods in advance.

Women travelers. Not recommended to travel independently given the overall security situation.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Partly legal · Use Caution

Private same-sex relations are technically legal, but a specific law criminalizes public same-sex 'expression of love' (six months to two years in prison or a fine of $300-$1,200, harsher if a minor is involved), and same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned; the overall climate is hostile and LGBTQ+ travelers face real risk.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	approx. 1,500 CFA	approx. $2.50
Local bus or metro ride	approx. 500 CFA (shared taxi)	approx. $0.85
Mid-range restaurant meal	approx. 8,000 CFA	approx. $13
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	approx. 15,000 CFA	approx. $25
Mid-range hotel (night)	approx. 60,000 CFA	approx. $100
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	approx. 70,000+ CFA	approx. $115+

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

December to February is the driest and most passable season, but the country is not currently recommended for tourism regardless of season.

Phrases

Basic French phrases