Yaounde, Cameroon Report of what it's like to live there - 11/30/08
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?
First assignment but second time living overseas. I lived in various cities in Romania previously.
2. How long have you lived here?
11 months.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
The main links are with Paris, Zurich, and Brussels. Each one is limited to about three flights per week with a flight of nine to eleven hours.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Foreign Service.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing here is very generous and oversized compared to the norm. Currently most units are houses with a yard. There are also some modern duplexes for smaller families. All housing is within a ten minute drive of the U.S. Embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fresh produce is plentiful, delicious, organic, and relatively inexpensive if you can barter in French. The pineapples, mangoes, bananas, and avocados are especially good. All the supermarkets are quite overpriced but they carry most items that can be found in the USA.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Any liquids that you will ever need (not allowed in the pouch), plenty of spare car parts, nuts and baking items, paper products (plates, cups, silverware, napkins), and fans.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Euro Marche provides great italian dishes in minutes. There are several roadside vendors who make rotisserie chicken, and a few restaurants who make US style fast food. The best restaurants are the sit-down style and they provide a wide array of ethnic dishes. They can get pricey though.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have weekly pouch service.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available and very inexpensive. I pay my housekeeper about US$150 a month and that is a good wage.
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?
This is a cash economy. Your cards are useless except for shopping on the internet.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, some international church services are offered in English. My church is only offered in French, so we're learning it.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cameroon is mostly French, but also has two english speaking provinces. Because of this they do have some english articles in the newspapers and some TV stations are in English. Most expats get the Armed Forces network and/or English cable channels via satellite.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Basic French is needed to get into town for shopping and night life.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The Embassy is well equipped for you, but most other places are not.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right hand side driving like the USA. Cars built for left-hand side driving are no longer allowed.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
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.
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?
I brought a humble front-wheel drive minivan to haul my wife and kids around town. We do fine but if I could do it again, I would've brought a similarly sized vehicle with more ground clearance and possibly 4WD as well. Many of the roads (even in the city) are not paved and are poorly maintained. If you plan to travel outside of town, you definitely need 4WD. I also wouldn't bring a brand new vehicle here as it is likely to be hit and scratched.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes it is available. Costs are coming down all the time, but it is still quite expensive - US$150/month for broadband.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Embassy provided me a good cell phone for official use and limited personal use. My wife got an inexpensive local phone which uses prepaid minutes and it has been very helpful.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Within the Embassy you can call using IVG lines to the WashDC area for free. At home VOIP phones are provided to call anywhere within the USA for free. Cell phones can also be used with reasonable rates.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
I believe so. A handful of expats have pets.
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?
Only decent jobs are EFM jobs within the embassy.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work dress is fairly casual. Polos and khakis are generally acceptable. Cameroonians always try to wear their best when seen in public so we expats should do the same.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Good. Yaounde has surprisingly low pollution levels. The air is quite clean and trash deposits are not frequently seen in the city.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yaounde is designated as a critical security threat post. There are cases of violent crime that occur regularly, but there are in the continental U.S. as well. All housing has 24-hour security guards as well as security upgrades on doors and windows. There is a threat but it isn't a daily struggle. I have yet to encounter any problems.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Yaounde has some excellent talent in the form of surgeons and specialists, but the facilities are poor. The embassy's health unit is great and generally covers everyone's needs. They occasionally bring local doctors into their clinic when needed. For more serious medical problems, expats are generally sent to Pretoria on medevac.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Generally between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cameroon has a dry season (November to March) and a rainy season (the rest of the year).
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
My son attends kindergarten at ASOY, the American School of Yaounde. His teacher is super and the class size is small at only six students. The facilities are adequate but seem somewhat old. However the swimming pool area just got a renovation. The complex also has a tennis court, a basketball court, and a soccer field. The school provides a convenient shuttle. I am very happy with the education my son is receiving.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure.
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?
ASOY also offers preschool to 3 and 4-year-olds but their rates are quite expensive. It is much more economical to hire a local as a nanny.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Fairly small. Most embassies are here with few expats, but there are a lot of countries represented.
2. Morale among expats:
Good. Many expats have extended their posts because they adapt and enjoy living here. The climate is hard to beat.
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?
There are plenty of opportunities to host and attend gatherings and they are fairly frequent. GSO provides tents, dishes, and other equipment to make parties more enjoyable and feasible.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is definitely a great post for families. Singles may find it hard to adjust as there isn't a lot to do after work hours unless you can entertain yourself. Couples should do fine.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
This is not really socially acceptable here. On the other hand, polygamy is very common.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I happen to be Caucasian/White. When I go to the outdoor markets I am generally the only White person there. Some people may cry out "le blanc" but it is usually harmless. They are just shocked at seeing a White guy. Cameroon enjoys religious freedom and I have not seen any prejudices of that kind.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visit national parks to see chimps, gorillas, monkeys, etc in their natural habitat. The Embassy is right next to a beautiful golf course. On compound there is now a nice walking trail, basketball courts, and a beautiful swimming pool.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
African material and clothing, unique woodwork, animal masks, stools, drums, furniture, etc.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, definitely.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, in a heartbeat.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Warm weather clothing, expectations of western-style living, and paralyzing fear of malaria and other African diseases.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunglasses, hat, and a good book.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
A new video about post was recently submitted to FSI. It sums up life in Cameroon very well.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Cameroon is a great African post where you can experience life in Africa without a lot of the instability that is so common in neighboring countries. The people are generally very friendly and helpful to foreigners. All major climates/terrains of Africa can be found within Cameroon. The weather is almost always perfect in Yaounde. I love it here.
