Bangui, Central African Republic 🇨🇫
#350
4.363511, 18.583591
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bangui is the capital and largest city of the Central African Republic. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 750,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 1.5 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Central African CFA franc (CFA). 1 USD ≈ 600 CFA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is unstable, with voltage around 220V, 50Hz, using Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Orange and Telecel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in selected locations, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and some Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is more common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb listings are available but limited in variety. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel-like options can be found starting from around 10,000 CFA per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces in Bangui; cafes with Wi-Fi are preferred. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Le Relais offers a decent atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking is informal; local expat groups on social media are useful. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings often arranged through WhatsApp groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Regular taxis; ride-hailing apps are not common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No bike or scooter rental services available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach; the nearest popular area is Lake Chad, several hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Regional flights available with Air Afrique. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France operates flights to and from Bangui. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited; mainly dirt roads leading to the outskirts. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bangui does not have a train service; travel by bus or taxi is required. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport system with passes; local taxis charge per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are main options for regional travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bangui. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some classes offered in community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few local gyms; a basic gym can be found in large hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in some hotels and local shops. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants often don't deliver. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'saka-saka' (cassava leaves) and grilled fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; vegetarian dishes found in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local markets offer street snacks; bakery chains are few. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché Central. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; regional sites may operate but with restrictions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Some nightlife in hotels and local bars like Bar le Sapé. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Brasserie offers local beer products. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited to hotel bars and exclusive spots. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common at local markets; try grilled meats and plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | A few establishments offer pizza and Chinese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Basilica of Saint Therese and the National Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural Center of Bangui hosts local exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical sites like the ruins of the old presidential palace. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catholic and Protestant churches hold services. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Various cultural events, but not highly structured or advertised. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local markets and neighborhoods are vibrant with culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited to community events; check local schedules. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Central is a vibrant market space. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in bars, mostly traditional styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; some murals in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional classes are available in community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; local artisans can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture in certain districts. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural expressions in markets and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Various natural reserves and parks within driving distance. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dzongolai Wildlife Reserve is accessible with proper arrangements. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited infrastructure but local roads can be used for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hills near the city offer views, but safety may vary. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Along the waterways outside of Bangui. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Not commonly available; open fires usually prohibited. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; local postal service and private couriers available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops in Bangui but may lack parts for advanced devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not common; table tennis isn't widely played. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Occasional language classes; check local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; some schools and public spaces offer reading areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events held at locations like the Cultural Centre. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; gaming culture is minimal. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling is not a prevalent activity. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 250,000 CFA per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 12,500,000 CFA). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 200,000 CFA per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 10,000,000 CFA). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 300,000 CFA per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 18,000,000 CFA). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 250,000 CFA per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 15,000,000 CFA). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 350,000 CFA per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 28,000,000 CFA). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 300,000 CFA per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 24,000,000 CFA). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for income taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in line with global standards. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Local government may levy property taxes based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% on property sales. |