Cameroon
Business meetings are somewhat formal, but Cameroonians appreciate an opportunity to "get to know" a potential partner before beginning concrete discussions. It is helpful in Cameroon to supplement written communications with as many face-to-face encounters as possible. Adherence to western standards of punctuality is not the norm; patience and persistence are needed to do business in Cameroon. French is the dominant business language in Cameroon although approximately 20 percent of the population and much of the business community speak English, Cameroon's other official language, which can be used in the two English-speaking provinces and the larger cities.
The Cameroonian workweek does not include Saturdays even though businesses are open that day. Holidays falling on Saturdays or Sundays are observed on Fridays or Mondays, respectively. When a working day intervenes between two recognized holidays, the working day is usually, but not always, declared a public holiday. Government offices are officially open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm without interruption. Businesses generally are open from 8 am to 6 pm with a brief closing for lunch.
Armed banditry is a serious problem throughout the country, including tourist areas in Cameroon's far north province and in all major cities. To curb banditry, security personnel may request persons to show their passport, residence card, driver's license and/or vehicle registration at random checkpoints. Comply with security officers’ requests.
The risk of street and residential crime is high. Muggings occur frequently in Cameroon's urban areas. Thieves on motorbikes may target travelers' briefcases or handbags. Visitors should take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. There are also occasional reports of carjackings and robberies. The perpetrators are usually well-armed and do not hesitate to use violence. In February 2006, a European victim died after resisting an attack.
Muggings and robberies have been reported in the area surrounding the Mount Febe hotel, in Yaoundé, at all times of day.
There are regular reports of kidnapping, car hijackings and robberies, often armed and accompanied by violent acts. These have occurred most frequently along roads close to Cameroon’s eastern border with Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad, in Douala, Yaoundé, Kribi and Maroua as well as on the Edea-Kribi road. Westerners have been affected. Armed highwaymen operate in the three provinces of Adamaoua, the North, and the Far North. There have been recent incidents of child abduction, ransom demands and carjacking. If travel must be undertaken in these areas, it should be done only during daylight hours and in government-operated convoys.
There have been a number of violent robberies by "coupeurs de routes" (translates to "road blockers"), which are gangs of armed bandits that target vehicles on the main commercial routes, especially north of Garoua, and in the area north of Mount Cameroon (on the Kumba-Ekondo Titi-Mundemba road). These gangs are known to be more active on market days in the larger towns.
There have been some serious incidents of car hijacking and robbery, resulting in several deaths, along the Bamenda-Banyo axis in the northwest. A member of the British High Commission staff was attacked and robbed (along with others) near Foumban at midday in this region in December 2005. There has also been a series of attacks along the Douala-Bafoussam Road, especially in the region of Melong, during daylight hours. These roads are best avoided.
There were more than 20 incidents of robbery and three rapes committed against the European community in Douala in 2005. Close and lock all doors and windows, including those above ground level, particularly at night. Do not rely on height or fly screens for protection. Identify callers through peepholes before opening doors, especially late at night.
Avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewelry in public and avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns (notably, in Yaoundé, La Briquetterie and Mokolo). Petty theft is common on trains, buses and in bush taxis. Take sensible precautions when using city taxis as most do not comply with basic security norms, such as seatbelts. Violent assaults on taxi passengers are not uncommon. Avoid travelling alone as far as possible, particularly after dark.
The period before Christmas and the holiday season always see an upsurge in crime as those who cannot afford the festivities seek alternative ways to fund their celebrations. In 2006, this upsurge coincided with a significant increase in crime and carjackings in particular.
There is an increasing circulation of counterfeit U.S. and Cameroonian currency and in recent years, business travelers have experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate services from Cameroon's banking sector.
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Douala, Yaoundé, Bamenda, Garoua and Maroua. The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have air-conditioning, sports facilities and swimming pools; most rooms have showers. Most large hotels will accept major credit cards. Rates are for the room only. Cheaper accommodation is also available. Villas and houses are available for rent in most towns in Cameroon. Apartments are available for rent in Douala and Yaounde. Rates have dropped considerably since 1992 but are trending upward, particularly in the two main cities. While real estate brokers (or "agent immobilier") may help in securing housing for American visitors, a good local contact may be more useful. Many newly arrived businesspersons establish temporary housing and office space at one of the well-known hotels.
Telephone IDD service is available to and from Cameroon. The country code is 237. There are no city or area codes. The outgoing international code is 00. Telephones can usually be found in post offices and restaurants. Automatic dialing links the main towns in Cameroon, but this service is often unreliable. Fax services are available at Intelcom offices.
110/220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are round two-pin; bayonet light-fittings are used.
C,E
Local food is excellent; French or Lebanese cuisine is also available. Luxury items can be extremely expensive. There are many restaurants in big towns and cities, with good service. Most international hotels have bars.National specialties:
• Manioc leaves (feuille).
• West african peanut soup.
• Banana bread.
• Zom (spinach with meat).
• Fried sweet potatoes or plantains.
• Beef with pineapple or coconut.
• The country abounds in avocado pears, citrus fruits, pineapples and mangoes.
• Prawns are in plentiful supply in the south.
• Many dishes are served with rice, couscous or mashed potato.
Legal drinking age: 18 years. Tipping
: The average tip for porters and hotel staff should be about 10 per cent, otherwise service charges are usually inclusive.Nightlife
In Douala and Yaoundé particularly, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. There are also some cinemas. There are no licensing hours, and hotel bars stay open as long as there is custom.
