Yaounde, Cameroon Report of what it's like to live there - 04/22/14
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?
No.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC. With the time difference, a flight will take approximately 24 hours. Flights normally route through Brussels or Paris. Flights only arrive on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday transitioning via Paris on Delta code share Air France.
3. How long have you lived here?
8 months. Arrived September 2013.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service Officer.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are new apartments normally occupied by single personnel. The housing pool is generally old and rife with problems that keeps folks busy getting GSO or Facilities to fix them. Average commute time from most home is 15-20 minutes max.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are 3 main grocery stores here, Casino, Dov, and Mahima. All are very expensive. The Embassy has a large commissary stocked with American food ( dry & frozen) which makes it convenient for embassy personnel.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More consumables from the U.S. ELSO is very expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Cafe de Yaounde is an excellent restaurant that serves a variety of dishes (French, Italian, and American). There is a good Vietnamese restaurant close to Select Bakery and La Salsa has really good homemade pizza. The outdoor grill/lounge at the Hilton serves wood-fired pizza, chicken tika that is quiet good. The Hilton also has a great Saturday brunch and a 2 for 1 happy hour everyday in the rooftop lounge.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Roaches, ants galore!
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch. Arrives every 2-3 weeks. You cannot mail packages back to the U.S. larger than a DVD box unless you want to spend an outrageous amount.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is readily available with recommendations from previous mission personnel. It's relatively inexpensive based on the number of days in the week they work. I know of no housekeepers who live on their employers' compound. Some know how to cook, most don't.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Free to all Mission personnel at the Embassy.
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?
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).
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is the native language here and in the local markets, you will need it to ask questions regarding items and the cost.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Sidewalks are in disrepair and the few stores here do not have accommodations as there aren't any laws governing to make it a mandatory requirement.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. Mission personnel are prohibited from using them.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Definitely an older model SUV. The roads are chocked full of pot holes, washed out, and never repaired. Local taxi drivers are the worst and you have to be diligent and defensive while driving. A turn signal means nothing; they will pass you on the right or left. They always make 3-4 lanes out of 1. You are taking your life in your own hands driving here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
That all depends on your idea of high speed. Credo link seems to be the best but there are frequent outages and it's about US$120 a month for internet only.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Unlock your U.S. cell and use Majic Jack or Viber with the wi-fi.
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?
No quarantine.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Deaf school and orphanages seem to be the primary focus for the mission.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work is professional dress. Public: shorts, t-shirts.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is the most stable country in the Central African Region. Embassy personnel must get permission from the RSO to travel in the Northern Region of Cameroon due to kidnappings by Boko Haram.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Malaria. Take your meds!!
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?
Fairly healthy except for locals burning trash every day.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Temperatures range in the High 80's to low 60's F during the dry season, December to mid-March. It is very rainy and humid April through October.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
75 U.S. direct Hires and there is a good esprit de corp. CLO arranges a lot of events to keep morale high.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
CLO events, parties at the Marine House or getting together with friends.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's much easier for families than singles.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, LGBT is illegal in Cameroon.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I've witnessed.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Word carvings from local artists.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
A 4-hour drive to Douala or Kribi where there are beaches. There are a few hotels in those ares but they aren't American standard.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Wood carvings, paintings, tailor made suits and dresses.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Saving money definitely as there aren't any malls, or movie theaters.
10. Can you save money?
Definitely unless you spend it all on food. The differential is 20% and the COLA in the 40% range.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How poor the infrastructure is and how expensive food is in such an impoverished country.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I have learned a lot about the local culture and have come to understand and appreciate these warm and inviting people.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes!
4. But don't forget your:
Shorts and flip flops.
