Yaounde, Cameroon Report of what it's like to live there - 01/31/10
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?
2nd foreign post
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
2nd foreign post
3. 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?
24 hour trip to the U.S. when you factor in layovers. The best airlines to use are swiss air or SN brussles. Air france is called Air Chance in these parts and your luggage will be routinely taken off in Douala and will often not make it to Yaounde for a week.
4. 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?
24 hour trip to the U.S. when you factor in layovers. The best airlines to use are swiss air or SN brussles. Air france is called Air Chance in these parts and your luggage will be routinely taken off in Douala and will often not make it to Yaounde for a week.
5. How long have you lived here?
a little over 1 year
6. How long have you lived here?
a little over 1 year
7. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Working at the U.S. Embassy
8. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Working at the U.S. Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My commute from home to the embassy is 1 minute walking. Many houses are in walking distance, the rest are about a 5 minute drive. Many of the embassy houses are now brand new, though the houses in lower Bastos tend to be old and have electrical problems. All houses are large, average 4 to 6 bedrooms.
2. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My commute from home to the embassy is 1 minute walking. Many houses are in walking distance, the rest are about a 5 minute drive. Many of the embassy houses are now brand new, though the houses in lower Bastos tend to be old and have electrical problems. All houses are large, average 4 to 6 bedrooms.
3. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are extremely expensive, everything is imported. Grocery stores here are more expensive than in Paris. Cameroon manufactures nothing, even the milk and eggs in stores come from France.
4. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are extremely expensive, everything is imported. Grocery stores here are more expensive than in Paris. Cameroon manufactures nothing, even the milk and eggs in stores come from France.
5. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Spare tires for the car. Tires here run 300$ to 400$.If you don't have pouch mail or consumablbes I would bring everything you can possibly bring. Moral is significantly lower for those expats without such privilages, due to the lack of availability of most items here and the prohibative costs.
6. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Spare tires for the car. Tires here run 300$ to 400$.If you don't have pouch mail or consumablbes I would bring everything you can possibly bring. Moral is significantly lower for those expats without such privilages, due to the lack of availability of most items here and the prohibative costs.
7. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast food as Americans know it does not exist, but there is Cameroonian roasted beef, called Soya, roasted fish on the streets, brochettes everywhere and great rottiserie chicken on every corner. Excellent French and European food available (though be prepared to drop 100$ for two if you want to have wine with dinner) also a wide variety of asian restaurants available, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Indian. Pattiseries are everywhere.
8. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast food as Americans know it does not exist, but there is Cameroonian roasted beef, called Soya, roasted fish on the streets, brochettes everywhere and great rottiserie chicken on every corner. Excellent French and European food available (though be prepared to drop 100$ for two if you want to have wine with dinner) also a wide variety of asian restaurants available, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Indian. Pattiseries are everywhere.
9. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
They say malaria, but I rarely see mosquitos. Malaria is uncommon in Yaounde for people living with screens on their windows, but more prevalent in the rest of the country.
10. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
They say malaria, but I rarely see mosquitos. Malaria is uncommon in Yaounde for people living with screens on their windows, but more prevalent in the rest of the country.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
No real postal service. If you don't have diplomatic pouch privilages you are out of luck.
2. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
No real postal service. If you don't have diplomatic pouch privilages you are out of luck.
3. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
The only thing cheap here is labor. Domestic help is from 150-250$ per month.
4. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
The only thing cheap here is labor. Domestic help is from 150-250$ per month.
5. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Hilton has a gym as does Club Noah. If you are lucky enough to work for the U.S. Embassy there is a great gym inside along with a pool outside and a basketball court.
6. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Hilton has a gym as does Club Noah. If you are lucky enough to work for the U.S. Embassy there is a great gym inside along with a pool outside and a basketball court.
7. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are usable, though if you have another method of getting cash that is preferable. One major French grocery store, Casino, takes visa card.
8. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are usable, though if you have another method of getting cash that is preferable. One major French grocery store, Casino, takes visa card.
9. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, there is an American church that meets at the Hilton.
10. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, there is an American church that meets at the Hilton.
11. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are several English newspapers and DSTV is available for English cable as well as Creolink and Megahurtz which have English and French and Arabic channels.
12. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are several English newspapers and DSTV is available for English cable as well as Creolink and Megahurtz which have English and French and Arabic channels.
13. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is not necessary to live here, but it will greatly increase the quality of your life. Those with fluent French are the happiest, those with no french struggle.
14. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is not necessary to live here, but it will greatly increase the quality of your life. Those with fluent French are the happiest, those with no french struggle.
15. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Do not come here is you are physically disabled.
16. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Do not come here is you are physically disabled.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are unsafe. Trains often derail. If you can't afford to have a car here, don't come.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are unsafe. Trains often derail. If you can't afford to have a car here, don't come.
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?
SUV, preferably a Toyota or Mercedes if you want to have an easy time finding parts. Roads are bad outside the city and also dangerous. Car accidents are frequent and fatal and the road between Douala and Yaounde is rumored to be the second most dangerous road in the world. Bring an SUV just for safety alone.
4. 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?
SUV, preferably a Toyota or Mercedes if you want to have an easy time finding parts. Roads are bad outside the city and also dangerous. Car accidents are frequent and fatal and the road between Douala and Yaounde is rumored to be the second most dangerous road in the world. Bring an SUV just for safety alone.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Pretty good for Africa. Internet fast enough to use Skype for 50-100$ per month that includes cable and a VOIP telephone.
2. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Pretty good for Africa. Internet fast enough to use Skype for 50-100$ per month that includes cable and a VOIP telephone.
3. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phones are easy, cheap and use pre paid cards.
4. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phones are easy, cheap and use pre paid cards.
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?
2. 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?
3. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
4. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. 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?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
4. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really, quite safe, only crimes of opportunity. I have not heard on anyone having a home invasion or a car jacking.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really, quite safe, only crimes of opportunity. I have not heard on anyone having a home invasion or a car jacking.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
5. 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?
Great air, no pollution problems.
6. 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?
Great air, no pollution problems.
7. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The rainy season is REALLY REALLY rainy and quite unpleasant, particularly August. The dry season is very pleasant, though quite hot.
8. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The rainy season is REALLY REALLY rainy and quite unpleasant, particularly August. The dry season is very pleasant, though quite hot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Many complain about the American School as being very mismanaged. It seems to be better for high school or elementary school, but the middle school is a problem. Every parent with french language opts to put their child in the French school which has a better reputation.
2. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Many complain about the American School as being very mismanaged. It seems to be better for high school or elementary school, but the middle school is a problem. Every parent with french language opts to put their child in the French school which has a better reputation.
3. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None, do not come here if you have a child with special needs.
4. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None, do not come here if you have a child with special needs.
5. 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?
Available though extremely expensive. Preschool for ages 4-5 at the American school is over 2,000$ a semester. There are 2 decent french pre-schools which are a bit cheaper. However, most opt to join diplomatic play groups and use nannies. Nannies are plentiful and cheap, 150$ a month for full time.
6. 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?
Available though extremely expensive. Preschool for ages 4-5 at the American school is over 2,000$ a semester. There are 2 decent french pre-schools which are a bit cheaper. However, most opt to join diplomatic play groups and use nannies. Nannies are plentiful and cheap, 150$ a month for full time.
7. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. Football, tennis, basketball.
8. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. Football, tennis, basketball.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
3. Morale among expats:
4. Morale among expats:
5. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
6. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
7. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families with small children. Though Cameroonian women and men are very aggressive. Without exagerating I have seen 6 couples come here married and leave divorced, due to infadelity on both sides. Singles also have a decent time, especially men. Francophone individuals will have a much better social scene.
8. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families with small children. Though Cameroonian women and men are very aggressive. Without exagerating I have seen 6 couples come here married and leave divorced, due to infadelity on both sides. Singles also have a decent time, especially men. Francophone individuals will have a much better social scene.
9. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There is a small underground gay scene, but there are much better places in the world to go if you are gay.
10. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There is a small underground gay scene, but there are much better places in the world to go if you are gay.
11. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No problems whatsoever.
12. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No problems whatsoever.
13. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Eating fresh cooked fish on the beach in Kribi and Limbe, grinding and roasting freshly picked coffee beans with Monks in a beautiful monastary in Foumban.
14. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Eating fresh cooked fish on the beach in Kribi and Limbe, grinding and roasting freshly picked coffee beans with Monks in a beautiful monastary in Foumban.
15. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Mefou Park for a day trip to see animals. The closest beach is about 4 hours away. Not much to do in Yaounde besides eating and nightlife. If you are not good at entertaining yourself you will be bored.
16. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Mefou Park for a day trip to see animals. The closest beach is about 4 hours away. Not much to do in Yaounde besides eating and nightlife. If you are not good at entertaining yourself you will be bored.
17. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
18. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
19. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Beautiful beaches and landscapes, unspoiled coastline with virtually NO tourism industry, so if you like to experience raw beautiful coastline with no high rise hotels, Cameroon is it. Also stunning landscape in the North and West.
20. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Beautiful beaches and landscapes, unspoiled coastline with virtually NO tourism industry, so if you like to experience raw beautiful coastline with no high rise hotels, Cameroon is it. Also stunning landscape in the North and West.
