February 24, 2012

Dear Michael Tetu,
Congratulations on your management position as Security Officer for ExxonMobil in Douala, Cameroon. We are very excited to have you as part of the team. Your three year assignment will be challenging and rewarding, ensuring that the security of our state of the art facilities and personnel are operating in a safe environment.
I will also take this opportunity to congratulate your spouse, Mandi, on her selection as a logistics clerk. We, at ExxonMobil, hope that you and your family will find this assignment and location to be an enjoyable experience.
We have included our welcome packet, which has been personally tailored to your family and your assignment. Please read the complete packet as it contains valuable information about Douala and Cameroon, preparation tips and guidelines prior to your arrival in-country, what it is like to live in Cameroon, and finally how to conduct business there. As you know, ExxonMobil prides itself in taking care of its most valuable asset, its people. That is what separates us from the competition. As a result, if you have any questions, regarding the information in the welcome packet or about your upcoming assignment, please feel free to contact me or my department.
In order to assist in your move to Douala, we have also assigned you a sponsor, Mr. Tom Cherepko. He is currently the Chief of Operations in Cameroon for the last five years and is well suited to answer any questions you may have and help you and your family get settled in Cameroon. His contact information is tom.chereptko@exxonmobil.com or (237) 65-78-89-42.
Again, please read the enclosed welcome packet and do not hesitate to contact us or your sponsor for any additional information. We are here to make your move to Douala as smooth as possible.
Good luck and safe travels.
Sincerely,
Alex C. Lovasz
Human Resources Expatriate Manager
713-680-7993 ext. 101
Alexander.lovasz@exxonmobil.com

Welcome Packet:
Douala, Cameroon

January, 2012

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter from CEO of ExxonMobil…………………………………… 5

General Information on Cameroon…………………………………………….. 6

Geography & Climate……………………………………………………... 6 Population…………………………………………………………………. 6 Flag of Cameroon.………………………………………………………… 7 Languages…………………………………………………………………. 7 Government……………………………………………………………….. 7 Holidays…………………………………………………………………… 8 Major Industries…………………………………………………………… 8

Overview of Douala……………………………………………………………… 9

Preparing to leave for Cameroon……………………………………………….. 10

Pre-requisites for Entry…………………………………………………… 10 Cultural Training…………………………………………………………... 10 Job Training prior to departure……………………...…………………….. 10 Preview Visit……………………………………………………………… 11 Your Pet…………………………………………………………………... 11 Health Insurance and Services……………………………………………. 11 Immunization & Anti-Malaria Prophylaxis….…………………………… 11 Moving Expenses…………………………………………………………. 12 Your Sponsor……………………………………………………………… 12

Living in Cameroon……………………………………………………………... 13

Arriving in Douala………………………………………………………… 13 Registering at the Embassy………………………………………………... 13 Housing……………………………………………………………………. 14 Job Training in-country……………………………………………………. 14 Banking & Currency………………………………………………………. 14 COLA & Taxes……………………………………………………………. 14 Schools…………………………………………………………………….. 15 Childcare…………………………………………………………………… 15 Healthcare Services………………………………………………………… 15
Work program for Spouses………………………………………………… 15 Satellite and Internet Services……………………………………………… 16 Electrical Appliances……………………………………………………….. 16 Utilities…………………………………………………..…………………. 16
Church Services…………………..………………………………………… 16 Postal Services……………...…………………………………………………. 17 Transportation…………………………………………………………............. 18 Company………………………………………………………………. 18 Public………………………………………………………………….. 18 Driving in Cameroon………………………………………………………….. 18 Security and Crimes…………………………………………………………… 19 Shopping………………………………………………………………………. 20 Eating in Cameroon……………………………………………………………. 20 Sports Club……………...……………………………………………………... 21

Conducting Business in Cameroon………………………………………………….. 22

General Policies………………………………………………………………… 22 Structural Policy Developments………………………………………………… 22 Workers Rights…………………………………………………………………. 23 General information on Conducting Business………………………………….. 23 Meeting & Greeting………………….…………………………………. 23 Business Meetings/Negotiations………………..……………………… 24 Social Events & Gifts…………………………………………………………… 25

Appendix A---Maps……………………………………………………………………. 27

Appendix B---Compensation Table with COLA………………………………………. 29

References……………………………………………………………………………… 30

**If you have any questions with any information found in this Welcome Packet, a list of references is enclosed on p. 30 or simply contact the ExxonMobil HR Expatriate Department at 713-680-7993 ext. 101.

