ATMs and Banking in Cameroon | africatourvisa

ATMs and Banking in Cameroon

• ATM Availability: ATMs are primarily found in major cities like Douala, Yaoundé, and Limbe. Their availability can be less reliable in smaller towns or rural areas.
• Foreign Cards: While some ATMs accept international cards (Visa and MasterCard are best), not all do. It's advisable to use ATMs located inside or directly outside bank branches for better security and reliability.
• Withdrawal Limits: Be aware of daily withdrawal limits, which can be lower than what you're used to in your home country.
• Cameroon Bank Branches: Major banks with a presence in Cameroon include: Ecobank, Standard Chartered Bank, Société Générale Cameroun, Access Bank, Citi (primarily for corporate and public sector clients, but useful for understanding the banking landscape).
• Exchange Services: You can exchange major foreign currencies (USD, EUR) at banks, official currency exchange bureaus, and some larger hotels. Euros are generally easier to exchange than US Dollars due to the fixed exchange rate.

4. General Advice for Tourists:

• Always Declare if Above Threshold: If you are carrying foreign currency (or a combination of currencies) that meets or exceeds the declaration threshold (1 million XAF upon entry, 3 million XAF upon exit), always declare it. Failure to declare can lead to fines, confiscation of funds, or other legal penalties.
• Keep Records: It's a good idea to keep records of your currency exchanges (receipts from banks or official exchange bureaus) and any large cash withdrawals from ATMs, especially if you plan to carry significant amounts of foreign currency.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Customs officials may ask questions about the source or purpose of large sums of money. Be ready to provide clear and honest answers.