Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Senegal
XOFFranc
Money in Senegal
Mostly cash Cash CFA francs are needed in most places; cards work in Dakar hotels, supermarkets and upscale restaurants. US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated; tip guides and drivers a few thousand CFA per day.
- ATMs: ATMs in Dakar and large towns dispense CFA francs; fees and per-withdrawal limits apply. Rural areas have few machines.
- Paying by phone: Wave and Orange Money are used by locals everywhere; visitors can often use them with a local SIM.
- Price level: about 36% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | Mostly cash | Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and upscale restaurants; cash for taxis, markets and street food. Wave is widely used locally. |
| Saint-Louis | Mostly cash | Cards work in a few hotels; cash CFA for most things. ATMs on the mainland, sometimes empty. Wave is common locally. |
| Saly | Mostly cash | Cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants; cash CFA for taxis, markets and small cafés. ATMs in Saly and Mbour. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Senegal?
5–10% at restaurants is appreciated; tip guides and drivers a few thousand CFA per day.
Is Senegal cashless?
Mostly cash. Cash CFA francs are needed in most places; cards work in Dakar hotels, supermarkets and upscale restaurants.
What currency does Senegal use?
The Franc (XOF). US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Senegal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UK FCDO travel advice: Senegal
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.