£1 F CFA 758
Today
4:00 am
Same time as you
Weather in Senegal
Senegal
21°
Overcast
Wed
19
21
Thu
19
21
Fri
18
21
Sat
18
22
Sun
19
23
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.
Getting around Senegal
Tipping in Senegal
Tipping is not obligatory in Senegal, but it is appreciated for good service, especially in tourist areas. A small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
200-500 XOF per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
500-1000 XOF per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour
Safety 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 hotel safes for passports when possible.
Be alert at ATMs and arrange transport in advance, especially when leaving the airport.
Dress and behave modestly in public, especially during Ramadan or in religious areas.
Drunkenness is considered offensive, and penalties for drink-driving are severe.
Be cautious of street crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially after dark in Dakar.
Bonus tips:
Pre-arrange airport transport to avoid bogus taxi drivers overcharging you.
Only use reputable exchange bureaux or ATMs as fake currency is a risk.
Driving in Senegal
A UK driving license is accepted, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
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
17
Ambulance
1515
Fire
18
Save 17 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Senegal
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type E, Type K
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Senegal operates on 220V, 50Hz. Plug types C, D, E, and K are used. UK travelers will likely need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are not widely accepted, especially outside of Dakar. Smaller establishments and local markets usually prefer cash. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Senegal
ATMs are available in Dakar and other major towns, but can be scarce in rural areas. It's advisable to withdraw cash in larger cities before traveling to more remote regions.
Local name
Guichet automatique
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs in Senegal generally accept international cards. It's recommended to check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees before you travel. Carry smaller denominations for easier transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Senegal. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 3000 XOF (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Orange, Expresso, Free
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Dakar and other major tourist areas. Coverage can be limited in more rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi access is becoming increasingly common in Senegal, but the speed and reliability can vary. Mobile data is a good alternative, especially with a local SIM card.
Health & vaccinations in Senegal
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that the policy covers all activities you plan to do.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever (certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission)
It is advised to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and preventative measures. Malaria is a risk in Senegal, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using repellent and mosquito nets. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Be aware of the risk of food and waterborne diseases and practice good hygiene.
Calling Senegal
Country code
+221
To call Senegal from the UK, dial 00 221 followed by the local number.
To call a number in Dakar, you would dial 00 221 XX XXX XXXX.
The country code for Senegal is 221. When calling from outside Senegal, dial your international exit code (00 in the UK), then 221, then the local number. Mobile numbers are commonly used.
UK Embassy in Senegal
British Embassy Dakar
Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
Airports in Senegal
Frequently asked questions
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.