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Country Guide > Africa > Central African Republic | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Western food is only available in the capital, Bangui. Most of the top-class hotels have good restaurants. The standard of these restaurants is high, but they do tend to be expensive. Otherwise travellers must call at local villages and barter for provisions. Local food is basic. Many dishes contain okra (gombo), although other popular ingredients include rice, bananas and cassava. Bars are numerous in Bangui with both table and counter service. Drinking and smoking are not encouraged in Muslim society; in Muslim areas, drinking is best done in private. Elsewhere, there are numerous beer halls offering beverages of a high standard. Two of the most popular brews are palm wine and banana wine. Nightlife The few hotels in Bangui have expensive clubs catering for tourists and businessmen; local nightlife is centred on the district known as ‘Kilomètre Cinq’. Shopping Bangui has reasonable shopping facilities, notably for ebony, gold jewellery, butterfly collections and objets d’art made from butterfly wings. However, one of the best methods of finding bargain souvenirs is by bartering with villagers outside the urban areas for their handmade goods. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1600-1900. Some shops close on Monday. The market in Bangui is open 0730-dusk. Special Events The Central African Republic celebrates all Christian festivals and, in the north, all Muslim ones. New Year’s Day is also a day of celebration throughout the country. Social Conventions Dress is informal. Care should be taken to dress modestly in Muslim areas, and Muslim customs should be respected and observed; visitors should not, for instance, show the soles of their feet when sitting. Shorts are also generally frowned upon, and women are expected to dress modestly. It is customary to shake hands. Women are strictly segregated, especially in towns. In Muslim areas, visitors should not smoke or drink in public during Ramadan. Photography: Film is expensive and should be sent abroad for developing. Show caution and discretion when photographing local people; ask for permission. Do not photograph military installations or government buildings. Tipping: 10 per cent is appropriate in expensive hotels and restaurants. Bargaining is normal. |