Scam in CameroonShopping
High opening prices at markets in Cameroon
How it works
The first asking price can be much higher than the price reached through bargaining. This is a bargaining practice and does not by itself show fraud.
Warning signs
- You are shopping somewhere that expects bargaining.
- You are about to accept the first price without negotiating.
How to avoid it
- Agree the final price before paying.
- Use 20–50% of the first asking price as a starting offer where bargaining is expected.
- At Marché des Artisans in Yaoundé, ask for a price only if you intend to buy.
If it happens to you
If you have not paid, negotiate or walk away calmly.
- Get to a safe place. During a robbery, do not resist, chase anyone or try to recover belongings by force.
- Check for injuries. Seek medical help if you have been hurt.
- Block stolen cards immediately. Secure a stolen phone and change passwords for important accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Report the incident to the police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog20157 Helpful Tips for Bargaining in CameroonThe writer describes personal bargaining experiences in Cameroon and recommends starting negotiations at one quarter of the initial asking price.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/Cameroon2024Advice in travelling to CameroonA respondent warns that visitors can be overcharged and recommends French language skills or a local companion to help haggle.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the high opening prices at markets scam in Cameroon?
The first asking price can be much higher than the price reached through bargaining. This is a bargaining practice and does not by itself show fraud.
How can I spot it early?
You are shopping somewhere that expects bargaining. You are about to accept the first price without negotiating.
How do I avoid high opening prices at markets in Cameroon?
Agree the final price before paying. Use 20–50% of the first asking price as a starting offer where bargaining is expected. At Marché des Artisans in Yaoundé, ask for a price only if you intend to buy.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you have not paid, negotiate or walk away calmly.
Where in Cameroon does this happen?
Markets and other settings where bargaining is expected, outside stores and restaurants.
How common is this scam in Cameroon?
Common. Petty theft is common in Cameroon, and pickpockets are a particular concern in crowded parts of Yaoundé. Travellers should also watch for unwanted paid luggage help, ticket scalpers and high opening prices at markets. Shared-taxi theft, armed robbery and vehicle crime can cause more serious losses.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. In Limbe, visitors are specifically advised to report crimes to the police. Ask for a written record if available. Police corruption and limited effectiveness are concerns elsewhere in Cameroon. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a lost passport, replacement travel documents or consular support after a serious crime. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, incident notes and any police report for a claim. Relevant transport or service provider: raise a ticket problem, disputed fee or undisclosed charge through the provider's official customer-service channel. Keep proof of payment.
Reviewed by @snuck