January 1, 2012

Dear Expatriate,

I would like to personally welcome you to the ExxonMobil family. You have joined a company which prides itself in taking care of people whether they are here in the United States or serving overseas as expatriates. You have chosen to work overseas and help ExxonMobil to become truly global and for that, I thank you.

Since moving to a foreign country is difficult, my HR department has organized for you and your family this Welcome Packet, pre-departure training, in-country training, and assigned you a sponsor who will show you the ropes at work and assist in getting your family settled. The idea is to get you as prepared as possible for the challenges you will encounter in your overseas assignment.

I want to make it perfectly clear that my staff and the resources of ExxonMobil are at your disposal in order to ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible. If you have any questions, contact my HR Expatriate Manager, Alex Lovasz at 713-680-7993 ext. 101.

Again, I want to thank you for improving our organization and for selecting an overseas assignment which will prove to be both challenging and rewarding.

Sincerely,

Rex Tillerson
ExxonMobil Chairman & CEO

General Information on Cameroon

Geography & Climate

Cameroon is triangular in shape and is located in central Africa in between the Bight of Biafra (also known as the armpit of the continent) Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. It is also bordered by Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo and Gabon. The political capital of the country is Yaoundé located in the center of the country and the economic capital is Douala on the western coast. Both are the two largest cities in Cameroon.

Cameroon has a very mixed landscape for an African country. It has a 250 mile (402 km) coastline with plush tropical forests, high plateaus in the center of the country with mountains to the west and dry plains/desert in the north. Cameroon also has the most active volcano in Western Africa, called Mount Cameroon at 13,435 ft (4,095 m) in the west. The last eruption was in 2000.

Since the topography of Cameroon is very diverse so is its climate. From the west, Cameroon is very humid up through the central plateaus and becomes very dry the farther north one travels. Cameroon has two seasons, a rainy and dry season. The rainy season is usually between November and February. Coastline temperature averages, to include Douala, vary between 72 degrees F and 90 degrees F (22-32 degrees C) with an average of 80% humidity. See Appendix A for general map of the country.

Population

As of 2012, the population in Cameroon counts 20 million inhabitants. The capital city, Yaoundé, has 1.75 million inhabitants while Douala has 2.05 million (as of 2009). Cameroon enjoys significant ethnic diversity in its population made up of 31% Highlanders, 27% Bantu, 11% Kirdi, 10% Fulani, and 21% of smaller different ethnicities. The religion is broken down into three categories: 40% indigenous religions, 40% Christian and 20% Muslim. The predominant religion within the Christian population is Catholicism.

Flag of Cameroon

As a French/British colony, Cameroon gained its independence in 1960 and designed its flag similar to the French flag. It is made up of three even bands each signifying an element of Cameroon. The green stands for hope and the lush forests in the south/west. The red signifies unity which they had to gain through independence and the civil war which ensued, while the yellow symbolizes the sun, happiness and the savannahs in the plains. Finally, the star brings it all together unifying all of Cameroon.

Cameroonians are very proud of their flag, which is not to be confused with the flags of Ghana and Senegal which are similar in color and design.

Languages

Cameroon has two official languages, English and French, which are tied to the two main religions. English is predominantly spoken in the north where the preponderance of Muslims resides, while French is spoken from the capital to the coast where Catholicism is mainly practiced. There are also 24 other indigenous languages spoken in the country but they are not recognized as official languages.

Government

Prior to independence, Cameroon was divided into two colonies, one controlled by the French in the south and one controlled by the British in the north. In 1960, independence was declared and the UN recognized the Republic of Cameroon. Since its independence, Cameroon has been one of the most stable countries in Africa consisting of three governmental branches: the Executive, the Legislative, and Judicial Branches. The current president is Paul Biia, who is pro-western and a strong advocate for foreign investment. Cameroon’s legal system is a mixture between English common law, French civil law and customary law. Unfortunately, there exists a high degree of bribery and corruption throughout government. It is important to remind all ExxonMobil employees, that the company has a zero tolerance policy reference bribery and corruption.

Holidays

The following are national holidays (expect the day prior to have stores and shops close early) which represent a mixture of Catholic and Muslim religious holidays:

January 1st—New Year’s Day
February 5th---Eid Milad Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday)
February 11th---Youth day
April 6th---Easter
May 1st---Labor Day
May 7th---Ascension
May 20th---National Day
May 21st---Sheep Festival
June 17th---Ascension of the Prophet
August 15th---Assumption
August 19th---Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
October 1st---Unification Day
October 26th---Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
November 15th---Hijra (Islamic New Year)
December 25th---Christmas

Major Industries

Cameroon is a very economically stable country. It currently has two economic hubs in country: Yaounde (political capital) and Douala (economic capital). Both hubs support the two primary industries of agriculture and oil. ExxonMobil has been a strong partner of Cameroon in the sector of oil exploration. We have built a 640 mile pipeline through the country of Cameroon in order to extract this commodity from northern Cameroon and Chad, transport it to the coast and load it on ships at the sole oil terminal/port in the country at Kibri (93 miles from Douala—see Appendix A for map).

