Medical care in Yaoundé and Douala is better than in the interior of the country, but does not meet Central European standards. In state hospitals in particular, there are always bottlenecks in the supply of medicines, bandages and other medical consumables, which often have to be obtained by the patient themselves before treatment. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected against the temperatures on the way. There are enough pharmacies in the larger cities, which usually carry all important medicines made in France. Taking out travel health insurance and repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] According to the WHO, Cameroon is a country with yellow fever infection areas (Prov. L’Extreme Nord). An international vaccination certificate showing proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over the age of one year. This does not apply to transit passengers who do not leave the transit area in Cameroon. Yellow fever vaccination is generally recommended. [2] In general, there is a low risk of cholera infection across the country, which primarily affects the local population. A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but may occasionally be required – in deviation from the official regulations. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is recommended obtain medical assistance in good time before the start of the journey. To protect oneself, one should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. [3] High malaria risk year-round nationwide, including cities. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum (85%) is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. Recommendation: Mosquito repellent and prevention with medication. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of intestinal infections. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice cubes. Drinking water in sealed bottles is considered safe. Unpasteurized milk should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Dairy products made from unboiled milk should not be consumed. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. [5] Upon departure, an international vaccination certificate with a documented poliomyelitis (polio) vaccination must be presented.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in fresh water nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waters should be avoided. Well-maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Typhus also occurs nationwide. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A is widespread, hepatitis B is highly endemic. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for long-term stays and for children and young people also against hepatitis B.HIV/AIDS is a big problem in the country and a big danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contacts, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a life-threatening risk. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly gnats, occurs sporadically in the north. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur, particularly during the dry season (December to May) in savannah areas. To protect yourself, get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. There is a nationwide risk of contracting mosquito-borne sleeping sickness. Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide.
bird flu
In Cameroon, the avian influenza virus (H5/H5N1) was first confirmed in birds by the World Animal Organization (OIE) on March 12, 2006. Travelers should therefore stay away from poultry and avoid any contact with live and dead animals. The consumption of raw poultry dishes and eggs should be avoided. Well-cooked poultry dishes and eggs can be enjoyed without hesitation. Thorough cleaning of the hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand disinfectant solutions is generally recommended as a precautionary measure.
Health certificate
A health certificate in French is required for long-term stays.
Money
Currency
1 Comunauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc* = 100 centimes. Currency code: CFA Fr, XAF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 CFA Fr. Coins come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 CFA Fr. Note: [*] Issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC, State Bank of Central African States) and used by Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Chad and Central African Republic. Issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO, State Bank of West African States), the CFA Franc (XOF) is not legal tender in Cameroon. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are only accepted in a few expensive hotels. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. In Yaoundé and Douala there are some ATMs where, if they work, you can withdraw money with your Visa card. However, the fees for this service can be relatively high.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in a few expensive hotels and in larger cities. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can occasionally be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in larger cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Cameroon.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 07.30/08.00-11.30/12.30 p.m. T. also until 3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import of local currency is limited to 20,000 CFA Fr and export to 25,000 CFA Fr. When traveling within the franc zone, the import and export of local currency is unlimited. Unlimited import and export of foreign currencies; Compulsory declaration from a value of approx. 1 million CFA (approx. 1524.50 euros).
Currency Exchange
Euros or US dollars recommended. We strongly advise against swapping with street vendors. Changing money at banks is usually free of charge. One recommendation is to exchange only as needed, since a high exchange rate loss must be taken into account in the event of a return exchange.
