Yaounde - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are cheap, but unless you pay a 'depot' you may share your ride with five, yes five other people, they squeeze two people in the front seat. Many people have a vehicle and traffic is hectic but with a little patience it is easy to drive around if you are prepared to break a few traffic laws! - Feb 2023
No. We are forbidden use of public trans here. There is a motor pool that you can call and request pick-ups. You can use it for unofficial travel, too. It's a great deal, but I don't know how much longer it will keep going. - Feb 2022
I do not recommend life here without a car. We are not allowed to use public transport. Taxis are all very old and broken up cars that only drive when they have filled up with at least two more people than is safe. - Jan 2020
We are forbidden from taking the yellow taxis. The local buses are rarely on the roads, even though they look newish (at least in better condition than the plentiful yellow taxis.) - Jun 2018
We don't use the street taxis, trains, or local buses, but they are affordable for locals and other expats who do. There are car services, including Uber-inspired versions, that are available and reasonably priced. You can thus get by with just one car, particularly if you don't mind walking since many things you need will not be that far away. - Apr 2017
No. Mission personnel are prohibited from using them. - Apr 2014
Afforadable, yes. Safe? I'm not sure. Embassy provides motor pool assistance for all family members, but it's first come first go, semi-unreliable service. You will want to have your own car. - Jan 2014
There have been scenarios where foreign passengers have taken taxis that already have other local clients and the foreigners have been mugged. You must negotiate if you take a taxi. Find yourself a reliable driver and stick to him. 2500cfr for no AC, 3000+ with AC. - May 2012
The US Embassy staff is not allowed to take buses or taxis, or drive between cities after dark. Trains are basic but OK. - Sep 2011
Safe?Not really. The US Embassy provides a staffed motor pool to give you rides wherever you need to go just to keep you out of the taxis and buses. I do know friends who will take taxis, but only if they specifically tell the driver not to take on more passengers (common occurance) or if they know the driver personally. - Mar 2010
Taxis are unsafe. Trains often derail. If you can't afford to have a car here, don't come. - Jan 2010
Buses and taxis are off limits to U.S. personnel because of security risks. There is one train that operates from Douala on the coast up to Ngaoundere in the north. I have yet to take it, but it sounds fairly decent. For the most part, you drive yourself around or ride in a government vehicle. - Nov 2008
Train connecting Yaounde and Ngaoundere is safe and affordable, some bus companies are safe and reputable, many are overcrowded and very dangerous. Taxis are the sight of substantial crime - so the recommendation is that you contract with a known taxi driver(s) and call them when services are needed. Very affordable. - Sep 2008
No. This is a crime critical post with RSO restrictions. - Jun 2008
Affordable: Yes. Safe: No. There is no mass transit system, just taxis. Embassy employees are banned from public transportation. - Jun 2008
