←Central African Republic travel guide
Bangui, Central African Republic
Bangui
Riverside capital where the Ubangi meets cathedral spires
CultureHistory & Heritage
Bangui spreads along the north bank of the Ubangi River, its boulevards leading to the twin-towered Notre-Dame Cathedral and a sprawling central market. You can watch dugout canoes cross to the Democratic Republic of the Congo while traders unload produce on the waterfront below the Gbazabangui hills.
Check Central African Republic visa requirements →
Best time to visit
November to February (dry season)
Region
Bangui
Main airport
Bangui (BGF)
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in the CAR. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for the CAR.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
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4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Bangui
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Central African Republic
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Central African Republic page at Yoogo.
The Central African Republic uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Cash is essential, as card payment infrastructure is virtually non-existent outside Bangui. US dollars and euros can be exchanged at banks in the capital.
The Central African Republic faces an extremely serious security situation. Armed groups control large portions of the country, and violent conflict between government forces, UN peacekeepers, and multiple armed factions is ongoing. Most governments advise against all travel to the country. Bangui itself has experienced political violence. Travel should only be considered with specialist security advice and robust contingency planning.
Road infrastructure is extremely poor, and most routes outside Bangui are impassable during the rainy season. There is no functioning domestic rail network. Domestic flights operate to a limited number of destinations. Movement outside Bangui requires careful security planning and ideally convoy or NGO escort arrangements.
The dry season from November to April offers the most accessible conditions for travel, with clearer roads and lower flood risk. Temperatures are hot year-round. The wet season from May to October makes most unpaved roads impassable.
Sango is the national language and is widely spoken across the country as a lingua franca. French is the official administrative and educational language. Over 70 local languages are also spoken across the country.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Malaria prophylaxis is essential throughout the country. Hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, and rabies vaccinations are strongly recommended. Healthcare infrastructure is extremely limited; medical evacuation insurance is strongly advised.
Tipping is not formally expected but is appreciated in a country where wages are very low. Leave a modest amount for guides, drivers, and restaurant staff where service has been good.
Telecel and Orange provide mobile coverage in and around Bangui, but coverage is very limited outside the capital. Internet access is slow and unreliable. Satellite communication devices are advisable for travel outside urban areas.