ATM Fees in Cameroon
Central African CFA Franc (XAF) • Updated April 2026
Cameroon uses the Central African CFA Franc, pegged to the Euro. Cash is essential for most transactions. Card acceptance is limited to major hotels and international businesses in cities.
Tips for Cameroon
- • Bring Euros or US Dollars to exchange
- • ATMs are unreliable - carry sufficient cash
- • Negotiate prices at markets
- • Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money) is growing rapidly
- • Keep small denominations for daily purchases
Airport tips
- • Douala International Airport has limited ATM availability
- • Exchange money at banks in the city for better rates
- • Visa fees may need to be paid in cash
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Cameroon, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
XAF/day
≈ $53.38-88.96 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
XAF/day
≈ $107-178 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
XAF/day
≈ $267-445 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Cameroon.
Credit card acceptance
Very LowCash is essential. Card acceptance very limited to international hotels and businesses.
You'll need cash for
- • Almost everything
- • Local markets
- • Transport
- • Restaurants
- • Small shops
Cards usually accepted
- • International hotels
- • Some high-end restaurants
- • International businesses
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afriland First Bank | 3,000 XAF | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 50 | Largest local bank |
| Société Générale | 3,500 XAF | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~6.00 USD | 30 | International bank presence |
| Ecobank | 3,000 XAF | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 25 | Pan-African network |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afriland First Bank | 3,000 XAF | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 50 | Best local coverage |
| Société Générale | 3,500 XAF | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~6.00 USD | 30 | Major cities |
| Ecobank | 3,000 XAF | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 25 | Urban centers |
🌐 ATM Alliance Benefits: If you bank with a member of these alliances, you may get reduced or waived ATM fees in Cameroon:
View all ATM alliances →