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Lots of scams

Middle Africa

Tourist scams in Cameroon

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.
  1. 1 TheftVery commonPickpocketing and petty theftThieves take phones, wallets, purses or other belongings. Crowds make it harder to notice a theft. Petty theft is common across Cameroon, with pickpockets especially widespread in Yaoundé.Yaoundé 3Read
  2. 2 TaxisOccasionalTheft or attack by shared-taxi passengersOther passengers may rob or attack someone sharing the taxi. Phones and wallets are among the items stolen. This risk is reported across Cameroon and specifically in Yaoundé.Yaoundé 1Read
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalArmed street robbery and banditryRobbers threaten victims and demand valuables. In Yaoundé, attacks may involve knives or machetes, with money and phones commonly demanded. Armed robbery and banditry are also reported nationally.Yaoundé 2Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonCar theft and carjackingCriminals steal vehicles or take them from their occupants. Both car theft and carjacking are described as serious problems.Vehicles and road travel across Cameroon. 2Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalSmash-and-grab theft from vehiclesThieves break into a vehicle to take belongings left inside.Vehicles across Cameroon.Read
  6. 6 Airport and borderOccasionalUnwanted paid luggage helpAirport staff or people hanging around offer to help with luggage, then ask the traveller for money. They may seek euros or dollars.Airports. 1Read
  7. 7 Buses and trainsOccasionalTrain-ticket scalpersTicket scalpers approach rail travellers. No specific resale trick, markup or fake-ticket method is described.YaoundéRead
  8. 8 ShoppingCommonHigh opening prices at marketsThe 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.Markets and other settings where bargaining is expected, outside stores and restaurants. 2Read
  9. 9 Changing moneyOccasionalVery high fees for exchanging traveller's chequesTraveller's cheques are difficult to exchange, and the service can involve very high extra charges. No specific fraudulent method is described.Yaoundé 1Read
  10. 10 Food and drinkOccasionalOut-of-date bottled drinksSome bottled drinks offered for sale are well past their best-before date. This does not establish that the seller is deliberately deceiving buyers.Places selling bottled drinks across Cameroon.Read

Where to stay alert

  • Marché Mokolo, YaoundéPickpockets are a particular concern in this busy market.
  • Marché Central, YaoundéThe market is specifically linked to pickpocket risk.
  • Place Ahmadou Ahidjo, YaoundéThis square, at the southeastern end of Boulevard 20 Mai, is considered dangerous even during daylight.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Ask your hotel or a trusted friend to arrange a private taxi.
  • Agree the fare and whether you are hiring the whole vehicle before leaving.
  • Yaoundé taxis have no meters. Negotiate the price in advance.
  • For an hourly taxi hire in Yaoundé, the stated range is FCFA 2,500–3,000. Agree the rate before starting.
  • Avoid travelling alone in shared taxis at night.

Money

  • Know the exchange rate before changing money.
  • Ask how much you will receive after every fee.
  • Use a bank for a simpler exchange process. Large banks near Hotel de Ville and the Hilton in Yaoundé offer currency exchange.
  • Do not assume a street money changer is dishonest. Check the rate and count the money before leaving.
  • Check all fees before exchanging traveller's cheques.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check the area around an ATM before withdrawing money.
  • Keep your bag and phone secure while using the machine.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Put cash and cards away before walking off.
  • Keep your card issuer's blocking number somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones, cameras and laptops out of sight when you do not need them.
  • Use a closed bag and keep it close in markets, stations and crowds.
  • Leave nothing inside a parked vehicle.
  • Keep a separate copy of your passport and important travel details.
  • Do not fight back during a robbery.

Nights out

  • Watch your phone, wallet and bag in crowded drinking places.
  • Arrange a trusted ride before going out.
  • Avoid walking alone at night or using poorly lit streets.
  • Keep expensive-looking jewellery out of sight.

Police and officials

  • Keep dealings with officials calm. Police corruption is reported as a serious problem.
  • Ask for an explanation and written paperwork for an official payment when safe.
  • Do not photograph military sites, embassies or ambassador residences.
  • If you are unsure whether photography is allowed, leave the camera put away.

What travellers say about Cameroon

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How serious is the risk of tourist scams and theft in Cameroon?

Petty theft is common, and crime levels are high. Armed robbery and vehicle crime are also concerns. Keep valuables hidden, avoid isolated areas and use trusted transport.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets in Yaoundé?

Take extra care at Marché Mokolo and Marché Central. Watch your belongings at stations, around ATMs and in crowded places at night.

Are shared taxis safe?

Passengers have been robbed or attacked by other passengers. A private taxi arranged through your hotel or a trusted friend is the safer choice, especially at night. Agree the fare before leaving.

Will someone charge me for helping with airport luggage?

They may. Airport staff or people hanging around sometimes offer help and then ask for around FCFA 1,000. Keep hold of your bags and agree any price before accepting help.

Should I bargain when shopping?

Bargaining is expected outside stores and restaurants. A starting offer of 20–50% of the first asking price is suggested. Agree the final price before paying.

Are street currency exchangers always a scam?

No. Street exchangers operate in Yaoundé, and their presence alone does not show fraud. Know the rate, confirm the final amount and count the money. Banks also offer currency exchange.

How can I avoid trouble buying train tickets?

Buy through the railway's official sales channel. Ticket scalpers are a reported concern on rail travel serving Yaoundé. Check the route, date and price before paying.

What should I do if someone threatens me for my phone or money?

Do not resist. Hand over the demanded belongings and get to safety. Then block cards, secure phone-linked accounts and report the robbery.

Can I leave a bag in my car?

Take it with you. Leaving nothing in the vehicle helps reduce smash-and-grab risk. Car theft and carjacking are also serious problems.

Can I rely on the police after a theft?

Report the crime and ask for a written record if available, but police corruption and limited effectiveness are concerns. Contact your bank, insurer or embassy directly for the help each can provide.

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