An Overview of Douala

Douala is the economic capital of Cameroon, the second largest city in the country and the largest port city in Western Africa. It sits on the coast (see Appendix A—maps) as the gate keeper to the rest of the country. As the major port city in Cameroon, the majority of its exports and imports come through Douala.

The city is a great place to live. It consists of a mixture of both modern and colonial architecture. All modern amenities are available in the city from ATMs to sport clubs. The people are accustomed to foreigners and quite friendly towards Americans.

The city is conveniently located in the center of the coastline, which provides numerous opportunities to visit neighboring locales. Some of the areas worth visiting are Mount Cameroon, as an active volcano, the beautiful nearby beaches of Limbe (formerly known as Victoria), or taking a safari in the central savannahs and seeing some of the African wildlife.

The airport located in the southeast portion of the city (5 miles from city center) is one of the busiest in Africa due to the fact that all flights from Europe going to Western Africa or Southern Africa pass through Douala. This airport also gives you access to Yaounde, the capital city, in less than two hours as well as the northern plains.

Unfortunately, traffic is very congested (see section Driving in Cameroon) in all urban areas to include Douala and Yaounde. The main source of public transportation is taxi, which is fairly inexpensive, but is considered very dangerous for expatriates to utilize due to security reasons.

Preparing to Leave for Cameroon

Prerequisites for Entry

All expatriates and their family members require a valid passport and visa to travel and stay in Cameroon. Since your wife, Mandi, plans to also work in Douala, you will both be required work visas. Your two children will only require regular visas. The HR department will assist you and your family in acquiring the appropriate documentation for visas from the Cameroonian Embassy. For a Cameroonian visa, each applicant is required to provide their current passport with 6 months eligibility remaining, two additional passport pictures, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and finally a letter of invitation from Cameroon and business letter form sponsoring company, both of which the HR Expat Department will provide. It takes the Cameroonian Embassy approximately 10 business days to process your application. We have a passport and visa officer in our department who can assist you with any issues you may have. Her name is Emily Francks, and can be reached at 713-680-7993 ext. 103 or at Emily.francks@exxonmobil.com.

If you or a family member does not already have a passport, contact our HR Expatriate Department at the earliest opportunity in order to expedite the application process through State Department (process can take up to six weeks). For more information on getting a US passport go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/.

Cultural Training

In order to prepare you and your family for Cameroon, we have set up a rigorous pre-departure cross-cultural training at our headquarters in Irving, TX. We will fly you and your family for one week in June after the children are out of school. Please contact our HR Expat Department to coordinate travel requirements at the earliest opportunity. This training will consist of a myriad of topics to include history, customs, local values and beliefs, do’s and don’ts, typical Western pitfalls, and French language training. You will also have access to Rosetta Stone software at www.rosettastone.com to improve what you learn in the classroom (corporate access code is: EXXON). The goal is to prepare you and your family as much as possible prior to your arrival in country.

Job Training Prior to Departure

In the upcoming weeks, you will receive a CD-ROM in the mail with an Advanced Distance Learning (ADL) program specifically designed for Security Managers operating overseas. You will have 30 days to complete the training, at which time, we will arrange for a Q&A session via video conference with the regional security managers who can then answer any questions you may have that is Africa specific.

Preview Visit

We have arranged for a one-week visit to Douala during your children’s spring break. The company will cover 100% of the costs. Tom Cherepko will be your guide during your visit. He will pick you up at the airport, show you all Exxon facilities, company housing, and local schools, as well as anything else you are interested in seeing. The intent is to make you and your family comfortable with the idea of moving to Douala.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to pre-register your children at the appropriate school. See Schools Section for more information.

Your Pet

Your dog, Rex, is authorized to travel to Cameroon. There are no weight restrictions. Required documents are rabies certificate and certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian less than 48 hours prior to departure. There will be a 5,000 CFA tax (equivalent of $10) as processing fee. We will have an Exxon customs agent meet you at the airport to assist in the transaction.

