Organize your stay Senegal
Money Senegal
The national currency is the CFA franc (FCFA). Banknotes are available in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 FCFA. There are also coins of 500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25 and 10 FCFA, as well as 5 FCFA, but these are less common. The parity of the FCFA with the euro is fixed. 1 € = 655.56 FCFA and 1,000 FCFA = 1.53 €.
Budget & Tips Senegal
Senegal is a fairly inexpensive country, but depending on when you travel and the level of comfort you choose, your budget can vary from simple to double or even triple.
Small budget: for the most resourceful, it's possible to eat for less than 5,000 FCFA a day, sleep for 8,000 FCFA and travel around the country for 10,000 FCFA or less, depending on destination and means of transport used. Of course, this means resorting to local dibiteries (beware of hygiene), staying in hostels or camps, and using buses or bush-taxis.
Average budget: lower than international standards. If you're looking for comfort, expect to pay between 20,000 and 30,000 FCFA per night in a clean guesthouse or hotel, with all amenities. For a meal in "Western" restaurants, expect to pay from 7,000 FCFA. Car rental starts at around 25,000 FCFA per day.
Big budget: for those who are financially able, they can spend their stay in luxury hotels and lodges in Dakar, Saly, Saint-Louis and Cap Skirring, most of which offer European-style comfort. Prices range from 30,000 to over 100,000 FCFA per night. A 4x4 rental starts at 35,000 FCFA per day.
There is a map listing eco-friendly addresses throughout Senegal. It can be consulted online at www.cartevertesenegal.org.
Passport and visas Senegal
Since May1, 2015, French nationals traveling to Senegal no longer need a visa, with only a passport valid for at least 6 months required on arrival. The same applies to Belgians, Canadians, Luxembourgers and Swiss. For stays of more than three months, you'll need to obtain a residence permit.
French nationals no longer need a visato visit Gambia for short stays (between 15 and 30 days). Your passport must be presented to the authorities and stamped. However, beware: when you pass through one of the country's 5 border crossings, the police may ask you for money. Be firm and refuse, and if you have the slightest concern, don't hesitate to call the diplomatic antenna in Banjul (+220 788 28 98). Tourists arriving by air must pay an airport tax of GMD 1,000 on entering and leaving the country.
To enter Guinea-Bissau, you need an entry visa, valid for 3 months. Applications can be made at the Guinea-Bissau embassy in Paris or at the consulate closest to the point of departure. It costs around €100. Visas can be obtained from the Guinea-Bissau embassy in Dakar or the consulate in Ziguinchor. This costs around 25,000 FCFA. Visas can also be obtained at Bissau airport, provided the Immigration Department has been notified in advance.
Driver's license Senegal
For short stays, it is authorized to drive in Senegal with a French driving license. For those who would like to go to Senegal with their car, be careful! Since 2003, the authorities have imposed constraints on owners whose vehicles are over 5 years old. Increased to 8 years in 2015, the decree opens the border to more vehicles. You will be able to enter the country with a temporary admission authorization (ATA) or a carnet de passage en douane, unless you have an international carnet de circulation. And it's best to comply with the legal time limit for entering the country, or you'll be caught up in the hassle.
Health Senegal
To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). In case of illness or serious problem during your trip, quickly consult a pharmacist and then a doctor.
Mandatory vaccination Senegal
No vaccinations are required to enter Senegal or The Gambia. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever and hepatitis A, as well as to take a treatment against malaria. Also remember to get your DT Polio booster if you are not up to date. You can also protect yourself against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis B and meningococcal meningitis. In Guinea-Bissau, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory.
Security Senegal
Senegal has not suffered any recent terrorist attacks, so it is generally safe to travel in the country. However, be careful along the borders with Mauritania, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as in Casamance, although the region has calmed down since 2013. Petty crime has been on the rise in recent years, so be vigilant, especially in Dakar and in tourist towns. It is also recommended to pay attention to the condition of the vehicle used, especially for long distances, and not to drive at night, as the roads are not lit.
Time difference Senegal
Senegal is located on the Greenwich meridian, so it is on GMT. In winter time (from November to March), when it is noon in Senegal, it is 1pm in France. In summer time (from April to October), when it is noon in Senegal, it is 2pm in France.
Spoken languages Senegal
The official language in Senegal is French. Wolof is the most common dialect in Senegal and is spoken by about 80% of the population. It is followed by about twenty dialects such as Serer, Pulaar and Soninke.
Communication Senegal
To make phone calls in Senegal, it is interesting to buy a local sim card at the airport or in authorized agencies. There are three companies: Orange, Expresso and Free Senegal, all of which offer interesting deals. You can also convert your credit into internet data. The network is generally good in the interior of the country, but in remote areas, the network may be absent.
To contact your family or friends internationally, WhatsApp is a convenient and inexpensive way to call or send messages. It is also possible to download the Skype application, and to top up credit to call your loved ones on landlines. You should also know that most of the hotels and lodges have wifi, which is very convenient to stay in touch with your friends.
Electricity and measurements Senegal
Weights and measures are the same as in Europe. The current is 220 volts, and it is not necessary to be equipped with an adapter. However, be careful to unplug your equipment after use, as frequent power cuts could damage it. The power usually comes back on quite quickly. In the bush, it may be subject to specific schedules. Ask for information. For those who would go to Gambia, a type G adapter is necessary.
Luggage Senegal
For the most part, you'll want to pack comfortable, lightweight daywear and cottons, as well as a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. If you're going to be on the beach, keep your clothes short (but not too short!) and longer (pants, shoes, socks) if you're going to be in the bush or visiting villages in the interior. Last but not least, Dakar is a dynamic city, and people dress as they would in Paris, in spring and summer. For women, it's more appropriate to reveal a plunging neckline than legs under a very short skirt. And don't forget to bring a flashlight and a battery backup, in case of power cuts.
