Untamed Wilderness — Forest Elephants, Gorillas & the Heart of the Continent
All CAR taxes are assessed and paid in Central African CFA francs (XAF), which is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 655.957 XAF per euro.
For most Western countries, no bilateral double-taxation treaty exists with CAR. Regional arrangements apply within CEMAC/OHADA. Coordinate with a home-country adviser to avoid being taxed twice.
Employment income is taxed under the progressive IRPP schedule, normally withheld at source by your employer, alongside CNSS social security contributions.
The standard VAT (TVA) rate is 19%, applied to most goods and services, with some essentials and exports exempt or zero-rated.
For any business activity, yes. Company accounts must follow OHADA/SYSCOHADA rules and the tax code changes yearly, so a Bangui-based accountant is strongly advised.
Yes — comprehensive international insurance with guaranteed medical evacuation is essential. Serious conditions typically require evacuation to Cameroon, Nairobi or Europe, which is very costly without cover.
Yes. A valid yellow fever certificate is mandatory for entry and is checked at the airport. Carry your yellow card at all times when travelling.
Very. Malaria is endemic year-round and a major cause of illness. Take prescribed prophylaxis, use treated nets and repellent, and get tested urgently for any fever.
Basic medicines are available at Bangui pharmacies, but supply is unreliable and counterfeits circulate. Bring a personal supply of any regular medication and buy only from reputable pharmacies.
Beyond basic stabilisation in Bangui, serious cases are medically evacuated abroad — most often to Yaoundé or Douala in Cameroon, Nairobi, or Europe.
Not really. French is the official language and Sango the lingua franca. English is little used, so at least functional French is important for daily life and work.
Yes. Almost everything is paid in cash (XAF). Cards and ATMs are limited to a few places in Bangui, so plan your cash flow carefully.
Both are intermittent. Backup generators and water storage are standard for expatriate homes, and drinking water should be treated or bottled.
Radio, especially Radio Ndeke Luka, is the most followed medium. Combine it with your organisation's security briefings and trusted local contacts.
Roughly May to October. It makes unpaved roads difficult or impassable, so plan overland travel around it.