The value of the US dollar in Cameroon has more than doubled since the CFA franc was devalued in 1994, but Cameroon is still not a budget destination. Travellers staying in first-class accommodation and dining out on European cuisine should expect to pay US$100 a day or more. Travellers on a moderate budget who grab the occasional beef brochette from a street vendor and take minivans instead of Peugeot station wagons can keep their costs down to US$60 a day. By sticking to simple African dishes (preferably from street vendors), drinking water (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are expensive) and hiring rooms with bucket showers, travellers on a small budget can get by on between US$25-50 a day .

Big-city banks offer the best exchange rates, followed by the airport banks in Douala and Yaoundé. Taxi drivers usually accept US dollars or euros, but not always at the best rates. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, and can be used at ATMs in the big towns. Traveller's cheques (bring them denominated in euros) are a hassle to change everywhere. Euro bills are the best currency to bring.

Cameroonians aren't in the habit of tipping, but they do expect cadeaux from the wealthy, and as foreign travellers tend to look rich to the locals, they're usually expected to give cadeaux. Plan to tip 10% at better restaurants in Douala and Yaoundé, but check first to see if service has been included in your bill.

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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