City in Littoral, Cameroon
Douala
Cameroon's humid port and business hub: busy markets, great grilled fish and music, and the gateway to Kribi beaches. Traffic and crime are real concerns, and some regions nearby are in conflict.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,370–2,230Comfortable, one person · CFA800,000–1.3MDetails
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–FebWarmest: Jan, 31°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$17–43Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in a few hotels and upscale restaurants; cash for almost everything else.Details
Where to stay in Douala
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bonanjo | Business district, colonial buildings, galleries, hotels |
| Bonapriso | Expat area: restaurants, bars, calmer streets |
| Akwa | Nightlife, shops, hotels; busy and noisy |
| Bali and Deido | Local life, waterfront markets; rougher |
Apps that work in Douala
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yango | Main app; cars and fixed prices |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Yango: Rides in Douala and Yaoundé
- Taxis: Yellow taxis are cheap but crowded; agree the fare or use Yango. Avoid unmarked cars at the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cameroon.
- Mostly cash Cards work in a few hotels and upscale restaurants; cash for almost everything else. Foreign cards often fail at ATMs, so carry cash and use bank branches.
- Currency: Franc (XAF). US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs cap withdrawals around 100,000–200,000 XAF; Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.
- Tipping: Not required; round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants.
- Paying by phone: MTN MoMo and Orange Money are used locally but need a Cameroon SIM and account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-visa applied for online before travel; check the official portal and carry the approval letter.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; bring accommodation details and an onward ticket.
Emergency numbers
Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118
Plugs
Type C, E · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at Douala or Yaoundé airport or carrier shops with your passport. Allow 5,000–10,000 XAF for a month of data.
Going to Douala solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.