Costs

Costs in Central African Republic are exorbitant for foreigners who plan to maintain a lifestyle similar to those in their origin country. Costs in some restaurants, hotels and supermarkets match or exceed those in the United States and other Western nations. Much of the commerce and goods must be flown or shipped into the nation, explaining the high costs for many goods. Local goods that are imported into CAR from regional nations such as Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon are slightly less expensive (rice, beans, water, etc.). Finally, many of the supermarkets in Bangui and other cities are owned by Lebanese people and families, so there is abundant Middle Eastern food imported into the country, although these products are also very expensive.