Health Insurance and Services

You and your family will be covered by an addendum to your health insurance provided by AXA based out of the UK. Please fill out the registration form located at http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/international/personal/member-services/handbooks prior to your Preview Visit departure. This is a benefit ExxonMobil provides all of its expatriates.

Immunization and Anti-Malaria Prophylaxis

Prior to your Preview Visit, you and your family must complete all required vaccinations in order to protect them from any infectious disease they may encounter in Cameroon. These include Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio, Meningococcal, and Rabies. Some of these have time requirements and restrictions, which you must abide by. Go to the CDC website for the latest information: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/cameroon.htm.

In addition, prior to departure, you will also be required to take the appropriate anti-malaria prophylaxis. There exist multiple different types, which are taken at different intervals. Speak to your physician for the right type and ensure he is aware of any other medications you may be taking. For more information, go to: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/malaria.htm#1939.

Moving Expenses

ExxonMobil will pay to move your household goods up to 15,000 lbs (gross weight) and one privately owned vehicle (POV). If your POV is not 4x4 capable, it is not recommended to ship to Cameroon. It will get destroyed due to the road conditions across the country. Be aware that the company will also provide you a company car (see Transportation Section). You will receive all appropriate documentation in the mail. If you currently have more than 15,000 lbs of household goods, ExxonMobil will also pay for the storage of up to an additional 10,000 lbs to include a vehicle. As a planning factor, each room in your house represents 1,000 lbs. Be prepared to ship your household goods no later than 90 days prior to departure so as to ensure their on-time delivery. If you have any questions, contact our Transportation Officer at 713-680-7993 ext. 104.

Your Sponsor

As already mentioned, Tom Cherepko will be your sponsor. He was identified because of his extensive knowledge of Cameroon gained from living there for the last five years and based on the fact that both your families are similar. He has a wife and two daughters about the same age as your two children, Kimberly (age 3) and Sonia (age 14). He has been provided your contact information, therefore expect hearing from him in the near future. If you have immediate concerns, which require answers, his contact information again is tom.chereptko@exxonmobil.com or (237) 65-78-89-42. Feel free to contact at your earliest convenience (just remember, Cameroon is six hours ahead of East Coast Time Zone).

Living in Cameroon

Arriving in Cameroon

Your sponsor and a custom agent, who will assist your family in getting through customs, will meet you and your family at the Douala International Airport. In addition, the same custom agent will also assist in retrieving your dog, Rex, and facilitate the processing of the appropriate paperwork. A company car will be put at your disposal immediately upon arrival. You and your family will stay at the Meridien Hotel until your household goods have arrived and you are ready to move into company quarters. Hotel information can be found at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1804.

Registering at the US Embassy/Consulate

First priority, is registering at the US Embassy. It is mandatory for all US citizens to register upon entry into the country. Since the embassy is located in Yaounde, you can register at the Embassy Branch Office (EBO) located at 5th Floor Ecobank Building Champagne Plaza at the intersection of Rue Toby Kuoh and Rue French. Phone: (237) 3342-5331 or (237) 3342-0303, Fax: (237) 3342-7790.

Housing

ExxonMobil currently has a myriad of different rental properties it manages in Douala for its expatriate community. You will be assigned a company real state agent, who works out of the Housing Office, and will show you all the different properties available to you and your family. ExxonMobil will provide you a housing allowance (See Appendix B), which will cover both the rent and the utility costs. The Housing Office will provide you an in brief upon your arrival within the first week in-country which explains the entire process, from the selection of the property to the cost associated with it.

Each rental property is equipped with a diesel generator when city power goes out. ExxonMobil pays for the refueling contract for all its facilities, including rental properties (QTY: 250 Gal/week).

Job Training In-country

Within the first week in country, you will begin 30 days of training with Christian Odekirk, the current Security Manager on the ground. The training will be divided into two phases. During the first two weeks, you will shadow him in all security related activities, observing all processes and decisions. During the second two weeks, he will then shadow your activities in order to ensure that quality control is maintained. Since Tom Cherepko is the Chief of Operations in Cameroon, he will continue to provide you guidance well after Christian Odekirk returns to the US.

Your office is located on the ExxonMobil compound in Building #3 at 5 Rue Bonabouti, Douala.

Banking and Currency

Most major banks in Douala have ATM machines and accept every form of major currency to include traveler’s checks. Since you will be required to pay for rent and utilities in local currency, the CFA (Exchange rate as of 24 FEB: $1=500CFA), it is strongly encouraged to open an account with a local bank. Most ExxonMobil expats use the downtown Citibank located at 96, Rue Flatters, Douala, Phone: (237) 22-21-27-77.

