Medical care is inadequate across the country. There are two private clinics in the capital that can provide emergency care. In the case of serious illnesses, evacuation to Europe is strongly recommended. French medicines are generally available in the capital’s pharmacies. In the interior of the country, but also in the provincial capitals, the supply of medicines is very limited. Taking out international health insurance, including repatriation insurance, is therefore absolutely necessary. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers over one year old. Transit passengers also need a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Regardless of official regulations, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for all travelers, as the Central African Republic is considered a country with yellow fever infection areas. [2] Vaccination against cholera is not a requirement for entry, but there is a risk of infection, particularly in Ouaka Prefecture. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] There is a high risk of malaria all year round, especially in the rainy season from May to September, in all parts of the country. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be resistant to chloroquine. [4] The drinking water treatment is inadequate. The tap water in the capital and in large provincial cities (Bambari, Bangassou, Berberati, Bossangoa, Bouar, Bozoum, Carnot, Ndélé) is safe after using a filter. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Hepatitis E occurs mainly in Bangui and the surrounding area and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by mosquito bites, occurs nationwide. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur mainly in the north during the dry season from December to May. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. There is an increased risk of mosquito-borne sleeping sickness infection nationwide. Careful mosquito repellent measures are recommended. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. For backpackers, kids, Vaccination is recommended for occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing and insect repellent.
Money
Currency
1 CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc* = 100 centimes. Currency code: CFA Fr, XAF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 CFA Fr. Coins come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 CFA Fr. Note: [*] Issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC, State Bank of Central African States) and used by Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Chad and Central African Republic. Issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO, State Bank of West African States), the CFA Franc (XOF) is not legal tender in the Central African Republic. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards
Credit cards are rarely accepted and only in a few larger hotels. Details from the credit card issuer.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can only be withdrawn at a few ATMs. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Central African Republic.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 7.30am-11.30am.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import of local currency, export of which is only up to CHF 50,000. Unlimited import of foreign currency, obligation to declare from an equivalent value of CHF 25,000. Export of foreign currency up to the amount of the declared import.
Currency Exchange
Possible in banks in Bangui and Berbérati. In some cases, you can also pay in cash with US dollars. The return exchange is associated with high losses.
