Money, Central African Republic

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The CAR will put a happy grin on the face of most budget travellers. It's cheap, and if you're careful, eat in the markets or on street stalls and stay in the cheapest accommodation (or camp in the bush for free) you could get by easily on US$15-20 a day. But if you're used to a few more creature comforts and like to splurge occasionally, expect to pay around US$50 a day, which will get you more restaurant meals and more of a choice with accommodation. It would be difficult to spend a lot more than US$100 a day, unless you are mugged often or constantly stay in the best hotels, eat out at the best restaurants and go drinking and dancing every night.
Tipping is a problem because there are few clear rules that can be applied to everyone. Africans generally don't tip, but a small amount is expected from wealthier Africans. It is related to the idea of a cadeau (gift) - and the wealthy are expected to leave them. Most foreigners are assumed to be rich, unless they obviously look like a backpacker. Travellers at expensive hotels would be expected to tip as well, but not at cheaper hostels. Expect to tip 10% of the bill at better restaurants, but at African restaurants with all-African customers no one is expected to tip, nor would you tip at street stalls. Where there are few other travellers, try and follow local custom as closely as possible.
The exchange rate for cash is much lower than for travellers' cheques, but the two banks that change cheques charge commissions. The Banque Internationale pour l'Afrique Occidental (BIAO) charges about US$4.50 whatever the size of the transaction, and the Union Bancaire en Afrique Centrale charges a 1% commission. Bangui and Berbérati are the only places where you can change money, so you'll have to organise your trip and your finances around the banks there.
Bargaining, on the other hand, is normal. Most travellers should expect the initial price to be three or more times the 'real' price. This is not always true; with African cloth sold by the metre and with gold and silver, don't expect to bargain. If you try, the seller is likely to refuse to deal with you any more. More info on: www.zuji.com.sg

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General Tips about Central African Republic

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» When to visit Central African Republic
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