Money and payments
Cards and cash
Mastercard and Visa ATM withdrawals are possible in many banks - for example, SGBC - which can be found in most major cities.
//
Africa · Middle AfricaOutline guideCountry in Central Africa
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, minor amendments by Burmesedays, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cameroon (French: Cameroun) is a country in Central Africa. Known as "Africa in miniature", the country is known for its geological, linguistic, artistic, and cultural diversity: some 250 languages are spoken in this mid-sized country. Cameroon was colonised by three European countries — Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Cameroon.
Cards and cash
Mastercard and Visa ATM withdrawals are possible in many banks - for example, SGBC - which can be found in most major cities.
English, French
The two official languages of the country are French and English. Of the two, French is the more useful language (understood by 80% of Cameroonians and the first language for many Cameroonians) and will get you far.
To make local and international calls you need to buy a pre-paid SIM card.
Mobile networks
Avoid drinking tap water, even in restaurants.
As Cameroon is a developing country, health care facilities are poor and are much below Western standards.
It is very common for people, including people you've never even met before, to greet people around them.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the vibrant, bustling capital city of the country. Predominantly French-speaking.
Bafoussam is the capital of the West Region, in Northwest Highlands, Cameroon.
Bamenda is a city in Cameroon's Northwest Highlands.
Buea is a city in Coastal Cameroon. It was the seat of German Cameroon in the beginning of the 20th century and still has some colonial buildings of interest.
the economical capital of the country. It handles Cameroon's international trade. Predominantly French-speaking.
Garoua is a port city lying on the Benue River in Northern Cameroon. Third biggest city in Cameroon.
a peaceful coastal town with numerous black sand beaches. Predominantly English-speaking.
Ngaoundéré is the capital of Adamaoua region.
Dja Faunal Reserve, in the south-eastern part of Cameroon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Korup National Park is in Coastal Cameroon. It is one of Africa’s oldest and richest tropical forests in terms of ecosystem diversity.
Mount Cameroon (also known as Fako) is an active volcano and at an elevation of 4,040 metres (13,250 ft) is the highest peak in Cameroon. It is a popular climb that does not require any special equipment.
Ngoketunjia is a division in the Northwest Highlands region of Cameroon. Ngoketunjia refers to a grasslands plain overlooked by the Ngoketunjia mountain.
Places in Cameroon on the World Heritage List.
Dja Faunal Reserve
Listed 1987
Sangha Trinational
Listed 2012
Diy-Gid-Biy
Listed 2025
Museum of the Bamoun Kings
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Adamaoua is the place for mountain climbing
Coastal Cameroon is where you can visit beaches
A religiously mixed area
An English-speaking region that is in a state of war as of 2023.
Home to the capital, Yaounde, and the main entry point for the traveller.
Public transport and paid services in Cameroon.
By train
Rail services operated by Camrail, run from the capital, Yaoundé, to the port city of Douala and the northern city of Ngaoundéré.
By bus
Between the major cities you can get a ride on modern, comfortable buses, sometimes with air conditioning.
By car
Rental cars are available although very expensive.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Cameroon.
Finding apps for Cameroon…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Douala · International · DLA
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Yaoundé
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 29° | 29° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 27° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 19° | 20° | 21° | 21° | 21° | 20° | 19° | 19° | 20° | 20° | 20° | 19° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 14 | 40 | 117 | 164 | 149 | 119 | 115 | 169 | 212 | 231 | 126 | 18 |
| Humidity | 77% | 81% | 86% | 88% | 88% | 88% | 89% | 90% | 90% | 89% | 86% | 80% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$105
Per person, per day
Luxury
$290
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $60 | $170 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $45 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
—
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Cameroon due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, health, kidnapping, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and carjacking are common in Cameroon. This is especially true in the Southwest, Northwest, Far North, and North Regions; the Adamawa Region north of the capital city of Ngaoundere; and the East Region within 20 kilometers of the border with Central African Republic. There is high risk of kidnapping by non-state armed groups in the Southwest and Northwest Regions. There is high risk of kidnapping by terrorists in the Far North Region. Petty crime is common in Cameroon, especially in Yaoundé and Douala. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes. Unrest Civil unrest is common, with the potential for political violence. Demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. They may disrupt transportation and other essential services. Health Medical services in Cameroon are limited. Adequate trauma and ambulance services are not widely available. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your expense. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Cameroon. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Kidnappings by terrorist organizations are a significant risk in the Far North Region. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) IEDs exist in Cameroon,…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Bakassi Peninsula FCDO advises against all travel to Bakassi Peninsula. Cameroon-Central African Republic border FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Central African Republic. Cameroon-Chad border FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Chad. Cameroon-Nigeria border FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region. Far-North Region FCDO advises against all travel to the Far-North Region, except for: a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua 30km south of Maroua North-West Region FCDO advises against all travel to the North-West Region. South-West Region FCDO advises against all travel to the South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. Except for: Limbé the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division Limbé FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region. North Region, Adamawa Region and Maroua FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the North Region, including Garoua,, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region. Adamawa Region FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with the…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Cameroon.
ItinerariesMount Cameroon (also known as Fako) is an active volcano and at an elevation of 4,040 metres (13,250 ft) is the highest peak in Cameroon. It is a popular climb that does not require any special equipment.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureAfrican flora and fauna is a highlight of trips to Africa, especially on visits to the continent's national parks. Going on a safari is a common way to see it.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureVolcanoes come in many shapes and sizes, and their eruptions vary hugely in both frequency and intensity. Many volcanoes are tourist attractions and are worth a visit provided you take due care, in particular keeping a…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsA solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon in which the sun is obscured by the moon. In a total solar eclipse, the moon precisely covers the sun's bright orb, leaving the normally invisible solar corona glowing all…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsEurope is a continent that is relatively small but with many independent countries. Under normal circumstances, travelling through multiple countries would mean having to go through visa applications and passport…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe European theatre of World War II (see World War II in Europe) included a major campaign in North Africa and there was also fighting in several other parts of the continent.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.