Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Douala, Cameroon

1. Marché du Bon Marche

A bustling marketplace known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of goods. Watch out for overpriced items or pickpocketing.

Bargaining Skills: Knowing how to negotiate prices can help avoid overpaying.
Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to prevent pickpocketing.
Local Prices: Research local prices before shopping to avoid being overcharged.

Motorcycle taxis are a common mode of transportation in Douala. Be cautious of drivers who may overcharge or take an unexpected route.

Fixed Rates: Ask for the fixed rate before getting into a taxi-moto to avoid being overcharged.
Reputable Companies: Choose reputable companies or ask locals for recommendations.
Route Awareness: Know the general route to your destination and ask the driver to follow it.

A central marketplace offering fresh food and local produce. Watch out for unsanitary conditions or contaminated goods.

Food Safety: Ensure food is properly stored and handled to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Reputable Vendors: Buy from reputable vendors or ask locals for recommendations.
Packaging: Avoid buying loose food items that have not been properly packaged.

Combination restaurants and hotels often found along the road. Some may overcharge or provide subpar services.

Pricing Information: Ask for pricing information upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
Reputation: Choose well-known and reputable motel-restaurants.
Negotiation: Negotiate prices, especially for accommodation, to get a fair deal.

Area where many embassies are located. Be cautious of scammers posing as officials or offering assistance.

Official Verification: Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an official.
Local Contacts: Use local contacts or embassy services for assistance whenever possible.
Awareness: Stay alert to avoid scammers who may target tourists in this area.

Chinatown offering a variety of Asian goods and restaurants. Watch out for overpriced items or pickpocketing.

Bargaining Skills: Knowing how to negotiate prices can help avoid overpaying.
Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to prevent pickpocketing.
Local Prices: Research local prices before shopping to avoid being overcharged.

A cultural and artistic neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife. Be cautious of overpriced drinks or scam artists.

Price Awareness: Know the average prices for drinks to avoid being overcharged.
Reputable Venues: Choose reputable bars or clubs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Street Smart: Avoid isolated areas at night and stay with friends when out in this neighborhood.

Unlicensed motorcycle taxis that often operate outside of designated taxi-moto zones. They may overcharge or take an unexpected route.

Fixed Rates: Ask for the fixed rate before getting into a motopos to avoid being overcharged.
Caution: Exercise caution when using motopos and avoid them if possible.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals for advice on whether it's safe to use a specific motopos.

The commercial center of Douala with many shops and businesses. Watch out for pickpocketing or overpriced items.

Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to prevent pickpocketing.
Local Prices: Research local prices before shopping to avoid being overcharged.
Security: Choose well-lit and crowded areas when shopping or sightseeing in downtown Douala.

A popular beach area known for its beautiful views and water activities. Be cautious of rental scams or unsafe conditions.

Equipment Inspection: Inspect rented equipment before using it to ensure safety.
Reputable Rentals: Choose reputable rental companies or ask locals for recommendations.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals about safe areas to swim and activities to avoid.

Area with many banks and financial institutions. Be cautious of scammers posing as bank officials or offering fraudulent services.

Official Verification: Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a bank official.
Secure Transactions: Use secure methods for banking transactions and keep your money safe.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals about which banks are reputable and trustworthy.

Area with many hotels catering to tourists. Be cautious of overpricing or subpar services.

Pricing Information: Research hotel prices and compare them before booking.
Reputation: Choose well-known and reputable hotels for a good experience.
Negotiation: Negotiate prices, especially for accommodation, to get a fair deal.

Area with many bars and restaurants offering a lively nightlife. Be cautious of overpriced drinks or scam artists.

Price Awareness: Know the average prices for drinks to avoid being overcharged.
Reputable Venues: Choose reputable bars or clubs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Street Smart: Avoid isolated areas at night and stay with friends when out in this neighborhood.

Market specialized in second-hand clothes and other items. Watch out for low-quality or counterfeit goods.

Quality Inspection: Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing to ensure quality.
Negotiation Skills: Knowing how to negotiate prices can help avoid overpaying.
Local Prices: Research local prices before shopping to avoid being overcharged.

Market specialized in electronics and tech goods. Watch out for counterfeit or low-quality items.

Quality Inspection: Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing to ensure quality.
Knowledgeable Purchases: Research the items you want to buy and know what to look for when inspecting them.
Local Prices: Research local prices before shopping to avoid being overcharged.