CAMEROON

CURRENCY:

CFA Franc - XAF, Symbol CFA

Please note the CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. Please be aware that only currency issued by the Bank of West African States (Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest ) is valid, and that currency issued by the the Bank of Central African States ( Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale) IS NOT VALID.

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

COIN: CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED:

Yes, but Euros are more widely accepted.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

Credit cards have limited acceptance in Cameroon, and if at all will only be of the major providers. ATMs are also very limited (if at all).

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Easily conducted with Euros, with US Dollars next most accepted. It is recommended to carry sufficient cash in Cameroon and to organise this in advance.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Not recommended as they have limited acceptance in Cameroon. Opt for cash (in local currency and US Dollars) and this is best organised in advance. Commission rates on traveller's cheques in Cameroon are high.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0730-1530.-1500

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

Restrictions apply on import and export of local currency. On foreign currency this is unlimited and without restriction.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Cameroon's full name is the Republic of Cameroon and is located in central and Western Africa. Cameroon has social and political stability; more so than some other African countries. The capital is Yaounde but the largest city is Douala. The official languages of Cameroon are French and English.

POPULATION:

17,795,000

ECONOMY:

Cameroon has export markets in Europe and has one of the highest GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa. Tourism to the region is increasing but other elements of the economy include agriculture (the main proportion of the population are in farming). Many products are grown in Cameroon which is suitable for export including bananas, tea, rubber, cocoa and oil palms. There is also timber from the south.