Travel Safety in Cameroon
Overview
There are several security concerns in Cameroon. Crime is an issue in most parts of the country, but is considered a particular problem in Douala and Yaounde. Banditry is also an ongoing concern on rural roads between major towns and cities, particularly in northern Cameroon.
Protests occur occasionally in Cameroon and are generally centred on Douala and Yaounde. These can turn violent.
There are significant concerns of terrorism, kidnapping and conflict risks in two distinct areas of Cameroon. These are the country's Far North, North and Adamawa regions - where Boko Haram is highly active - and the regions of Northwest and Southwest - where there is an ongoing separatist insurgency. A heightened risk of kidnapping and conflict also exists along Cameroon’s shared borders with the Central African Republic, where a number of armed groups operate.
Medical facilities in Cameroon are generally considered to be inadequate, especially outside of Douala and Yaounde.
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Basic information
Medical:
119 (fire); 117 (police); 112 (ambulance). Operators may not speak English. Response times and service are likely to be poor.
Money:
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF).
ATMs that accept foreign bank cards are not widespread.
Credit cards are only accepted in some international hotels.
Language:
The country's main languages are French and Cameroonian Pidgin English.
Water:
Tap water is generally not safe to consume.
Connectivity:
4G available.