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Weather in Senegal
Senegal
22°
Overcast
Sun
20
22
Mon
20
23
Tue
20
22
Wed
20
22
Thu
20
21
SPF level in Senegal
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Senegal
Tipping in Senegal
Tipping is not obligatory in Senegal, but it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. A small tip for good service is always appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for table service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small additional amount
Hotel Porter
100-500 XOF per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
500-1000 XOF per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good experience
Safety & security in Senegal
Tips for British travellers
Senegal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables and use a hotel safe to store your passport and valuables whenever possible.
Be alert when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and where possible go by pre-arranged transport.
Be particularly careful after nightfall and avoid walking alone, especially in Dakar where street crime is increasing.
Pre-arrange transport from the airport with your accommodation or an authorised operator to avoid bogus taxi drivers overcharging you.
Be cautious when changing cash, as there is a risk of being scammed with fake money, and use ATMs or reputable exchange bureaux.
Bonus tips:
Do not drink alcohol or wear revealing clothes in public during Friday prayers between 1pm and 3pm in the holy month of Ramadan.
Driving standards are not the same as in the UK, with drivers making sudden movements without signalling and speeding being common.
Driving in Senegal
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Senegal drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
18
Police
17
Ambulance
15
Save 18 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Senegal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E, Type K
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit card acceptance is limited, especially outside of Dakar and major tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express. Always carry sufficient cash.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671095
ATMs in Senegal
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. Ensure you have enough cash when travelling outside urban centres.
Local name
Guichet automatique
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most reliable method for getting XOF. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Check for fees from both your bank and the local ATM.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Senegal. They can be very high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 5000 XOF (~£6.5)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Orange, Expresso, Free
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Dakar and other major cities. Outside these areas, availability can be limited and unreliable.
Average speed
8 Mbps
Senegal's internet infrastructure is still developing. Expect slower speeds and less reliable connections than in the UK. Consider a local SIM card for better connectivity.
Health & vaccinations
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. Check that it covers the specific activities you plan to do during your trip. You should inform your insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Malaria
It's crucial to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to Senegal to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. A yellow fever certificate is required for entry if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is a risk in Senegal, so you need to take antimalarial medication and use mosquito repellent. Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be cautious about food hygiene to prevent travellers' diarrhea.
Calling Senegal
Country code
+221
To call Senegal from the UK, dial 00 221 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Dakar from the UK, dial 00 221 33 823 73 92.
The country code for Senegal is 221. When calling from outside Senegal, dial your international access code, followed by 221, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Senegal
British Embassy Dakar
British Embassy, Avenue du Président Léopold Sédar Senghor, BP 6025, Dakar, Senegal
Airport in Senegal
Frequently asked questions about Senegal
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.