ExpatWoman guide to living in Cameroon
 

Cameroon

Cameroon

Cameroon's coastline lies on the Bight of Bonny, part of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is often referred to as "Africa in miniature" for its geological and cultural diversity. Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. There aren’t many expats in Cameroon and services tend to be slow (internet ect.), you will also have to deal with everyday stereotyping – i.e. if you’re from the west you must be rich – which means that people will try to over-charge you for goods and services. 


Cameroon

Expat Clubs


There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Cameroon and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.

International Schools 


American School of Yaounde

ASOY serves the community in Yaounde, Cameroon through example and service as a beacon of educational excellence. Their mission is to ensure that all students achieve high academic success, develop critical thinking skills, and become responsible, compassionate, and global citizens.



Phone: +237 2223 0421

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.asoy.org

 

American School of Douala

American School of Douala (ASD) is an independent coeducational, non-sectarian school, which provides an English language educational program from pre-school through twelfth grade.



Phone: +237 3342 1437

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.asddouala.com

 

Amity International College

With a reputation of exquisite academic precision, the Amity International College educational institutions are run by experienced Turkish nationals along with enthusiastic and dynamic Cameroonian staff. Amity International College is outfitted to provide the ground work studies for the achievements in the local and international board examinations, offering students the opportunity to get admission in Cameroon and elsewhere in the world.



Phone: +237 2266 1586

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.amity.cm



Enko La Gaiete International School

We designed Enko Education Schools to offer students an outstanding preparation to access top universities. Our students follow the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and receive specific support to choose the right university, navigating through the application process and applying for scholarships.



Phone: +237 653 23 56 52

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.enkoeducation.com/fr/yaounde/



Enko Bonanjo International School

We designed Enko Education Schools to offer students an outstanding preparation to access top universities. Our students follow the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and receive specific support to choose the right university, navigating through the application process and applying for scholarships.



Phone: +237 693 068 298

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.enkoeducation.com/fr/bonanjo/



Rain Forest International School

Rain Forest International School provides an international secondary education permeated with a Christian worldview, using English as the medium of instruction.



Phone: +237 7793 7162

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rfis.org

Local News in English


embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/cameroon

Country Information 


Location: Africa

Capital City: Yaoundé

Other Important Cities: Douala

Currency: CFA franc (XAF)

Language: French, English

Calling Code: 237

Internet TLD: .cm

Electricity: 110/220V 50Hz

Emergency Numbers:
  • Police: 117
  • Medical: 119
  • Fire: 118

Embassy Information


embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/cameroon

Residents Visa and Work Permit information


Tourist Visa

Cameroonian tourist visa is issued for a short time of leisure travel and no business activities allowed.



Required documents:
  • Fully completed visa application form for Cameroon and required declaration
  • Passport size photographs
  • Valid national passport and one copy
  • Original of valid visa if you are national of another country and one copy
  • Your current bank statement and one copy
  • Confirmation letter from your travel health insurance stating the coverage and one copy
  • Reference letter from your employer or education establishment
  • Proof of group travel/ hotel reservation in Cameroon / airline ticket reservation for Cameroon and one copy
  • Visa fees for Cameroonian visa 

Business Visa

Cameroonian business visa is for partaking in short term commerce in Cameroon.



Required documents:

  • Valid passport (an additional copy) with at least 6 months validity remaining
  • Fully completed Cameroonian business visa application form
  • Passport type photographs (no older than 6 months)
  • Valid resident visa and one copy
  • Current bank statement and one copy
  • Proof of travel insurance coverage for trips and one copy
  • Business references (letter from your employer, invitation from Cameroonian company or organization)
  • Proof of Cameroonian hotel reservation and airline booking reservation for Cameroon.

 

For more information, you can check out your respective Cameroon embassies or the official website here >>


Accommodation


Yaounde, Garoua, Bamenda, Douala, Koussendi are the major cities in Cameroon. There are lots of real estate agencies in Yaounde. In the capital, you can rent in advanced standing apartment. There are also main residential areas like Quartier du Lac, Plateau Atemengue and Bastos. If you are looking expatriate districts, check out Bonapriso, Bonanjo and Douala. Rent contracts in Cameroon are renewable for one year and are payable in advance.



You can also find furnished apartments for short or long term stay in Douala. They cost between EU800 for a one bedroom and EU1200 for a three bedroom per month. If your expat package covers accommodation this is one of the easiest options to take when renting as the agencies will also provide a cleaner to come and clean on a regular basis making your stay all the more enjoyable.  

Driving License


Traffic regulations in Cameroon are not generally respected and driving can be dangerous between Yaounde and Douala. It is possible to rent a car in Cameroon but can be very expensive. Four-wheel drive is recommended when you go away from the main cities as it is rare to find paved roads.



If you want to drive your own car, you can use your international driving license.

Healthcare


Insurance in Cameroon



Zenithe Insurance

Zenithe Insurance was founded in 2005 by entrepreneurial Cameroonians with a strong belief in the future of their country and a commitment to contribute to its success.



Address: Koumassi Street, Bali, Douala

Tel: +237 3343 4132

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.zenitheinsurance.com

 

Allianz Cameroun Assurances

Address: Rue Manga Bell, BP 105, Douala

Tel: +237 335 02000

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.allianz-africa.com



Hospitals in Cameroon



Shisong Hospital

Shisong Hospital that forms part of the health care system of the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis in the Catholic Church in Cameroon, and operating in line with the National Health Policies, remains committed improving on the health care of the clients who come from various parts of the Cameroon and beyond.



Address: Shisong, Kumbo Town, Bui Division, Northwest Cameroon

Tel: +237 7983 5796

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.shisonghospital.org

 

Bameda Regional Hospital

Address: Nitop 1 Quarter, Bamenda 2 Council Area of Mezam Division, Northwest Region, Cameroon

Tel: +237 333 61108

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.brhospital.com