Culture

Traditionally women are expected to stay at home, care for the children, cook and clean. However, things are now changing with more and more women becoming professors, business people, and ministers in the government. It is disrespectful to shake hands with your left hand. Use only your right. If you have something in your right hand or your right hand is dirty or wet, it is polite to extend your wrist for the person to shake with his right hand or to touch wrists.

Hospitality

If you are invited to a Cameroonian’s house: Dress well – this demonstrates respect towards your hosts. Do not discuss business during a social function. The home is private. Do not ask for a tour. Cameroonians are somewhat formal and believe good table manners demonstrate respect. When in doubt, watch what others do and emulate their behaviour. Many Cameroonians eat with their hands.

Greetings

Cameroonian greetings vary between the Franco- phone and Anglophone areas. In both areas, men shake hands with each other. In the Francophone south, close friends may embrace while brushing cheeks and kissing the air along with a handshake. In the Anglophone north, close friends have a unique handshake in which they pull their hands back and snap the other person’s middle finger with their thumb. As a sign of respect men often lower their head and avert their eyes when greet- ing someone superior to them in age or position. Muslims will not shake hands across genders. This is a hierarchical society & elders are greeted first. Women tend not to look other people in the eye.

Money

The unit of currency is the CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis (some airline offices and hotels will take them). Cards cannot be used in banks to obtain cash advances. ATMs are rare. Mon-Fri 0730-1530 or from 0800-1700 at certain branches.

Transportation

Driving is on the right hand side of the road. Rent- al cars are available although very expensive. As paved roads are rare away from the major cities of the west and northwest areas of the country, a 4 x 4 is a necessity when travelling to the east or central areas. The roads in the north are paved between cities and even the dirt roads tend to be in decent condition due to the lack of rain.

Safety

Violence is rare, but just be smart about wearing any jewellery or anything else that would make you stand apart from the rest. Take a taxi after dark if you’re unsure of the area.