COLA & Taxes

In addition to your housing allowance, you will also receive Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) which is intended to help you maintain your US standard of living and as an example help to counter the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all purchases that the government of Cameroon imposes. This figure (See Appendix B-Compensation with COLA) is based on 20% of your base pay.

Since the government of Cameroon also taxes expatriates with a 35% income tax, ExxonMobil reimburses you that same amount (See Appendix B-Compensation with COLA). This ensures that you do not lose any money form being assigned overseas.

Schools

Your son, Tyson, who is entering 9th Grade next school year, will be attending:
The American School of Douala (ASD), 767, Ave des Palmiers, B. P. 1909 Douala, Phone: (237) 3342 14 37 ask for Beverly Sortland (Director), Email: infor@asddouala.com. ExxonMobil will cover all tuition costs for the duration of your assignment in Cameroon. ExxonMobil also has a chartered bus service to pick up all expatriate children and bring them to and from ASD. Be aware that ASD only goes as far as 10th Grade. As a result, ExxonMobil is also willing to support his attendance of a boarding school in London, UK for your third year in Cameroon as an option.
Even though your daughter is currently too young to attend school, Catherine will still be able to attend many of the summer camps offered as ASD.
Childcare
Since you and your wife plan on working, ExxonMobil is willing to hire a nanny full time in order to take care of your three-year-old daughter, Catherine. When she turns 4 years old, she will then be able to attend Pre-K at ASD.

Healthcare Services
Due to the shortage of doctors on the economy, ExxonMobil has hired permanent doctors to staff our local clinic in support of the ExxonMobil expatriate community. The clinic is located on the ExxonMobil compound in Douala. Ensure that prior to any medical visit, whether to the clinic or the emergency room, AXA must be contacted in order to ensure proper coverage. In addition, ensure that you only get medication from approved and certified pharmacies. Your local doctor will provide you with a list of approved pharmacies.

Work Program for Spouses
We have numerous job opportunities for spouses on the ExxonMobil compound. Your wife, Mandi, has been hired as a logistics clerk. Once on the ground, she too will undergo in-country training similar to yours within the Logistics Directorate. She can contact the local HR representative for more information at (237) 25-34-53-28.

Satellite and Internet Services
Satellite dishes are the only secure means of receiving both TV and Internet services in Douala. We recommend you get a listing of providers from the Housing Office in order to fit your budget. Since your home is a rental, it is your responsibility to install, remove and any damages associated with putting up a satellite dish. Remember when selecting your home, that the satellite dish must be only on your property and not interfere with the neighbors.

Electrical Appliances
Cameroon uses the European plug system with 22-240 Volts, AC 50Hz. Be aware that American appliances will only work with transformers. The housing office will provide 6 x 1KW transformers, which can be used for smaller appliances (i.e. Lamps, TVs, sound systems, computers, etc), and 2 x 2KW transformers for major appliances (ie. Washer/dryer). In addition, most modern electronics are already dual voltage and only require an adapter, which takes the flat American plug and converts it into the round European plug. Extra adapters can be purchased at ExxonMobil Shoppette on the compound.

Utilities
You, as the renter, are responsible for paying all bills associated with water, gas and electricity to the owner via local bank transfer. This is why it is imperative that one of the first tasks upon arrival is establishing a local bank account (See Banking Section for recommendation). Once a month, the owner will visit the property and give you the required bills to be paid in full by the end of the month. This will be stipulated in the housing contract/lease and explained at your initial Housing in brief.

Church Services
As your family is Catholic, I have taken the liberty of providing you with mass information from the largest Catholic church in the city, which is where most expatriates attend service since it is administered in English.

Diocese of Doume-Abong’ Mbang
Archeveche Douala CM
Weekend Mass Times Sunday 8:00 AM
Confession Saturday
5:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Postal Services

The postal service in Cameroon is not efficient. It can take anywhere between 17-25 days for mail from the US to arrive. Included below are the Douala Post Office information (which is not recommended by ExxonMobil) as well as international couriers, which can guarantee on-time delivery of mail. * * Douala Post Office * Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 3.30 PM * Saturday: 8 AM - 11 AM
Sunday Closed
Phone: (237) 22.22.36.13 / (237) 22.22.86.48

* Fedex Cameroon- http://www.fedex.com/cm/contact/ * * DHL Cameroon - http://wap.dhl.com/wrd/cm.html/

UPS Cameroon: Prestatiare de Service Express S.a.r.l.
Authorised Service Contractor for UPS
1310; Avenue De Gaulle
BP 2666
Douala
Cameroon
Tel.: + 237-3343-76-59
Fax: + 237-3342-35-75
E-mail csube@ups.com
E-mail iaboh@ups.com

