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Central Africa Republic

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical, with abundant rainfall of about 70 inches annually in the south, decreasing to about 31.5 inches in the extreme north. There is one rainy season from April to November and one long, hot, dry season. Floods are common and temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)

Climate Chart for Bangui

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all except national of France, Germany, Israel and Switzerland. CAR visas are issued in neighbouring countries generally within 24 hours but are expensive. Where there is no CAR embassy the French embassy will often issue visas.

Visa extensions can be obtained from the immigration office in Bangui, and you require 3 photos and the fee which has to be presented in tax stamps (timbres fiscaux) obtained from LA Domaine.

MONEY

Official Currency: 1 CFA (Central African Franc)=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

The only banks that change money are located in Bangui and Berbérati. Some of the major credit cards are accepted but it's best to check with your credit card company prior to travelling. There are no restrictions on import or export of local currency.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks: Monday to Friday 0730-1130
Shopping: Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1600-1900

LOCAL TIME

The Central African Republic is one hour ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

River:	You can catch a river ferry from Bangui to several of the town located further up the Ubangi. This is also an interesting way to travel into the country from Brazzaville in the Congo.
Bus:	Cheap, but overcrowded, local bus services are available connecting the main towns. A popular way to get around is by hitching a ride with the many trucks running between towns but you are expected to pay for this service
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Central Africa, Republic of - Folded Map (Maps Worldwide) GeoCenter International UK Ltd.- Scale 1:4 000 000 The maps show motorways, principal highways, secondary roads, with road numbering where practicable, and distances between selected points. There is tourist information and indications of places of interest, with a legend in eight languages - German, English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Swedish. Street plans of major cities are also included. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. Road conditions are generally poor throughout the country particularly in the raining season. The only sealed roads connect Bangui to M'Baïki, Bossembélé and Sibut. Limited car hire is available from local companies as is chauffeur driven cars.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Years' Day
29th March	Boganda's Remembrance Day
	Easter Monday
1st May
30th June	National Prayer Day
13th August	Independence
15th August
1st November
1st December	National Day
25th December	Christmas Day

Electrical Power

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - view
Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Central Africa, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.

	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....

	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .

	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.