Welcome to Senegal 😊
Senegal is a stunning country in West Africa known for its vibrant culture, welcoming people and beautiful beaches. It has a mix of urban and rural areas that offer visitors a unique experience. The capital city, Dakar, is renowned for its lively markets, delicious food and stunning architecture. In the north, visitors can explore the Sahara Desert and see ancient rock art. In the south, the Casamance region has lush forests, waterfalls and bird sanctuaries. Senegal is also famous for its vibrant music scene, with traditional drumming and modern styles like Mbalax. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to experience West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Quick Facts About Senegal
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- Population: 16.3 million
- Languages: French,Wolof,Pulaar,Mandinka
Money and Finances
The currency used in Senegal is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 francs, while notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in major cities in Senegal, but may be less common in rural areas. It is recommended to have cash on hand in case ATMs are not available.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses, but may not be accepted at smaller shops or markets. Visa and Mastercard are generally more widely accepted than AMEX in Senegal.
Internet and Phones
In Senegal, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 2 Mbps. While there is no government interference in internet use, the country lacks widespread access to high-speed internet.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Telco companies in Senegal include Orange, Free, and Expresso. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around XOF 10,000 ($18 USD) per month. Sim compatibility issues may occur depending on the phone model and the service provider.
Dialling to Senegal
To call Senegal from another country, dial the international code for your country followed by Senegal's country code +221. Within Senegal, area codes are used and generally start with a 3 or a 7.
Transport Around Senegal
Air Travel
Senegal has two major airports: Dakar International Airport and Blaise Diagne International Airport. Dakar International Airport is located in the capital city of Dakar, while Blaise Diagne International Airport is located approximately 50km southeast of Dakar in the town of Diass.
Train Travel
Senegal has an inter-city train network, which operates between Dakar and a number of other major cities. A one-way ticket from Dakar to Saint Louis, for example, costs around 6,500 CFA francs and takes around 7 hours.
Metro / Local Trains
Senegal does not have a metro system.
Buses
Senegal has a well-developed bus network, with both government-run and private operators providing services to major cities and towns across the country. A one-way ticket from Dakar to Tambacounda, for example, costs around 6,000 CFA francs and takes around 10 hours.
Rideshare
There are several rideshare companies operating in Senegal, such as Uber, Bolt and Yango. The average cost for a 10km ride in Dakar is around 2,500 CFA francs.
Driving by Car
Driving in Senegal can be challenging due to the poor condition of many roads, as well as the high number of pedestrians and other vehicles on the roads. The speed limit on urban motorways is 50km/h, while on rural motorways it is 90km/h. Senegal drives on the right hand side of the road.
Local Customs
In Senegal, tipping is not as common as in Western countries but rounding up to the nearest 100 CFA francs is appreciated in restaurants. It is customary to greet people with a handshake and the use of titles like Monsieur (Mr.) or Madame (Mrs.) is common. Locals address each other using their first name or a nickname, and it's considered impolite to use someone's last name unless you're in a formal setting. Men and women usually don't touch each other while greeting or speaking with strangers, and it's common for women to dress modestly. Senegalese people value punctuality and being respectful, so it's important to arrive on time for meetings and appointments.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Senegal has a mixed public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is free for citizens, but may have limited resources. Private healthcare facilities are also available but can be expensive. It is recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Senegal. A visit to a doctor can cost approximately $30-$70 USD.
COVID Situation
Senegal has been praised for their swift and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They implemented measures such as travel restrictions, lockdowns, and contact tracing to control the spread of the virus. As of September 2021, the daily case rate is low and vaccination efforts are ongoing.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a common health risk in Senegal, especially during the rainy season. It is recommended to take preventative medication and use mosquito nets. Hepatitis A and typhoid are also common diseases in the country. Travelers should avoid street food and only consume well-cooked meals and bottled water to prevent food poisoning.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Senegal, but public drunkenness is prohibited and can result in arrest.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Senegal and is punishable by imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are not prohibited by law in Senegal.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Senegal and is punishable by imprisonment. Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is also prevalent in the country.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership is heavily regulated in Senegal and requires a license. Only certain individuals, such as security personnel, are allowed to possess firearms.