Organize your stay Cameroon
Money Cameroon
In Cameroon, the currency is the CFA franc (fcfa /XAF). It is indexed to the euro, and there are 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 FCFA banknotes in circulation, as well as 500, 100, 50 and 25 FCFA coins. Note, however, that this is not the same currency as in West Africa. In 2024, the exchange rate is 1 € for 655.96 FCFA.
It won't take you long to realize that the country suffers from a severe coin shortage, forcing most shops to be extremely nimble when it comes to the absence of small change. It's best to be patient with the inconvenience.
Budget & Tips Cameroon
Living to European standards in Cameroon can be very expensive, and as such, you'll need to set aside a sizeable budget for "modern", secure accommodation. Even if finding good deals through local contacts remains the best way to save money, more and more modern solutions (furnished apartments, Airbnb...) are appearing on the market, especially in the big cities. Of course, the closer you get to the local way of life, the more you can get by on a budget. Without compromising on secure accommodation, don't hesitate to be more daring with the rest.
Passport and visas Cameroon
The visa is undoubtedly the first filter known to discourage many. Indeed, the price of a tourist visa (30 days), already considered particularly costly, has recently risen to €160 for standard processing (obtained in 10 working days), and €230 for express processing (same-day visa). The fee also increases with the length of stay. Since May 2024, visa applications can be made online at www.evisacam.cm. This means you don't have to go to the consulate, where the queues test the patience of even the bravest applicants.
Driver's license Cameroon
Hiring a chauffeur is highly recommended for getting out of town and onto major roads. Driving in the city can also be a challenge for some, and even the most reckless drivers will need time to adapt. That said, renting a car guarantees a certain freedom of movement, and in the event of an inspection, your international driving license is valid on the spot.
Health Cameroon
Drinking tap water is strongly discouraged, and the more ecologically-minded will have to bend their principles by drinking only bottled water. Malaria is the most widespread disease, being transmitted by mosquitoes. Doctors recommend treatments to be taken locally, as well as simple preventive measures: long clothing, anti-mosquito lotion and mosquito nets for the night.
Mandatory vaccination Cameroon
The yellow fever vaccine is the only compulsory vaccine for travel to Cameroon. It is now valid for life.
Security Cameroon
The eastern and western border areas of Adamaoua are rarely visited by tourists, as they are classified as orange zones by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The risk is even higher in the Mayo-Louti department (northern Adamaoua) and the country's Far North (red zone), due to the risk of kidnappings linked to the presence of the Boko Haram terrorist group. Any travel should be reported by e-mail to the French embassy consulate in Yaoundé ([email protected]). For the latest information on local security, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs.
Spoken languages Cameroon
In Cameroon, the two official languages are French and English, although French remains the majority language spoken in the country.
Communication Cameroon
Cameroon lives with the times, and it's easy to find wifi and mobile packages of all kinds once you're here, especially in town. As everywhere, the quality of network coverage is proportional to the rurality of your geolocation.
Electricity and measurements Cameroon
As in any African city, power cuts are commonplace and can sometimes last for quite some time. Carrying a portable battery for your devices is a good idea to stay connected in the event of a long power cut. In large cities, expatriate residential areas suffer the least from power cuts.
Luggage Cameroon
A good mosquito repellent, a portable mosquito net for the night, some good reading material (it's often hard to find recent releases in bookshops) and a small portable speaker for listening to music on the road will all come in handy once you're on the road.
There's no need to bring valuables or your finest jewelry. But Cameroonians love to go out in the evening, "dressed to the nines": it's always a good idea to bring one or two decent outfits for your evenings on the town.
