City, Senegal
Saint-Louis
Atmospheric UNESCO island town of faded colonial buildings, colourful fishing boats and a famous jazz festival, with nearby bird reserves. Calmer than Dakar; hot, remote from the capital and limited nightlife.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,030–1,630Comfortable, one person · CFA600,000–950,000Details
- Value for money44/100Better value than 43% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Jun, 34°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice and raw salads in cheap eateries.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: rareDetails
- Doctor's visit$17–43Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in a few hotels; cash CFA for most things.Details
Where to stay in Saint-Louis
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Île de Saint-Louis | Colonial hotels, restaurants and walks; the main place to stay |
| Langue de Barbarie | Beach lodges, fishing quarter and bird walks; quieter |
| Sor (mainland) | Local markets and cheaper stays; less tourist infrastructure |
Apps that work in Saint-Louis
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Wave: Mobile money used for almost everything
- Taxis: No apps. Use taxis, bicycles or calèches; agree prices first. Hotels can arrange airport or Dakar transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Senegal.
- Mostly cash Cards work in a few hotels; cash CFA for most things. ATMs on the mainland, sometimes empty. Wave is common 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
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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.