Yaounde, Cameroon Report of what it's like to live there - 02/13/22
Personal Experiences from Yaounde, Cameroon
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Germany; Gaborone, Botswana; Kigali, Rwanda; and Dakar, Senegal.
2. What years did you live here?
2022.
3. How long have you lived here?
Less than one year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
3 BR / 3. 5 bath, 2 story duplex. About 2200 sq ft. There's a mix of duplexes, SFHs, and apartments here. The apartments seem to be the nicest.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Decent. There are (2) Casino grocery stores, Care Four, and Dovv. You can pretty much get anything here.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There's a handful of regular restaurants around the Embassy that people really like. Good food. The Pizzeria, Quare Non (French), M-Square, and others.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I've seen a dead cockroach or two. Nothing bad.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Dip pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available. $350/month on average for a cook/house keeper.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy has a small gym, but it was just outfitted with brand new Rogue equipment in Dec 2020. It could get a little crowded if 3+ people are in there, but fortunately not many people seem to use it. I've never had a problem. The Hilton downtown also has a gym people sometimes use.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No. Cash is king. ATM is at the embassy.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French and English are widely spoken, French more than English.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
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.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, HS internet through CRIO link. Give it 3-4 weeks to install. Some people use the Orange 4G routers while waiting for the land-line internet to get installed.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
I have seen a vet's office here, but we don't have pets so I don't know what's good.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Most wear a button down shirt with open collar, sometimes a tie.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime at night. We are advised not to walk alone at night, but during the day it's completely fine.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There is one HSO in the embassy, a Physician's Assistant. She sees everyone from six months to 60 years old.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Poor. It's very hazy most days right now (Jan-March 2022). People tend to burn their trash, and it can be dusty until the rains come in late April.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
It can be dusty during dry season.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very nice. The hottest months are maybe mid-80s, low humidity.
Expat Life:
1. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No. Being gay is illegal here.
