Going home to Cameroon this December? Don't let your bank eat your holiday money3 things to know
Cameroon runs mostly on cash, ATMs are rare outside the big towns, and mobile money can become your wallet. Here is what to sort out before you land.
Whether you are coming from Europe, the UK or the US, a few choices before you fly save you needless fees. Everything below comes from the official pages of the banks, the operators and governments, checked on 20 October 2026.
CFA francs for 1 euro: a fixed, guaranteed rate
of free cash withdrawals a month abroad with Monzo or Revolut Standard
to receive money sent from abroad on MTN MoMo
The CFA franc is tied to the euro, but your card sets its own rate
Central Africa's CFA franc is tied to the euro: 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs, a rate guaranteed by the French Treasury. But when you pay or withdraw by card, your card network (Visa, Mastercard) or your bank does the conversion, with any fees it charges.
Bring a card that doesn't charge you abroad, and some cash
The US government describes Cameroon as primarily a cash economy, and advises caution at ATMs. The UK government adds that ATMs are not often available outside large towns, and that shops usually want small notes, which can be hard to get.
| Card | Paying abroad | Cash withdrawals |
|---|---|---|
| Monzo (UK) | Fee-free, Mastercard rate | £200 every 30 days, then 3% |
| Revolut Standard (UK) | £1,000 exchange a month, then 1% | 5 withdrawals or £200 a month, then 2% (£1 minimum) |
| Starling (UK) | Free, Mastercard rate | Free, up to £300 a day |
| Wise | No usage fee, low conversion fees | £250 free a month, then 2.69% |
| N26 (EU) | No extra fee | 1.7% outside the eurozone (free on Go and Metal) |
| Charles Schwab (US) | No foreign transaction fees | ATM fees refunded worldwide |
| Capital One (US) | No foreign transaction fees | ATM operator fees may apply |
The ATM itself may add its own fee. Euros and US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currencies, and the US government advises exchanging only at reputable banks.
Mobile money: your phone becomes your wallet
At MTN, a foreigner registers with a valid passport, free of charge, at an MTN point (agency, kiosk, partner shop). The MoMo account then opens by dialling *126#. At Orange Money, you need a valid ID, passport included, and an Orange number in your name; Orange may refuse.
You or your family can then send money from abroad straight to an MTN or Orange wallet: WorldRemit (« instant »), Taptap Send (« under 5 minutes »), Remitly and Sendwave. Fees are shown before you pay. At MTN, receiving money from abroad is free. Wise, however, can't send CFA francs to Cameroon yet.
Once you are there, go out with RAYA
RAYA brings together going out in Douala, Yaoundé and Kribi: restaurants, bars, workshops, events, with a real photo and how to get there. Our pages are light, so they won't eat your data. The app comes out in December.
- The rate is fixed, but always pay in CFA francs, not in your own currency.
- A card with no foreign fees and some euros or dollars in small notes.
- Mobile money: a SIM, a passport, and money arrives in minutes.
Our sources
- Fixed rate: Banque de France. Cash and ATM advice: US State Department (4 June 2026) and UK government (FCDO). Currency choice: Visa.
- Card fees: official pages of Monzo, Revolut (updated 14 October 2026), Starling, Wise, N26, Charles Schwab and Capital One, checked on 20 October 2026. They can change.
- Mobile money: MTN Cameroon help pages, Orange Money 2025 terms, and the Cameroon pages of WorldRemit, Taptap Send, Remitly, Sendwave and Wise. MTN and Orange fees differ from one official page to another, so we don't quote them.
This is not financial advice. Checked on 20 October 2026. Photo: Gustavo Fring / Pexels.
Your questions, our answers
Can I pay by card in Cameroon?
The US government describes Cameroon as primarily a cash economy and advises caution with cards and ATMs. Plan on cash in small notes and a card with no foreign fees.
Can a tourist open MTN MoMo?
MTN's help page says a foreigner registers with a valid passport, free of charge. Its terms also mention a residence permit, so ask at an MTN shop.
How do I send money to a mobile money account in Cameroon?
WorldRemit, Taptap Send, Remitly and Sendwave send straight to MTN MoMo or Orange Money. Fees are shown before you pay. Wise can't send CFA francs to Cameroon yet.
Is the CFA franc tied to the euro?
Yes: 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs, a fixed rate guaranteed by the French Treasury. Your card still converts at its own rate.
Plan your nights out before you land
Sign up to hear when the RAYA app comes out in December, and see what's on in Douala, Yaoundé and Kribi now.
RAYA opens in the browser, with no download. The app comes out in December.