Cameroon: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  and Independence Day (1960)
January 21 Eid Al Adha
February 11 Youth Day
March 25 Good Friday
April 21 Prophet's Anniversary
May 1 Labour Day
May 5 Ascension
May 20 National Day
August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
October 1 Unification Day
November 3 Eid Al Fitr  
December 25 Christmas Day  

Weekend Saturday,Sunday

Customs & Duties

The following goods can be taken into Cameroon without facing any custom duties: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500grm of tobacco, 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages and 2 bottles of perfume or deodorant. Radios, cameras and excess alcohol must be declared on arrival.

Electricity

110/220v, 50Hz is what is available in Cameroon. If your gadgets are used to other specifications carry adaptors with you.

Weights & Measures

The metric system is used in Cameroon.

Post & Communications

The cities of Yaounde and Doula have reliable post and telecommunication facilities. CFA franc 200 is charged for each letter received. Elsewhere in Cameroon, the post and telecommunication services are unreliable. Arrangements can be made to receive long-distance calls at the Intelcam offices in both cities where connections are good. Private telephone operators charge 50% more than Intelcam.

Tipping

If service charges have not been included in your bill, 10% is the usual tipping standard. In Cameroon, they do not expect tips from you unless you come across as a wealthy traveller. Use discretion and stick to 10% of the bill.

English Language Media

The most widely available newspaper is the Cameroon Tribune published in French and English. Other English newspapers include the Cameroon Post (daily), Cameroon Times (weekly) and The Herald and the Messenger (thrice a week).