Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in Central African Republic or if card payments are common. Advice?
When it comes to public transport in the Central African Republic, it's cash all the way. It's not a place where you can rely on digital payments or credit cards. The traditional shared taxis and private cars all operate on a cash-for-service basis. Negotiate your fare upfront and make sure you have small bills of CFA francs (XAF) to pay. This is the most reliable and common way to handle all your transport needs.
It's a very simple answer: you need cash. There's no card or payment app system for public transport in the Central African Republic. The public transport network, from bush taxis to motorbikes, is all based on cash transactions. So, before you get on a vehicle, make sure you have enough CFA francs (XAF) on you. You cannot use a card to get money there, so you must bring cash with you and exchange it in Bangui.
Don't even think about using a card for public transport in the Central African Republic. The system is entirely cash-based. I took a few bush taxis and mini-buses from Bangui to other cities, and every single driver expected cash payment. No one has a card reader or even a mobile payment system set up for this. My advice is to have a good supply of CFA francs on you, as it's the only way to get around reliably.
You should absolutely carry cash for public transport in the Central African Republic. The public buses and taxis are a strictly cash-based system. You will not find any card machines or digital payment options. The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), and it's best to have plenty of small notes for your fares. You must bring Euros with you to exchange for local currency, as foreign cards do not work at ATMs in the country.