Capital city, Senegal
Dakar
West Africa's liveliest capital for surf, music, street art and seafood, with direct flights from Europe and the US. Heat, traffic, hassle and strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,540–2,570Comfortable, one person · CFA900,000–1.5MDetails
- Value for money11/100Better value than 10% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Oct, 29°CDetails
- Air quality42 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDakar's tap water is treated but visitors should drink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice in cheap places.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$26–69Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in hotels, supermarkets and upscale restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and street food.Details
Where to stay in Dakar
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Almadies–Ngor | Expats, surf, beach cafés and nightlife; far from the center |
| Plateau | Business district, markets, ferries to Gorée; busy, less relaxed at night |
| Mermoz–Sacré-Cœur | Residential, cafés and restaurants for longer stays |
| Ouakam–Yoff | Mid-range apartments, local food and the Monument de la Renaissance |
| Gorée Island | Day trips or quiet nights in guesthouses |
Apps that work in Dakar
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Restaurants and groceries in central Dakar |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Wave: Mobile money used for almost everything
- Taxis: Taxis are unmetered; settle price first. Yellow-black taxis are common. Apps avoid haggling but may need local data.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Senegal.
- Mostly cash Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and upscale restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and street food. Wave is widely used locally.
- Currency: Franc (XOF). US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in Dakar and large towns dispense CFA francs; fees and per-withdrawal limits apply. Rural areas have few machines.
- Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated; tip guides and drivers a few thousand CFA per day.
- Paying by phone: Wave and Orange Money are used by locals everywhere; visitors can often use them with a local SIM.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities are visa-free for up to 90 days; others need an e-visa or visa on arrival. Check rules for your passport.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry; passport needs 6 months validity.
- Register accommodation as required; keep a passport copy with you.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18
Plugs
Type C, D, E, K · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange, Free and Expresso SIMs at the airport and shops; passport registration required. Data packs are inexpensive.
More places in Senegal
Going to Dakar solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.