Central African Republic
Formal wear is expected for meetings in the Central African Republic (suits and ties for men). Knowledge of French is essential. Interpreter and translation services may be available at large hotels or contact your embassy for assistance. Business cards should be in French and English. Office hours are normally 0730-1530 Monday to Friday.
With unemployment estimated at 80 percent, street crime is a concern. The police force is ill-equipped and poorly trained. When a crime occurs, the victim may have to pay to send a vehicle to pick up police officers due to the shortage of police vehicles.
Armed highway robbery in rural areas is common, especially in the dry season from December until May. Armed banditry renders road travel outside the city dangerous, especially after dark.
There are a few good hotels in Bangui, some of which are very exclusive and expensive. The better hotels have air-conditioning and swimming pools. Pre-booking is essential, ideally several weeks in advance. Outside Bangui, accommodation of any standard is very difficult to find.
Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 236, although some calls are still directed through the operator. Telex facilities are available at post offices in Bangui and good hotels. Telegrams may be sent from 1430-1830 Saturday and from 0800-1830 Sunday. Electricity is 220/380 volts AC, 50Hz.
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,E
Western food is only available in the capital, Bangui. Most of the top-class hotels have good restaurants. The standard of these restaurants is high, but they do tend to be expensive. Otherwise travelers must call at local villages and barter for provisions. Local food is basic. Many dishes contain okra (gombo), although other popular ingredients include rice, bananas and cassava.
Bars are numerous in Bangui with both table and counter service. Drinking and smoking are not encouraged in Muslim society; in Muslim areas, drinking is best done in private. Elsewhere, there are numerous
beer halls offering beverages of a high standard. National dishes:
• Muamba de Galinha is chicken with palm oil and okra.
• Chicken and cumin stew.
• Fried fish in peanut sauce.
• Palm butter soup.
• Shrimps eaten with boiled yams or sweet potatoes.
• Spinach stew, which might also include tomato, peppers, chiles, onions and peanut butter.
• Banana leaves stuffed with beef, onions and peanuts.
• Dongo-Dongo, which is halfway between a soup and a sauce, and is always served with okra and sometimes fish or meat too. National drinks:
• Two of the most popular brews are palm wine and banana wine. Tipping
: 10 per cent is appropriate in expensive hotels and restaurants. Bargaining is normal.Nightlife
The few hotels in Bangui have expensive clubs catering for tourists and businessmen; local nightlife is centered on the district known as ‘Kilomètre Cinq’.
