Visas -- Most nationalities need a visa to enter Cameroon, and you must get it before you arrive. Apply at a Cameroon embassy or consulate in your home country. The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 or 90 days. Processing can be slow, so apply well in advance. You will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Money -- The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), pegged to the euro at 655.957 XAF per euro. ATMs exist in Douala and Yaound and work with Visa cards, though they are unreliable outside the two big cities. Bring euros or US dollars in cash as a backup -- they can be changed at banks and exchange bureaus. MasterCard is poorly supported. Credit card acceptance is limited to upscale hotels. Budget travelers should carry enough cash for the countryside.
Language -- Cameroon is bilingual: French and English are both official languages. In practice, about 80% of the country is Francophone. English is dominant in the Northwest and Southwest regions (Bamenda, Limbe, Buea). Even in the Anglophone areas, Cameroon Pidgin English is more widely spoken than standard English. If you speak French, you will get by everywhere. If you only speak English, you will manage in the western regions but will struggle elsewhere without basic French.
Safety -- Cameroon's security situation is uneven. Douala, Yaound, Kribi, and the western highlands are generally safe for travelers exercising normal caution. Petty crime and pickpocketing are common in Douala, especially around the markets and at night. The Far North region near the Nigerian and Chadian borders has seen Boko Haram-related violence and is best avoided unless you have current local intelligence. The Anglophone crisis, which began in 2016, has caused instability in parts of the Northwest and Southwest regions -- check conditions before traveling to Bamenda or Buea. Police checkpoints are frequent throughout the country; keep copies of your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate handy.
Health -- Cameroon is a malaria zone. Take prophylaxis, use insect repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Medical facilities are limited outside Douala and Yaound -- travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
Electricity -- 220V with European-style two-pin plugs (Type C and E). Power outages are frequent outside the major cities. A headlamp and a power bank are essential kit.
Time zone -- West Africa Time (UTC+1), year-round. No daylight saving time.