Yaoundé, Cameroon 🇨🇲
#421
3.868986, 11.521334
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Yaoundé is the political capital of Cameroon, known for its vibrant culture and lush hills. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.5 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 650 XAF (Central African Franc). ATMs are widely available in urban areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN and Orange, offering reasonable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard accepted at major banks; mobile money is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb and long-term rentals available through local real estate agents. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is king; many small vendors only accept cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has several listings, with average prices around $30-60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Le Relais' offer dorm beds starting at $10-15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWO Yaoundé offers a vibrant work environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare provides good coffee and a decent atmosphere for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for meetups and tech events organized by local startups, often shared on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Yaoundé Expats Facebook Group is a great way to find meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Yaoundé, with reasonable rates for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local services, such as 'BikeYaoundé.' |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches directly in Yaoundé, but the nearest beach is around 2 hours away in Kribi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Camair-Co is the main regional airline connecting Yaoundé with other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect to Douala and other cities; N3 and N5 highways are key routes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Yaoundé Train Station connects to Douala and provides regional services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit passes; rely on taxis and buses for local transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to surrounding regions, with several bus companies offering service. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Yaoundé Central Hospital is the primary healthcare facility with various specialties. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Yaoundé offers classes for locals and expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Major gyms include Fitness Zone and Fitness Park with monthly memberships around $30. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries are limited, but several hotels offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most popular food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Eru,' a traditional dish made from a leafy vegetable and served with fufu. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'L'Art des Mets' offer vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops like 'Le Rêve du Chocolat' are popular for sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché Central offer great deals on food and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is the leading online retailer in Cameroon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets provide delivery services in urban areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Bastos neighborhood has a lively bar scene with various nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Société Anonyme des Brasseries du Cameroun (SABC) produces popular local beers like 'Legend' and '33 Export.' |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café Le Boudha offers a selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit Avenue Ernest Nkuna for popular street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurant 'Café des Arts' is known for its pasta dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Monument de la Réunification and the central mosque. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Yaoundé showcases Cameroon’s history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the railway station, a historical site linked to the region's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica of Saint Monica is a must-visit for its architecture and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Yaoundé Arts Festival occurs every November showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bastos is known for its art galleries and cultural venues. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Mvog-Ada is a popular local market with crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like Jazz Club de Yaoundé host local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the vibrant street art in the Bastos neighborhood. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Le Cordon Bleu offers classes focusing on Cameroonian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Galerie offers exhibitions of both local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old post office in Yaoundé is an architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Various cultural festivals celebrate the rich ethnic diversity of Cameroon. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Awing is a short trip away for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mefou National Park, known for its wildlife, is about 30 minutes away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths around the Monts Mandara are suitable for hiking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the top of Mont Fébé for panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mefou and Akok-Bakoko Wildlife Reserves are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires, particularly during local festivals. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like Express Union are reliable for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in downtown Yaoundé offer device repairs and tech support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes like Alliance Française offer French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Public Library of Yaoundé provides spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers in neighborhoods host various activities and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are several gaming lounges offering modern setups in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino le Tiger offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19.25% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are applied based on assessed values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is approximately 10% during property purchases. |