Location: West Africa
Local Time: GMT+1
Capital City: Yaounde
Population: 18.9 million
Area: 475,442357,021 square km, 295,439 square miles.
Language(s): French, English, many local African languages
Dialling Code: 237
Emergency: Police: 17. Fire: 18. Ambulance: 223-40-20
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 110V/220V AC 50Hz
Currency: CFA Franc (XAF 1 = 100 Centimes)
Notes: XAF: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000
Coins: XAF: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted on a limited basis
Opening Hours
Bank: 0730-1500 Mon-Fri
Office: 0730-1530 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0730-1530 Mon-Sat (many shops open until 1800)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that ends with Djoulde Soumae (Eid al-Fitr), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Djoulde Soumae itself. Djoulde Soumae may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in English and French. Visitors should be perceptive to local conventions and care should be taken to respect Islamic and other local religious practices. On social occasions dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: If there is no service charge, tips in hotels & restaurants are up to 10%
