Yaounde, Cameroon Report of what it's like to live there - 06/11/08
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?
Yes.
2. How long have you lived here?
April 2004-June 2006.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
19+ hours from U.S. through Paris (3 flights/week), Brussels (1 flight/week) or Zurich (1 flight/week).
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am a U.S. Government employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most housing is clustered in two neighborhoods, and commutes are 10-15 minutes or less. Usually, it's either large, new house with very little yard, or a smaller, older house with large yards. Many expats live in apartment buildings with decent 24-hour security.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fresh fruit/vegetables, flour, bread, eggs, milk and meats are readily available and affordable. Your chicken won't be boneless or headless, but it's available. Canned goods are expensive and usually dented. Many cooking goods are available, but bring you're own unique spices (such as anything Tex-Mex or Mexican food related)Paper goods, automotive parts, detergents, cosmetics, hygiene products, and clothes are very expensive and of poor quality.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Any unique brands that you enjoy, ship in quantity. Toilet paper!!!!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
No fast food. It's a fun prank to tell someone that they're opening up a McDonald's finally...There are about 5-7 restaurants (Italian, French, Chinese) that expats regularly frequent, but in the city there are many places to eat, if you choose to be adventurous.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Cameroonian Post is completely unreliable. Letters will be okay but not much else.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Pushy and affordable. US$150-$300 month/full time. Be patient and selective.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Cash society. ATMs are rare and require extra caution. Some hotels will accept credit cards, but watch your bills.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, the Cameroonians are a deeply devout group and there are several options.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Local news is not that informative, most information is gathered via the internet.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It's good to know basic French for shopping and market negotiations.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
There is absolutely no support or infrastructure for anyone who cannot move on their own.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right, center, left, and then back again. It is supposed to be right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable: Yes. Safe: No. There is no mass transit system, just taxis. Embassy employees are banned from public transportation.
3. 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?
The general taxi is a Toyota Corolla. If you are going to drive outside the city and be adventurous, a four-wheel drive vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended. Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, etc are easier to get parts rather than Ford, Chevy, Buick.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Local internet is untrustworthy and expensive. Our provider was US$150+/month for 28.8kbps speeds and was up maybe 70% of the time.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get something local (US$60-$80) that can be lost/stolen. It uses the same pay-as-you-go system as Europe. Unlocked quad band phones will work with a local SIM card.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Local calling cards are unreliable and costly. Use a callback service or internet voice-chat programs.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are a couple of vets, but the services are limited only basic vaccinations and microchipping. If you want surgery on your dog/cat, it will be on your dining room table. Bring plenty of dog food/cat food/supplies. The available items are expensive and poor-quality.
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?
Unless you speak French, the job opportunities for expats are limited. The available jobs are usually very low paying.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Usually a suit for business men, but very casual in the city. The Muslim areas up north require a more strict observance of covering up for men and women.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Unhealthy.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Any house that doesn't have 24-hour guards and substantial fencing will be broken into. There is no travel allowed for U.S. Government employees outside the city after dark. Lots of economically motivated robberies for cellphones, cash, jewelery.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Local health care is risky. I had a digital x-ray for a sprained softball ankle, and it was US$7, but I didn't have a lead apron.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Rainy season and dry season. Dry season however is just a less-rainy season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American School of Yaounde (ASOY) offers K-12 with small classes. The graduating class is usually 10-15 students, and the younger classes increase in size from there. The school offers neat weekend activities that are open to many expats.
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?
Nannies are readily available (US$150-$300/month) and you must be careful.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small, mainly diplomatic or French business-related. Douala is the economic capital and has a much busier expat environment.
2. Morale among expats:
It varies based on the group, but if you wish, there are some very positive people who enjoy the challenge and the opportunities to see things and travel places that tourists can't go.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots of house, dinner parties. Many themed events or celebrations at ASOY. There isn't a lot of nightlife.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
The family is good for families/couples, but not really singles. The dating scene is VERY limited and the single expats had noticeably more difficult times. Travel in/out to nice vacation spots is expensive and time consumming.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There were several gay expats in the country, but it is difficult due to the fact that homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon. Entrapment situations happen regularly for gay single males, but not gay couples of are not romantically involved with locals.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The country is bilingual and mainly dual religious, Muslim and Christian. If you are White, you will have attention and be asked for money/gifts everywhere you go, but there is not so much negative racism.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are gorilla sanctuaries and reserves around the country, and beaches near Douala. In addition the tallest West African mountain, Mount Cameroon is there, along with the beaches. You can play outdoor sports (tennis, soccer, golf)year round. One of the most fun and dangerous things we enjoyed doing was going to the go-cart track that was also a bar...There aren't a lot of nightlife opportunities, so most of the social outlets were theme parties, dinner parties, etc.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Fantastic cloth, wooden figures, tablecloths. Be careful with the incredible furniture, because the wood will warp over time. It ALL will warp, even if they tell you that it's treated.
9. Can you save money?
Travel in/out of the country is expensive, but you can save money if you are wise with your dining habits.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely. We really enjoyed it and explored a lot more of the country than my colleagues. If you have an adventurous mindset and don't mind using the side of the road as a toilet, come on over.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Cold weather clothes, nice electronics (due to the unpredictable power quality)
3. But don't forget your:
Patience and adventerous attitude! It's a beautiful country and can offer a lot if you're willing to search for it.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Tears of the Sun (2003), Blood Diamond (2006)
