CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CURRENCY:

CFA Franc (CFA = Communauté Financière Africaine) - XAF

Please note the CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. The Central African Republic is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Bank of Central African States (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale) is valid - currency issued by the Bank of West African States(Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest) is NOT VALID here.

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

COIN: XAF500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

It is not advisable to rely on credit cards as they are not generally accepted. Some larger hotels may accept some major credit cards.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Currency exchange is available but only from banks in Bangui and Berbérati.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Not advised in the CAR. Commission rates will be high. If necessary, get traveller's cheques in Euros.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0700-1230.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

There are currency restrictions related to the Central African Republic. Check these in advance if unsure.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

The Central African Republic (or CAR) is located in Central Africa, and is surrounded by Chad, Sudan, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The capital is Bangui, and the official languages are Sango and French. The Central African Republic gained independence from France in 1960.

POPULATION:

Around 4 million.

ECONOMY:

Agriculture is the mainstay of this economy, and by the cultivation and sale of food crops. Food crops are not exported a vast amount but they do provide the main cash crops for Central Africans. The main export of the CAR is the diamond but there are issues surrounding the diamond trade and the way in which it is conducted.