MileHacker Logo
Dakar Travel Tips

Mobile Connectivity

Easy to purchase SIM cards at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) upon arrival or in authorized shops of main providers in the city.

Getting Started

  • Major providers: Orange, Free (formerly Tigo), and Expresso.
  • Your passport is needed for registration.
  • Mobile data plans are inexpensive and widely available.

Online Access

Wi-Fi is common in hotels, many restaurants, and cafes in Dakar, especially in tourist-friendly areas.

Staying Online

  • Many places provide complimentary Wi-fi-Fi, others may require a purchase.
  • Mobile data coverage (4G) is typically fine within Dakar.
  • Some cybercafes still exist, for internet access for a small fee.

Mail Services

La Poste, the national postal service, operates throughout the country.

Sending & Receiving

  • You find post offices in major neighborhoods.
  • Foreign post services are available.
  • For pressing documents or packages, consider DHL or FedEx.

Bridging Language Gaps

The official language is French. Wolof is the most widely spoken local language, used by almost everyone in Dakar.

Communication Support

  • Pulaar, Serer, Jola, and Mandinka are also spoken in specific communities.
  • Download Airalo eSIM or Solis Wi-Fi for internet; Rosetta Stone for language learning.
  • Carry a small French or Wolof phrasebook for frequent expressions.

Essential Wolof Phrases

Basic Greetings

  • Hello (Peace be upon you): Salaam alaikum (response: Malekum salaam)
  • How are you doing?: Nanga def?
  • I'm fine / It's good: Maa ngi fi / Baax na
  • Thank you: Jerejef (or Merci in French)

Common Responses

  • Yes: Waaw
  • No: Dedet
  • Please: S'il te plaît (French more commonly used here)
  • No problem: Amul problem (also common in French as "Pas de problème")

Learn a Few Phrases

Learning a few phrases in Wolof demonstrates respect and often allows for warmer interactions.

Business Hours & Schedules

Government Offices

Generally Monday to Friday, from 8:12:00 AM to 5:00 am:00 PM, often with a long lunch break.

Banks

Typically operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some close earlier on Fridays.

Shops

General retail shops open On weekdays And saturday, around 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Many close on Sundays.

Banking Access

Banking hours are standard business days. Automated Teller Machines are widely available.

Cash & ATMs

  • Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
  • Atms are located in city center, commercial areas, and bank branches.
  • Look for ATMs from large banks like CBAO, SGBS, and BICIS.

Holiday Impact

Senegal observes both Christian and Muslim holidays, which are public holidays. Businesses, banks, and public services may close on these days.

Important Dates

  • Muslim holidays (e.g., Korité/Eid-Fitr, Tabaski/Eid-Adha) vary annually.
  • During Ramadan, many businesses may operate on reduced hours.
  • National Holidays: Independence Day (April 4th), Labor Day (May 1st).

General Schedules

Year-Round Activity

  • General tourism amenities in Dakar operate year-round.
  • No widespread seasonal closures for hotels or major businesses.
  • The city accommodates visitors continuously.

Limited Instances

  • Some smaller businesses might close during major religious holidays.
  • Family-family-owned businesses might close for annual vacations, especially in the low season.
  • Limited schedules occur during the hottest months.

Check Holiday Dates

Check a local calendar for specific public holiday dates during your travel period. This avoids arriving at closed businesses.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

The concept of "Teranga" (hospitality) guides Senegalese culture.

Local Greetings

Greetings are very important in Senegal. Always greet people upon entering a shop, restaurant, or starting a conversation.

Respectful Introductions

  • Handshakes are common among men and between men and women (if initiated).
  • "Salaam alaikum" (Peace be upon you) is widely understood and accepted.
  • Show particular respect to elders by greeting them first.

Dressing for Respect

Modesty is valued. Wear culturally appropriate clothing, especially outside of hotel areas.

Modesty Guidelines

  • For women, covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
  • Men should opt for pants or longer shorts; avoid going shirtless.
  • When visiting mosques, dress very modestly. Women are recommended to cover their heads.

Mealtime Manners

Observe local dining customs to show respect.

Culinary Etiquette

  • If sharing a communal dish, always use your right hand for eating.
  • It is good manners to accept food or drink if offered.
  • Tipping is appreciated for good service.

Photography Guidelines

Exercise caution and respect when taking photos in public places.

Capture with Care

  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
  • Be discreet when taking photos in public places.
  • Avoid sensitive areas like military installations or protests.

Cultural Sensitivities

Taboos

  • Never use your left hand for eating, greeting, or handling objects.
  • Avoid discussing local politics or religion unless initiated by locals.
  • Pdas are generally not approved.

Gender Considerations and LGBTQ+

  • Senegal is a conservative society with traditional gender roles.
  • Acts between individuals of the same sex are illegal in Senegal.
  • Discretion is highly recommended for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Cultural Connection Practices

Engage Locally

  • Engage with locals in conversation.
  • Participate in local events if invited.
  • Seek insights into daily life.

Adapting to Culture

  • Read about Senegalese history and society.
  • Observe local behaviors and adapt.
  • Show reverence for religious practices.

Embrace Teranga

Your interactions reflect an appreciation for Senegalese traditions and values, fostering good experiences.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges may find Dakar's infrastructure has significant hurdles.

Infrastructure Limitations

Dakar's urban infrastructure is generally not designed considering accessibility.

Navigating the City

  • Sidewalks are often uneven, broken, or obstructed by vendors.
  • Curbs frequently lack ramps for easy access.
  • Public transportation systems provide not accessible for wheelchairs.

Mobility for Visits

Major modern museums, like the Museum of Black Civilizations, may have ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible toilets.

Planning for Access

  • Historical sites like Gorée Island present significant challenges due to terrain.
  • Private taxis or pre-arranged accessible vans are needed.
  • Many taxis are not spacious, book a larger vehicle.

Sensory Support

Specialized services for visually or hearing-impaired travelers are limited.

Recommended Approaches

  • It's a good idea to travel with a companion for assistance.
  • Learn French phrases for communicating your needs.
  • Use a an app to translate real-time help.

Finding Assistance

Specific resources for accessible travel within Senegal are hard to find compared to more developed tourist destinations.

Seeking Information

  • Contact hotels directly to discuss specific needs.
  • Inquire about atur operators' capabilities and facilities.
  • Online forums or expat groups might provide anecdotal advice.

Practical Considerations

General Travel Notes

  • Language: French (official), Wolof (most common).
  • Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF). Carry cash.
  • Tipping: Not mandatory, appreciated for good service.

Operational Hours & Safety

  • Business Hours: Varies by type; religious holidays close many businesses.
  • Safety: Petty crime (pickpocketing) common in crowded areas.
  • Water Safety: Drink only bottled or purified water. Don't drink tap water.

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Dakar. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation

Dakar Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture - MileHacker