For more information on all postal and courier services, go to: http://trackpackage.blogspot.com/2010/09/track-package-cameroon-post-office.html

Transportation

Public
Trains—connect Douala, Yaounde and most of the interior of the country. But due to security reasons and failing to arrive on-time, most expatriates do not use the train system.
Taxis—even though, they are the most efficient means of getting around in both Douala and Yaounde, it is not advisable for ExxonMobil employees to use taxis due to the high chance of rape, burglary or assault.
Buses—will take you anywhere in the urban areas but are usually not frequented by expatriates due to being overcrowded.
Planes—frequent flights connect Douala and Yaounde in less than 2 hours (6 hours by car) managed by Cameroon Airways. Lufthansa also provides daily flights from Douala to Frankfurt.
***Note: Decreed by the ministry of Interior, all public transports cease to operate after 8pm due to high rates of drinking and driving accidents.
Company
Car—ExxonMobil will provide you a 4x4 vehicle for both business and personal use. ExxonMobil will also cover fuel cost. Refuel point is located on the ExxonMobil compound.
Planes--ExxonMobil charters DC5 aircraft for business purposes only between Yaounde and the northern oil field.
***Note: ExxonMobil will fly you and your family back to the US for vacations once a year as part of your expatriate benefits.

Driving in Cameroon
Roads in the urban centers like Douala and Yaounde are mostly paved, but it only represents 20% of paved roads in the country. It is recommended to only use 4x4 vehicles. During the rainy season, driving even with 4x4 becomes challenging.
Upon arrival, you can use your International Driving Permit (IDP), but it is recommended that you register for a local Cameroonian driver’s license upon arrival in order to minimize the hassle from local police. IDPs can be acquired at AAA website: http://midatlantic.aaa.com/?zip=22206&devicecd=PC
Within Douala and Yaounde, the European system of driving is in effect. Once outside of city limits, there exist no rules. Ensure that you visit the State Department website for tips and latest road safety at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.
Minimize travel by road after dark.
Minimize travel vicinity any of the border areas for security reasons.
Ensure you travel with adequate fuel, water and food once outside city limits.
Ensure you travel with a certified copy of your passport and local driver’s license at all times in order to minimize getting hassled by local police at checkpoints. If you are stopped and asked to pay a bribe, request to be ticketed and pay at the local courthouse. It is forbidden by ExxonMobil policy to pay bribes and support corruption.

Security and Crimes
Most common crime in Cameroon are carjacking and burglaries (petty theft). Gang activity and home invasions are very common in Cameroon. All ExxonMobil rental properties are gated and guarded by Wackenhut Security Company. Also, be cautious when approaching any roadblocks and minimize all road travel at night.
Again, when traveling by road inside the country, maintain a certified copy of your passport on you at all times. The original should be kept in a safe place at home.
ExxonMobil will provide your and your family with two satellite phones to be used in case of an emergency or in areas where cell phone coverage is not provided.
There is no 911 equivalent in Cameroon. Dial 112 for any emergency requiring ambulance support.
You are currently assigned to Cameroon at the invitation of the Cameroonian government and as such are subject to their laws and regulations. Report any incident involving local authorities to your immediate supervisor. Go to the State Department website to get the latest security alerts at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1081.html#safety.

Shopping
Food Shopping
There are numerous Western style supermarkets located throughout Douala as well as local markets (we would refer to them as farmer’s markets). The purchase of meats at the later is prohibited and all produce must be washed thoroughly in order to neutralize any bacteria. Listed below are the top three supermarkets located in Douala:
Sté MAHIMA SARL
Avenue Ahmadou Ahidjo
B.P 15430 Douala Cameroun
Tel: +237 3343 4487/7750 0648/9900 3323


Super Marché Le Point
Rue des Ecoles
B.P 6225 Douala Cameroun
Tel: +237 3342 0373/9603 0945


Leader Price Sarl
Down Beach Road Douala Cameroon
Tel: +237 3342 2039/3342 8581
Other Shopping Venues
Department stores are primarily located in the downtown shopping districts off of Ahmadou Ahidjo Avenue and Verdun Avenue. Prices inside stores are non-negotiable. Any item purchased outside a retail store at a local market for example, is up for negotiations. Cameroon is known for its art carvings in malachite and Ebony, its jewelry using different metals and stones and myriad of masks.

