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Travel warning
There's a high risk of violent conflict and kidnappings across large parts of the country, including near major cities and some coastal areas, making many tourist spots too dangerous to visit.
Weather in Cameroon
Cameroon
30°
Slight rain showers
Wed
22
30
Thu
22
30
Fri
21
31
Sat
22
29
Sun
22
28
SPF level in Cameroon
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Cameroon
Tipping in Cameroon
Tipping is not mandatory in Cameroon, but it is becoming increasingly expected, particularly in tourist areas, as a reward for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service.
Bar/Café
Small change or up to 10% for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
XAF 500-1000 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
XAF 500-1000 per day.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety in Cameroon
Tips for British travellers
Cameroon is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry identification, such as a certified copy of your passport, to avoid detention by police.
It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing if you are not a member of the armed forces.
Be particularly careful with your belongings in crowded places like train stations, buses, and hotels due to petty theft.
Be aware of your surroundings as terrorist attacks could occur in places like restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Avoid walking alone at night and steer clear of isolated or less developed areas in cities.
Bonus tips:
It is illegal to take photographs of military sites, airports, or government buildings.
Avoid using roadside yellow taxis in cities and only use pre-arranged or trusted ones, especially from your hotel.
Driving in Cameroon
A UK driving license is generally accepted for a short visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially for longer stays. Ensure you have necessary vehicle insurance. Driving conditions can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season. Exercise caution.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Cameroon drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
119
Fire
118
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Cameroon
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed?
Yes
In Cameroon, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a plug adapter for Type C and Type E sockets. Consider a step-down voltage converter if your devices are not dual voltage (support both 100-120V and 220-240V).
Cards & payments
Limited. Credit card acceptance is low, and cash is predominantly used. Major hotels and some restaurants in larger cities might accept cards.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Low
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Cameroon
Limited, mainly available in larger cities like Douala and Yaoundé. ATMs are often unreliable.
Local name
Guichet automatique de banque (GAB)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs can be found in major cities, but it is unreliable and can be unavailable due to cash or electrical problems. Ensure you notify your bank of travel plans before departure. Consider carrying sufficient cash, especially when travelling to rural or remote areas.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Roaming charges can be very high. Check with your mobile provider for specific rates regarding Cameroon before travelling. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 5000 XAF (~£6.50)
Network coverage
2G, 3G, 4G
Local carriers
MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon, CAMTEL
WiFi & internet
Limited. Available in major hotels, restaurants, and cafes in larger cities, but can be unreliable.
Average speed
5 Mbps
Internet access can be intermittent and slow. Mobile data might be a better option for consistent connectivity, provided you have a local SIM card.
Health & vaccinations in Cameroon
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Medical facilities in Cameroon are limited, especially outside of major cities. Ensure your policy covers treatment in private facilities, which may offer a higher standard of care.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever (certificate required for entry)
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious about food hygiene. Be aware of the risk of Dengue fever and Zika virus. Avoid contact with stray animals.
Calling Cameroon
Country code
+237
00 237 [local number]
00 237 6XXXXXXXX
To call Cameroon from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 237 (Cameroon's country code), followed by the local number. Mobile numbers in Cameroon typically start with a 6.
UK Embassy in Cameroon
British High Commission Yaounde
Avenue Winston Churchill, BP 547, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Airports in Cameroon
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.