Official designation : Republic of Senegal
Capital city : Dakar
Area : 196,722 km²
Population : 14.67 million (2014)
Population density : 76,2 hab / km²
Predominant religion : Islam
Official language : French
Change : CFA franc ( xof )
Useful information
Currency
Senegal is part of the African Financial Community (CFA) zone.
The CFA franc has a fixed parity with the euro. (1 euro = 655,957 FCFA).
The exchange rate of foreign currencies is determined in relation to the Euro.
Credit Cards and International Transfers
The major international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) can be used to pay for purchases, but also in major hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and travel agencies.
Cards are also used to withdraw cash from ATMs in all major cities.
In addition, Western Union and Money Gram money transfer companies have representatives in most major cities across the country.
insurance
Check that you are properly insured for your trip.
Language, us and customs
The official language is French, understood by a good part of the population.
There are six national languages (Wolof – the most widespread – Serer, Diola, Puular , Soninké, Mandin).
Jet lag
Senegal is at GMT time.
Compared to South Korea – 9am
Electricity
Voltage: 220 V
Plugs identical to those in Korea ( with two round holes and possibly a male appendage for grounding).
Telephone and Internet
The indicative of Senegal is 221.
The telephone network is of very good quality for your national or international communications or for sending faxes.
Three operators offer cell phone services (subscription or card).
Cyber cafes allow you to surf the Internet or consult your mailbox in all cities.
Rates range from 200 to 500 CFA francs per hour.
Post
The postal service is reliable. Post offices are open from 7:30 am to 16h. Complementary services (express mail, money transfer) are offered.
Holidays
Holidays are :
* January 1st ( New Year’s Day),
* April 4th ( Independence Day),
* May 1st ( Labor Day)
* As Muslim holidays (Tamkharit, Korité, Tabaski Maouloud or Gamou, Magal of Touba brotherhood and other holidays) whose dates depend on the Islamic calendar.
* Christian holidays (Christmas, Easter Monday, All Saints’ Day, Ascension, Pentecost and Assumption).
Other Civil Holidays
* March 8 (Women’s Day)
* August 23 (Feast of the Senegalese Tirailleur)
Taxes and tips
The hotels and camps charge a tourist tax of 600 F CFA, sometimes included in the posted tariffs.
Clothing
Lightweight cotton or canvas clothing.
Provide a sweater for cool nights ( November to May) ; Sneakers or high shoes for the bush.
Do not forget: swimsuit, sunglasses, canvas hats, solar oil and cameras.
Transportation
✓ Road connections
A toll motorway connects Dakar to its periphery
A motorway network is designed throughout the country to open up tourist sites
✓ Fast cars
Recognizable by their colorful bodies predominantly yellow and blue, the fast cars represent the typical urban transport of Senegal.
✓ Taxis
Yellow and black taxis circulate in Dakar and in the main cities of the country. The price of the race is generally agreed at the beginning after negotiation with the driver .
✓ The rental
Car and bus rental agencies exist throughout the country. Subsidiaries of international groups or local agencies, they propose a modern car fleet
