Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Cameroon or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
As someone who grew up in the U.S. and came back to explore family roots, I underestimated how few reliable ATMs operate 24/7. Even in Kribi, machines ran out of cash by 6 PM. I used an Express Union kiosk late once, but regretted it. It worked, but the vibe wasn’t right. I’d say don’t treat night withdrawals in Cameroon like you would in Europe. Daytime only is my new rule.
ATMs in Buea or Limbe aren’t very reliable - and definitely avoid using them at night. One night, around 9 PM, I needed cash and found an ATM at a Total station, but there were too many eyes watching. I walked away. The ATM safety at night in Cameroon really depends on location - urban areas have risk, but rural ones feel sketchier. Always get money in the morning if you can.
Been living in Douala for 8 months now. I regularly use UBA and Afriland First Bank ATMs near Akwa and Bonapriso. At night, I always go to ATMs attached to fuel stations or within shopping centers - open and bright. Generally safe if you're alert, but don’t use random roadside ATMs. Even locals get cautious after dark, especially in quieter neighborhoods.
I was staying in Bastos while volunteering short-term and needed to pull out cash late from an Ecobank ATM around 10 PM. The street was dimly lit, and while no one bothered me, I didn’t feel relaxed. Locals warned me that night ATM safety in Cameroon can be hit or miss. I switched to withdrawing during the day and kept backup cash in a money belt after that.