Eating in Cameroon
Cameroon, and Douala more specifically, provide a number of choices when it comes to restaurants. The city provides a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Western to Asian able to satisfy any pallet.
It is customary to tip at all bars and restaurants 10% of the total bill.
When consuming water, even though water from the tap is considered potable in 92% of the cities, it is recommended to use bottled water whenever possible. As a result, when at a bar or restaurant, never ask for ice cubes and only request a beverage that has been refrigerated.
Refer to this website for recommendations on restaurants: http://travel.mapsofworld.com/cameroon/douala-tours/restaurants.html

Sports Club
ExxonMobil will pay for membership at the sports club managed by the Meridien Hotel for you and your family. It provides state of art gym complex, swimming pool, tennis courts and bar/restaurant. You and your family will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy yourselves away from the stressors of the job and living in Africa. Membership information will be provided to you during your Preview Visit.

Conducting Business in Cameroon

General Policies

Cameroon currently has the most stable economy in Western Africa. It is a member of the Franc Zone, which consists of the monetary union of 12 African countries, aimed at stabilizing inflation across the region. It is also considered one of the most open markets in Western Africa. Cameroon is very pro-foreign investment.

Cameroon has the most developed private sector of any Western African country with two thirds of all business centered in Douala and Yaounde. Two thirds of all domestic businesses are in telecommunications, construction and transportation and are considered small businesses, which employ no more than 5-8 employees.

In contrast, Cameroon’s economy also relies heavily on exports in lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, coffee, cotton, and most importantly oil and petroleum products, which involve large numbers of multinational corporations. These include AXA, Colgate, British American Tobacco, Maersk, Nestle, Exxon and Total.

After over-spending during the recent re-election of President Biia, combined with the reduced global growth and demand for some of Cameroon’s natural resources, the government has had to focus on increasing revenue from non-oil based sectors. In addition, high debt ratios and high unemployment rates (30% of population) create some serious challenges for the government of Cameroon to overcome.

Structural Policy Developments In order to improve the economic climate in Cameroon, the government is concentrating on privatization, infrastructure, agricultural reforms and eradicating corruption within the government.

Cameroon has been pursuing a massive privatization agenda of some of the public sector services. Examples are the transformation of the national water company into Camwater or the privatization of the national airline into CamAir. As the government reduces its management of certain services, it is reducing debt, increasing revenue and improving the unemployment picture.

The government is also focused on improving infrastructure and completing its agricultural reforms. It is primarily applying increased investment in the unimproved road network inside the country. An improved transportation network will facilitate greater efficiencies in the transportation of natural resources to Yaounde and Douala. Its agricultural reforms center around protecting its timber industry (second only after oil). This will be achieved through a massive campaign in re-forestation, essentially investing in the future.

With rampant corruption throughout all three branches of the government affecting foreign investment, President Biia has undertaken drastic reforms to combat widespread corruption. With assistance from the international community and OECD, Cameroon is in the process of putting in place controls and enforcing legislation, which will help to curb corruption. Much work is still needed.

Worker Rights

Under the Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining Acts, which Cameroon ratified, workers are supposed to be able to establish unions, organize and exercise the right to strike. Unfortunately, many restrictions exist. Cameroonians cannot go on strike or even organize a union without registering with the government. Without registration, it is considered a crime to organize with stiff penalties of imprisonment and heavy fines.

Even with Equal Remuneration and Anti-discrimination Laws in place, women and minorities are openly discriminated against in the workplace. Sexual harassment is part of the landscape, but very few cases are reported, let alone prosecuted. In the north of Cameroon for example, with a concentration of Muslims, Christians are openly discriminated against.

Displaced children are a significant problem in Cameroon. Even with policies in place to improve children school attendance, many find low paying informal work as a form of child labor. Children are required to attend school up to the age of 14 but few do so. The government does not have the resources to conduct effective inspections of businesses.

General Information on Conducting Business

Meeting and Greeting

When meeting an Anglophone or Francophone Cameroonian for the first time, a Western style handshake is normal.

When meeting a Francophone Cameroonian, who is a close friend, along with shaking hands, it is customary to kiss briefly on each cheek.

When meeting an Anglophone Cameroonian, who is a close friend, along with a traditional handshake, it is customary to draw back to the middle finger and snap them together.

Elders are greeted first and a small head bow of the head demonstrates respect to someone older and superior in social status.

Greetings are an important part of the meeting. It is a process when someone gets to know you by inquiring about your family, important events in your personal life, hobbies, etc…It is never rushed.

When meeting government officials, titles are used instead of names to show respect. Ensure that the appropriate title is used in the correct language when dealing with Northern Anglophone and Southern Francophone Cameroonians. Using the wrong title can be construed as an insult.

