Menu
Expat.com

Moving to Cameroon

Moving to Cameroon
shutterstock.com
Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 06 January 2015

Relocation will be an important part of your expatriation project to Cameroon. Here are some guidelines to help you.

If you have decided to relocate to Cameroon, take enough time to choose your removal company. This is an important step not to be taken lightly. Set up an appointment with a relocation counselor for an in-house estimate. Make a list of all the objects that require special care (glass, mirror, piece of art, special packaging etc.). Specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes etc.). To find a carrier or a mover, use the Internet, check the yellow pages or get a free quote and find your mover in Cameroon now.

Regarding the estimate, several key points are to be considered such as:

'¢ Origin address ' where removers will pack and load your belongings
'¢ Destination address in Cameroon ' where removers will unload your belongings
'¢ Volume or weight of your stuff
'¢ Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship)
'¢ Nature of the services ' terms and conditions ' insurance damage
'¢ Prices and payment plans

Usually, removal companies unload your belongings directly to the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses and you have to pick them up yourself afterwards, implying additional costs. Check your moving contract carefully.

Making a list

Make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings so as to establish a value statement. The value statement is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage of your belongings.

Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Read carefully the terms and conditions of your contract to find out more about transportation and handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because without it, an estimate cannot be established, which will obviously affect your relocation and your organization.

Damage insurance

Accordingly, a damage insurance will be proposed by the carrier. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost for the insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.

Waybill

Finally, you must sign the waybill before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you definitely agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead.

Regarding removal payment plans, a deposit is usually to be paid before loading and the balance must be paid upon delivery. A payment plan must be arranged with the removal company in any case.

Important:

In general, carriers handle custom paperwork for you (customs clearance etc.) For more security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers).

Good to know:

Contact the Cameroonian embassy or consulate for more information about relocation in the country, customs, prohibited items etc.

Useful links:

FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers www.fedemac.com
FIDI - International Federation of International Removers www.fidi.com

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

Back to Cameroon expat guide

Comments

See also

  • Health care in Cameroon
    Health care in Cameroon

    Before moving to Cameroon, you should be aware of the country's health care system and on health risks. Here ...

  • Accommodation in Cameroon
    Accommodation in Cameroon

    How to find accommodation in Cameroon? What are the options and rent prices? Here are some answers to your ...

  • Phones and Internet in Cameroon
    Phones and Internet in Cameroon

    How to make phone calls in Cameroon? What about Internet? Here are some answers to your queries.

  • Taxes in Cameroon
    Taxes in Cameroon

    Are you working in Cameroon? Do you have to pay tax? Find out in this article.

  • Entry Visa in Cameroon
    Entry Visa in Cameroon

    In order to enter Cameroon, one needs to get a visa (except for citizens of some West African countries).  ...

  • Leisure in Cameroon
    Leisure in Cameroon

    The most popular place among expats is Kribi in the South of the country.  From Douala, it takes about 3.5 ...

  • Health Care in Cameroon
    Health Care in Cameroon

    Health Care is easily available in big cities in Cameroon. In Douala, for instance, there are pediatricians for ...

  • Study potential in Cameroon
    Study potential in Cameroon

    Bamenda is one of the two English speaking region in Cameroon. The climate is very condusive for studies as it is ...

All of Cameroon's guide articles