Senegal: Basic Travel Guide

Senegal

📍 Destination

Senegal is a lively West African destination that blends culture, tradition, and hospitality with Atlantic beaches, lively music, and natural reserves. The capital, Dakar, is a cosmopolitan city that mixes colonial heritage with modern life, serving as the gateway to explore the country’s cultural and natural riches.

This Senegal basic travel guide is what you need to learn more about your destination.

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ℹ️ General information

• Official name: Republic of Senegal

• Capital: Dakar

• Official language: french (Wolof, Pulaar, and Serer also widely spoken)

• Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

• Currency exchange locations: available at banks, exchange offices, major hotels, and airport

• Predominant religion: Islam (predominant), Christianity

• Time difference: 

  • U.S. (EST): +4 to +5 hours ahead

  • U.K.: same time (GMT+0 in winter, GMT+1 in summer)

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📄 Required documentation

• U.S. and U.K. citizens: Valid passport (minimum 6 months). No visa required for stays up to 90 days.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required only if you’ve recently visited a yellow fever endemic country

• Travel insurance is recommended (not mandatory)

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📅 Best time to visit

• Dry season (november - may): cooler, pleasant weather, best for tourism.

• Rainy season (june - october): hot, humid, with tropical rains.

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🕐 Opening hours

• Public services: monday to Friday, 8:00 - 17:00

• Banks: monday to friday, 8:00 - 16:00

• Shops: monday to saturday, 8:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 19:00

  (times may vary, we recommend checking in advance)

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✈️ How to get there

Flight time:

• From New York (JFK) → Dakar (DSS): +/- 7:30 (direct flights with Delta, Air Senegal)

• From London (LHR) → Dakar (DSS): +/- 6:15 (direct flights with British Airways, Air Senegal)

Main airport: Blaise Diagne International Airport - Dakar (DSS)

Approximate distances:

• DSS → Saly resort area: +/- 30 km (45 - 60 min)

• DSS → Pointe Sarène: +/- 60 km (1:30 - 2h)

🚖 Transfers: you can hire a transfer service, use taxis, or use ride-hailing apps. Travel times vary by city.

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💊 Health & medications

• There is no mandatory medication

• Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended - consult a travel clinic

• We recommend bringing your own medications and consulting a doctor for specific guidance

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💰 Currency and costs

• Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

• Exchange rates:

  • 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF

  • 1 GBP ≈ 750 XOF

• Payment: Credit/debit cards accepted in major hotels and shops in Dakar & Saly; cash recommended elsewhere

• Tourist tax: +/- 1,000 CFA (~$1.50 / £1.20) per person per night (paid at check-in)

• Tipping is not mandatory, but there may be a service charge

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🧳 What to pack

• Light, breathable clothing (hot climate)

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Insect repellent + first aid kit

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plug adapters: types C, D, E, K (220V, 50Hz)

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🏨 Where to stay

• Saly: Popular beach resorts

• Pointe Sarène: Newer, modern hotels

• Dakar: Urban and cultural experience

🎯 Tip: many hotels organize excursions and offer airport transfers

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🚕 Transport and accessibility

• Tourist taxis available (negotiate price in advance)

• Private transfers and hotel shuttles recommended

• Public transport is not advisable for tourists

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⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz

• Plugs: types C, D, E, K

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📞 Communication

• Country code: +221

• Internet domain: .sn

• SIM cards available in Dakar (Orange, Free, Expresso)

• English is spoken in tourist areas, but French/Wolof is most common

• Wi-Fi available in major hotels and cafés

🎯 Tip: avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link)  —

🏖️ Main holidays

• Jan 1 - New Year’s Day

• Apr 4 - Independence Day

• Variable dates: Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Maouloud (Prophet’s birthday), Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha

• May 1 - Labor Day

• Aug 15 - Assumption

• Nov 1 - All Saints’ Day

• Dec 25 - Christmas

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🍽️ Local cuisine

• Thieboudienne (rice with fish & vegetables – national dish)

• Yassa (chicken or fish with onion & lemon sauce)

• Mafé (meat in peanut sauce)

• Tropical fruits: mango, papaya, guava

— 🇸🇳 Local habits

• Islam is the main religion

• During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking/smoking in public during the day

• Hospitality and respect for traditions are highly valued

— 🕵️‍♂️ Safety

• Senegal is relatively safe, but beware of pickpocketing in urban areas

• Avoid displaying valuables

• Respect cultural and religious norms, especially in rural areas

— 🚑 Emergency services

• Police: 17

• Ambulance/Fire: 18

• U.S. Embassy in Dakar: +221 33 879 4000

• U.K. Embassy in Dakar: +221 33 823 7561

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🔗 Useful links

• Official Tourism Website

• U.S. Travel Advisory (Senegal)

• UK Travel Advice Registration