In 2026, making money online in Cameroon is no longer limited to blogging, YouTube, or freelancing.
There is a growing side hustle many young people are exploring quietly.
You chat with foreigners.
And you get paid.
It sounds strange at first. But platforms now pay people for language practice, cultural exchange, companionship chats, and tutoring sessions. If you speak English or French confidently, you already have something valuable.
This guide explains how Cameroonians can chat with foreigners and earn money, which apps are legit, how much you can realistically make, and what to avoid.
Why Foreigners Pay to Chat Online
Many people in the US, Europe, and Asia want:
-
To practice English or French
-
To learn about African culture
-
To improve conversational confidence
-
To avoid loneliness
-
To prepare for travel or relocation
Instead of attending formal classes, they prefer casual conversations with real people.
That is where you come in.
If you are in Douala, Yaoundé, Buea, or anywhere in Cameroon with internet access, you can turn your conversation skills into income.
Best Apps to Chat With Foreigners and Earn Money in 2026
Below are trusted platforms that support PayPal payouts and are accessible to users in Cameroon.
1. Preply
Preply is one of the most reliable platforms for earning money through language practice.
You do not need to be a certified teacher. You can register as a community tutor and offer conversational English or French lessons.
How it works
-
Create a tutor profile
-
Set your hourly rate
-
Students book sessions
-
You teach through video chat
-
Earnings go to your Preply wallet
-
Withdraw via PayPal
Earnings Potential
-
$10 to $30 per hour depending on your profile and reviews
-
1–2 hours daily can bring $300–$600 per month
Best For
-
English speakers
-
French speakers
-
University students
-
Teachers
-
Anyone confident in conversation
For Cameroonians who speak clear English or French, this is one of the safest options.
2. italki
italki is similar to Preply but has been around longer.
You can apply as a community tutor without formal certification. Many foreigners look for casual conversation partners, not strict grammar teachers.
How it works
-
Apply as a tutor
-
Create an attractive profile
-
Set your own rate
-
Students book sessions
-
Get paid through PayPal
Earnings Potential
-
$10 to $25 per hour
-
Regular tutors earn $200 to $800 monthly
What Makes it Good
-
Large international audience
-
Flexible schedule
-
You control pricing
If you are serious about chatting with foreigners and earning consistently, this is one of the best platforms.
3. Tandem
Tandem started as a free language exchange app.
Now, it offers premium features and tutoring options.
You can:
-
Offer paid lessons
-
Build long-term language exchange partners
-
Upgrade to paid features and monetize your profile
Earnings Potential
-
$5 to $20 per session
-
Income depends heavily on consistency
It may not be as high-paying as Preply or italki, but it is easier to enter.
4. Lingbe
Lingbe works using a credit system called Lingos.
You earn credits by helping others practice your native language. These credits can be converted to paid sessions or redeemed through available payout options.
It is more competitive, but active users can build decent side income.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn in Cameroon?
Let us be honest.
This is not magic money.
If you work 1 to 2 hours daily:
-
Expect $100 to $500 monthly
If you treat it like part-time work:
-
$600 to $1,000 monthly is possible
Your income depends on:
-
Your English or French fluency
-
Your internet quality
-
Your consistency
-
Your reviews and ratings
-
Peak hours in Europe and the US
Most students from Europe are active between 6pm and 11pm their time. That means late afternoon or evening in Cameroon is often best.
Step-by-Step: How to Start From Cameroon
Step 1: Create a Professional Profile
Use:
-
Clear photo
-
Simple description
-
Mention Cameroon
-
Highlight your accent and culture
Example:
“I am a fluent English speaker from Cameroon. I help learners improve their conversational confidence through relaxed and friendly sessions.”
Step 2: Set a Competitive Price
Start lower.
Build reviews.
Increase gradually.
Step 3: Ensure Stable Internet
Bad connection means bad reviews.
Bad reviews mean no bookings.
Step 4: Open a Verified PayPal Account
Most platforms pay through PayPal.
In Cameroon, you can:
-
Link PayPal to Visa card
-
Withdraw through exchange services
-
Use PayPal-compatible online banks
Is This Safe?
Yes, if you use verified platforms like:
-
Preply
-
italki
-
Tandem
-
Lingbe
Avoid:
-
Apps asking for registration fees
-
Platforms promising unrealistic income
-
Telegram groups offering “chat jobs” with no website
-
Anyone asking for private payment outside the platform
Always keep communication inside the official app.
Who Is This Best For?
This side hustle is perfect for:
-
University students
-
Teachers
-
Unemployed graduates
-
Stay-at-home parents
-
People with strong English or French skills
If you are shy, it may be uncomfortable at first.
But confidence grows with practice.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
-
Flexible schedule
-
No startup capital
-
Work from home
-
Earn in dollars
Disadvantages
-
Requires patience
-
Income not guaranteed at start
-
Platform fees reduce earnings
-
Requires stable internet
Final Thoughts: Is Chatting With Foreigners Worth It in 2026?
If you are already spending hours on WhatsApp, TikTok, or Instagram daily, imagine converting just two of those hours into paid conversation.
For many Cameroonians, this will not replace a full-time salary immediately.
But it can:
-
Pay your data bills
-
Support school fees
-
Add steady side income
-
Build international communication skills
In 2026, digital income is not limited to coding or graphic design.
Sometimes, your voice is your asset.
And if you speak well, listen well, and show up consistently, chatting with foreigners online can become a real source of income in Cameroon.