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Central African Republic

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

EmergencyPolice 117Ambulance 1220Fire 118

Plug typesC · E220 V · 50 Hz CurrencyXAFCentral African CFA Franc

Drives on theright

TippingRound up, or leave small change

Local time–+236 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 5.51 million people live in the Central African Republic, on 622,984 km². The capital is Bangui.

Capital: Bangui
Population: 5,513,282
Area: 622,984 km²
Official languages: French and Sango

Land borders

Cameroon Chad DR Congo Republic of the Congo South Sudan Sudan

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in the Central African Republic?
Sockets take plug type C/E, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in the Central African Republic?
Call 117 for the police, 1220 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in the Central African Republic?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the Central African Republic?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in the Central African Republic?
Prices are in Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
What language do they speak in the Central African Republic?
Official languages: French and Sango.
How do I call a number in the Central African Republic from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +236.