Africa in Miniature — Volcanic Peaks, Rainforest, Sahel & Football
If you are a Cameroon tax resident (principal home, main economic interests, or more than 183 days present), you are in principle taxable on your worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Cameroon-source income. A double-tax treaty, where one exists, may provide relief.
The NIU (Numéro d'Identifiant Unique) is your unique taxpayer number issued by the DGI. You need it for employment, banking, property transactions and any business activity — it is effectively your tax identity in Cameroon.
Through PAYE: your employer withholds personal income tax (IRPP) and social levies from your salary each month and remits them to the DGI and CNPS on your behalf.
The standard VAT (TVA) rate is 19.25%, made up of a 17.5% base plus a 10% additional council tax. Exports are zero-rated and some essential goods are exempt.
Yes. A 10% additional council tax (centimes additionnels communaux) is added on top of many computed taxes, including income tax, corporate tax and VAT, funding local government.
Yes — comprehensive international private health insurance, ideally with medical evacuation cover, is strongly recommended. Public care is paid out of pocket and there is no universal insurance foreigners can readily rely on.
Yes. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is a mandatory entry requirement for Cameroon. Carry your international vaccination certificate with you.
Malaria is endemic across Cameroon and is a genuine risk year-round. Use prophylaxis as advised, sleep under treated nets, use repellent, and get any fever tested quickly — untreated malaria can be dangerous.
The best-equipped facilities are in Douala and Yaoundé, including the Yaoundé General Hospital, Douala General Hospital and Laquintinie Hospital, alongside reputable private clinics. Mission hospitals are also well regarded in many areas.
In the Anglophone North-West and South-West regions and in business circles, yes — English and Pidgin are widely spoken. Elsewhere (Douala, Yaoundé, the north) French dominates daily life, so learning some French makes everything easier.
Effectively yes. MTN MoMo and Orange Money are used for bills, salaries, transfers and everyday purchases across the country. Setting up a wallet early will save you constant hassle.
Supply is improving but outages and pressure drops occur, especially in the rainy season. Many households keep a water storage tank and an inverter or generator as backups.
Douala and Yaoundé are generally manageable with normal urban caution — avoid flashing valuables, be careful at night, and use trusted taxis or ride-hailing. Avoid the Far North and Anglophone conflict zones without current security advice.