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Cameroon

CLIMATE

The country has two distinct climatic areas. On the coast, the average annual rainfall is 152.5 inches; precipitation often measures more than 33 feet a year. The mean temperature ranges from 24.4°C to 27°C (76°-81°F). In the south there are two dry seasons, December to February and July to September. The northern part of the country has a more comfortable climate. Total rainfall is about 31.2 inches, and the mean temperature ranges from 23°C to 26°C (73°F - 79°F). The dry season in the north is from October to April. The mountain ranges in the west have a heavier rainfall and cooler temperatures.

Climate Chart for Yaoundé
Climate Chart for Yaounde

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all except nationals of Germany and are NOT available at any land borders, although you can obtain them relatively easily in all the neighbouring countries but will often require you to show you have an onward ticket.
You may have to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support your length of stay in the country.

Visa extensions can be obtained in any of the regional capitals with any great problems or cost.

List of Embassies and Tourist Offices located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    1 CFACentral African Franc=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Travellers cheques are best taken in Sterling and US Dollar cheques. Most of the major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards.

Banking Hours

Banks:     Monday to Friday: 0730-1530

LOCAL TIME

Cameroun is one hour ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air/flights:	Domestic Flights There are regular daily services between Douala and Yaoundé and other flights are offered to smaller towns.
Train:	Daily trains run from Douala to Yaoundé and onward to Ngaoundéré. The service tends to be slow but it is cheap.
Bus:	Fairly good services are available between Yaoundé and Ngaoundéré. Other areas are covered but the service tends to be unreliable and non existent in the raining season.
Railways / Train Services:	The Cameroonian railways Camrail : granted a 20 year concession to operate the Cameroon National railway
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Maps & Atlases for Sale
Self Drive / Car Hire:	Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is recommended. There roads linking the main cities are paved and in good condition, lesser routes are often impassable during the raining season. Car hire is available in the main towns, but it is costly.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Years Day
11 Feb	Youth Day
Moveable	Good Friday & Easter Monday Muslim Holidays - Tabaski and Ramadan
1 May	Labour Day
5 July	Independence Day
15 August	Assumption Day
20 May	National Day
1 Oct	Unification Day.
1 November	All Saints Day
25 December	Christmas Day

Electrical Power

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - view
Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Cameroon, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.

	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....

	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .

	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.