🇨🇲

Cameroon Country Code + International Calling Guide

+237  ·  Yaoundé  ·  XAF · FCFA · Central African CFA Franc

Cameroon: Africa in miniature — from Atlantic beaches to rainforests, savannah to volcanic peaks

📞+237Dial Code
🏛️YaoundéCapital
💰XAFCurrency
🚨117Emergency
🔌220V 50Hz · Type C/EElectricity

The international dialing code for Cameroon is +237, and its capital city is Yaoundé. Regionally, Cameroon lies close to Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon, Republic of the Congo. The local emergency number is 117. Don't miss tasting Ndolé (bitterleaf stew with meat), Eru (jungle leaf stew), Fufu corn & egusi soup. For charging your devices, the sockets are 220V 50Hz · Type C/E. Visitors pay in XAF · FCFA · Central African CFA Franc.

🛂 Cameroon passport: ranked #170 of 197 worldwide, with 46 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. See full passport ranking →

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📲 How to Call Cameroon from Abroad

Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Cameroon:

  1. 1
    Dial your international access code

    Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.

  2. 2
    Dial Cameroon's country code: +237

    Dial +237 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.

  3. 3
    Dial the city or area code

    For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.

  4. 4
    Dial the local phone number

    Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.

💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +237 1 [number]. From mobile: + +237 1 [number].

☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Cameroon

How to Call Abroad from Cameroon

To call another country from Cameroon: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].

International Number Format (E.164)

The global standard format for Cameroon numbers is +237 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.

💡 Example: +237 [national number without the leading 0]

Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Cameroon

Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes

Common Questions About Calling Cameroon

When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +237 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Cameroon?
For a mobile: dial +237 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +237, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Cameroon from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +237 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Cameroon via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +237 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Cameroon?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +237 mean and where does it come from?
+237 is the international dialing code assigned to Cameroon by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Cameroon number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +237 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.

📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Cameroon

Country Code
+237
Calling abroad from Cameroon? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world) +237 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00) 00 237 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011) 011 237 …
From Australia (starts with 0011) 0011 237 …

💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.

📲 How to Call Cameroon from Other Countries

To reach Cameroon, first dial your country's international exit code, then Cameroon's country code +237, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.

FromDialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States011 237 local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom00 237 local number
🇩🇪 Germany00 237 local number
🇫🇷 France00 237 local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia00 237 local number
🇦🇪 UAE00 237 local number
🇹🇷 Turkey00 237 local number
🇮🇳 India00 237 local number

On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +237 and the number — it works worldwide.

Best Time to Call Cameroon

Cameroon uses UTC+1. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Cameroon from major countries — in the caller's local time.

FromBest time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States07:00–16:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom09:00–21:00
🇩🇪 Germany10:00–22:00
🇫🇷 France10:00–22:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia11:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE12:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey11:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India14:00–23:00

Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.

🧭 From Your Country to Cameroon

Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly

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011 237 XXX–XXXX
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport

Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:

🛂 Visa Requirements

Common Visa Questions for Cameroon

Do I need a visa to visit Cameroon?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Cameroon visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Cameroon offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Cameroon currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Cameroon?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Cameroon grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Cameroon on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Cameroon visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Cameroon using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Cameroon visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Cameroon using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Cameroon?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Cameroon on our International Visa Checker below before booking.

Visa Checker → Compare any passport and destination

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🏢 Embassy Information

US Embassy Yaoundé
Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaoundé
☎ +237 22 220 1500
Mon-Fri 7:30-17:00

💳 Tipping Culture

10% tip in restaurants appreciated.

🚄 Transport

Camrail rail Yaoundé-Douala-Ngaoundéré | Bus intercity | Moto-taxi in cities | Domestic Air Cameroon flights | Car hire in cities

✈️ Airports

9 airports | Douala International Airport DLA (main) | Yaoundé Nsimalen NSI | Garoua GOU | Maroua MVR

🗺️ Administrative Divisions

Cameroon is divided into 10 regions.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Cameroon. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.

📶 SIM & Internet

Local SIMs widely available — buy at airport or official stores with passport. Data prices vary ($2–10 per GB depending on country). eSIM coverage improving (Airalo, Holafly). Network coverage strong in cities, patchy rurally. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Orange Money) often more useful than cash.

👔 Dress Code & Etiquette

Modest dress respected throughout Cameroon, especially in Muslim-majority regions of North Africa. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites and rural areas. Lightweight, light-colored clothing for heat. Long sleeves/pants in evenings against mosquitoes. Sturdy closed shoes for safari and bush walks.

🌍 Cameroon: Culture, Food & Places

What are the most famous foods in Cameroon?
Some of the most famous foods in Cameroon include: Ndolé (bitterleaf stew with meat), Eru (jungle leaf stew), Fufu corn & egusi soup, Bobolo (fermented cassava stick), Koki (black-eyed pea cake), Mbanga soup (palm nut), Brochettes, Achu soup (yellow soup), Pepper soup, Odontol (palm spirit).
What are the best places to visit in Cameroon?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Cameroon include: Mount Cameroon (active volcano, hike), Waza National Park (elephants, lions), Lobé Waterfalls (into the sea), Ring Road Northwest Highlands, Bénoué National Park, Dja Faunal Reserve (UNESCO), Limbe Botanical Garden, Bamenda Arts & Crafts, Foumban Royal Palace, Kribi Beach.
What are the main customs and traditions in Cameroon?
Notable customs and traditions in Cameroon include: Greet with handshake, French & English official (bifingual country), Hospitality is central, Traditional chief authority respected, Respect elders.
What is Cameroon famous for?
Cameroon is well known for: Africa in miniature (all ecosystems), Indomitable Lions football team, Mount Cameroon (active volcano), Waza National Park, Diversity — 250+ ethnic groups, 2 languages.
Where in the world is Cameroon located?
Cameroon is located in Africa.
What countries are near Cameroon?
Countries near Cameroon include: Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, Niger, Togo, Ghana, DR Congo.

🚨 Emergency numbers in Cameroon

Knowing the right emergency number in Cameroon can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.

🆘 General emergency117
✅ Checked from public sources Reference ↗

Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Cameroon. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.

These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.

🚨 See emergency numbers for all countries →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Cameroon?
The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé.
What currency is used in Cameroon?
Cameroon uses the XAF · FCFA · Central African CFA Franc.
What is the dial code for Cameroon?
The international dial code for Cameroon is +237.
When is the best time to visit Cameroon?
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Cameroon. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
How much does a trip to Cameroon cost per day?
Daily costs in Cameroon range from $30 (budget) to $80 (mid-range) to $200 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many regions does Cameroon have?
Cameroon has 10 regions.
What is the emergency number in Cameroon?
In Cameroon you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 117. Calls are free from any phone within the country.

🧳 Practical Travel Info

🔌
Power Plug Type C,D,G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
Tipping Tipping common in tourist areas. 10% at restaurants, small change for guides and drivers.
💧
Tap Water Bottled only Drink bottled or boiled water only; avoid ice and raw vegetables washed in tap water.

📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats

Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.

Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.

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