Bangui, Central African Republic Report of what it's like to live there - 10/05/17
Personal Experiences from Bangui, Central African Republic
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This was my third post with the Foreign Service.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
California--it can take over 20 hours. You fly into Paris and from Paris you go to your next destination. But to get to Paris can take 10 hours (with a layover).
3. How long have you lived here?
I was there for a year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The new housing compound is nice. Two-bedroom two-story town homes. Everyone has the same type of housing. Access to the pool and gym at the Rock Club across the street.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Items are limited and expensive. You are able to find almost anything to survive. ALMOST being the key word. There are two grocery stores that we were allowed to go to and they had a lot of items. Sometimes the country may run out of things like eggs and milk, but it's temporary and it only happened once when I was there. Lots of vegetables and certain fruits like pineapples, mangoes, and oranges.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bangui is a pouch only post, so you can ship any dry foods. The items I focused on shipping were liquids. Dish soap, detergent, body washes, shampoos, etc. Anything the pouch may reject, I shipped in my consumables/HHE.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are quite a few restaurants in Bangui and a few delivery. Grand Cafe has pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Lebanese style food. 5 Fourchettes has Indian food, burgers, and pizza. Other popular restaurants were Carre Gourmand, Relais de Chasse, L'Escale, and Ali Babas.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants! Not sure how they get in, but there are ants everywhere. Mosquitos...malaria. Take your meds or don't go out at dusk.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We used diplomatic pouch. But mostly to receive mail. You can use DHL for anything else.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Most of us had housekeepers. They were very affordable. So we tended to pay more. However, be aware that their skills may not be the best, but they most certainly try. Also, be careful hiring someone who is not vetted as theft can be common. But I never had a problem with my housekeeper.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Skaiky Apartments has a gym and the Rock Club as well. If you are at the Embassy, there is a small CrossFit-type gym where you can work out with the security guys. If they are still there.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
CASH ONLY ECONOMY. The only ATM you that may be safe is the one at the Ledger Hotel. You can cash checks at the embassy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to learn basic French. Not all locals speak English. French is a must. Other expats speak English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. This is a very poor city, and the embassy itself is not equipped for people with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Not allowed to use any public transportation or taxis. When I was there we had the security team take us where we needed to go. We also started using motor pool.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You are not allowed to ship cars at the moment.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
HA! No. You must use a "puck" for internet and buy scratch cards to refill it. The embassy is providing pucks for staff. It is somewhat reliable, but do not expect to be streaming Netflix or downloading lots of items quickly. You may be able to do it, but it will cost you. Internet is super slow.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I used the embassy phone. It doesn't work outside of Bangui. Text messages are sometimes unreliable. It may take hours to get a text message on a bad day. Most of the time it's fine. But there were times where text messages were taking forever. A lot of people use WhatsApp. It is more reliable and doesn't need super fast data.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Not really. I think there is one veterinarian, but they don't always have the necessary medications. You have to purchase/procure your own meds sometimes.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
If you can find work at an NGO or UN, that would be great. However, Bangui is an unaccompanied post for the US embassy staff.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Bangui is hot and humid. Most people like to dress up. It's up to you. Business at work and casual outside of work.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. For one thing, the country is unstable and things can happen at any given moment. And two, petty theft is very common. It is a high-threat post for a reason.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The U.S. embassy currently has a great health care provider. He has access to certain medications and will evacuate you if needed. The French embassy and the United Nations also have medical facilities and you may be referred to them if needed.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
I never noticed anything. Burning trash and grass is big during certain periods. So that may affect you.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
That this is the poorest country in the world. You won't have access to certain things and you will need to be careful if you are allergic to certain foods.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Bangui is a tiny post but has a lot of visits. You may experience burn out as the embassy staff is doing the work of a normal size embassy with about only 12 people at post. Every week there is a new set of visitors that require lots of attention and resources. It is a very busy post. Burnout is common.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot all the time. Rains in the rainy season, but it's still hot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Post is what you make of it. There is a large UN population as well as other NGOs and the French Embassy. Although, the French embassy staff tends to hang out amongst themselves. The expat community is big and you get to know everyone real quick. When I was there morale was great. I had a great time given the circumstances.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Depending on who is in Bangui, you can join pretty much anything people create. There is one bar that people go to on Fridays and it's always a good time. Saturday is party day. Someone is hosting a party or a BBQ. Pool parties were also fun.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Singles and couples. Most of the expats in Bangui are single, so you can meet other people outside your own embassy if you are proactive.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not really. But there were a few and they were just fine. As long as you are not super "out" and keep it to yourself. You'll be fine. But there is tolerance towards LGBT expats from the locals.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Of course!
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I met some fascinating people and I had a great time overall. Work was super hard and stressful, but I had a good team. I met great people outside of the embassy which made life bearable and fun. There is not a lot of travel you can do within the country. Although, you can go to Bayanga if you want to see gorillas and elephants.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Just make the best of it. Everything is a hidden gem!
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes. There is local art. Don't forget to get your Diplo Hippo!
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The simplicity of life. Fewer options means you do with what you have. Also, this is currently the highest paid posting in the U.S. Foreign Service.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I was told plenty before getting there. I tell everyone going to Bangui to have low expectations. This is not a normal city or a normal post. Make the best of it!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High expectations and notion of how things should work.
4. But don't forget your:
Positive attitude and sense of humor.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Watch the Mockumentary The Ambassador.
6. Do you have any other comments?
I really enjoyed my time there despite all the challenges. Good times!