Only use first names when given permission to do so with subordinates and superiors alike.

When handing out your business card, ensure that it is written in both English and French. Present business cards with either your right hand only or both hands. Always comment on its design, appearance or information presented.

Never point or touch an Anglophone Cameroonian, who is Muslim, with your left hand.

Business Meetings/Negotiations

Always wear formal attire. Your appearance must be impeccable. It is the first step to a formal relationship. Also, remember to wear fabrics which breath due to the high level of heat and humidity.

Meetings have a tendency to begin late, anywhere between 30 min to 1 hour. Be prepared to encounter “Africa Time”. It is part of the norm in Cameroon.

Meetings do not always occur in a secluded area as they normally do in the US. It is quite normal for the meeting to be interrupted by others who are also using the same conference hall. There is no intended disrespect.

Agendas are not used to guide the meeting but more so to initiate the discussion.

The meeting is very formal. Suit jackets are only removed when agreed by the senior member of the group.

Formalities are followed throughout the meeting. Never turn your back to your audience or someone who is senior to you. Always use titles when appropriate.

Be prepared to be interrupted by Cameroonians frequently, who believe they already know what you are going to say and initiate a change in subject.

Cameroonians love to use proverbs to enhance the discussion.

When addressing an English or French speaking Cameroonian, be aware that neither may be their native language. For French, ExxonMobil will provide translators in order to ensure no misunderstandings occur. For English, remember to speak slowly and articulate.

Cameroonian society is both paternal and hierarchical which means that your counterpart will only want to discuss important decisions with the highest-ranking male person from your organization. Be sensitive to this issue when delegating tasks to subordinate female employees who will have to conduct business dealings with Cameroonians.

In negotiations, be prepared to encounter both bartering and bribes. ExxonMobil has a zero tolerance policy towards accepting bribes in order to protect employees from future legal entanglements.

Both the Catholic and Muslim religions are important elements in Cameroonian life. These only represent 60% of the population, 40% still practice local indigenous forms of religion. Be aware that this may surface during negotiations.

Cameroonians are a proud people. Compliments are issued best in public while criticism is handled behind closed doors.

Always be prepared for Cameroonians to say or do something, which may be totally foreign to the way you would have accomplished something. Just be flexible and patient.

Business gifts are only exchanged at the conclusion of a deal. Be prepared to reciprocate if given a gift. The size or monetary value is not as important as the significance of the gift. Thought and preparation must be considered.

Social Events & Gifts

When invited to a Cameroonian’s home, always dress formally to show respect to your host.

Shake hands with each member of the party starting with the eldest person in attendance, men, then women, and finally children.

Unlike in the US, social events are not a place to discuss business, so do not even attempt to do so.

If it is a dinner party, men eat first, then women, and finally children.

Cameroonians often eat with their hands, so when offered a bowl of water, it is to wash your hands.

Remember to handle all items at the table with your right hand.

Generally, as the guest, you will be given the prized piece of food from all the different plates. In order to not offend your host, if you are unable to stomach what is being offered, just recommend it be given to the eldest person at the table. This way no one loses face.

Traditionally, it is socially acceptable to give a bottle of wine or liquor to your host.

On the other hand, if you are entertaining at your home, be aware of Muslim food restrictions (such as pork and alcohol) and using your left hand when serving. Always use your right hand.

Appendix A—Maps (Continent/Country/City)

Cameroon sits in central Africa.

Kibri Cameroon is triangular in shape with access to the Atlantic through the Bight of Biafra. Douala is 93 miles north of the ExxonMobil oil terminal located in Kibri.
Douala is the economic capital of Cameroon on the coast with the ExxonMobil office buildings and quarters located in the western part of the city.

Appendix B-Compensation Table with COLA

Figure | In the US | USD | Figure | In Cameroon | USD | 1 | Base Pay | 200,000 | 1 | Base Pay | 200,000 | 2 | US Income Tax (33%) | -66,000 | 2 | US Income Tax (33%) | -66,000 | 3 | US Social Security (11%) | -22,000 | 3 | US Social Security (11%) | -22,000 | 4 | Net Income in US | 112,000 | 4 | Overseas Housing Allowance (20%) | 40,000 | | | | 5 | COLA (20%) | 40,000 | | | | 6 | Cameroon Income Tax (35% of Figure 1+4+5) | -91,000 | | | | 7 | Cameroon Income tax Reimbursement by ExxonMobil | 91,000 | | | | 8 | Net Income in Cameroon | 192,000 |

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