Yaounde - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yaounde is a cash-based city; however, cards are beginning to be accepted in many shops and supermarkets. There are plenty of ATMs to use around the city. - Feb 2023
No. Cash is king. ATM is at the embassy. - Feb 2022
No. Cash economy. We only use the ATM at the US Embassy. - Jan 2020
I used credit card at the Casino and Mahima supermarkets with no problems. Saves having to carry lots of CFA around (local currency is about CFA 500 to US$1) We only got money out at the embassy; either the ATM or the cashier. - Jun 2018
Credit cards are not commonly used thus far but may become more common in the coming years. There is an ATM at the embassy, and people have used others, such as the one at the Hilton, without problems. - Apr 2017
You must have a card with a smart chip to be able to use it at restaurants and grocery stores. Most places operate on a cash basis ( CFA). - Apr 2014
It's a cash society. The embassy cashier will cash checks for you. - Jan 2014
A pain in the neck especially around pay day. Expect long lines and ATMs that have no money to dispense. - May 2012
Never been crazy enough to try that here. - Sep 2011
They are not widely used or available here. Only 2 local grocery stores have card readers, although the Hilton and some banks offer ATMs. - Mar 2010
ATMs are usable, though if you have another method of getting cash that is preferable. One major French grocery store, Casino, takes visa card. - Jan 2010
This is a cash economy. Your cards are useless except for shopping on the internet. - Nov 2008
Cameroon remains basically a cash society, and using electronic means is a risk we have chosen to avoid using cards. - Sep 2008
This is a cash-only society. Don't use your credit cards. - Jun 2008
Cash society. ATMs are rare and require extra caution. Some hotels will accept credit cards, but watch your bills. - Jun 2008
