Visitors to Senegal should go to some of the many colorful
markets. They are abundant with a range of bargains from food to
handmade crafts and electronics. Most markets and centers sell wooden carvings, traditional fabric, embroidery, pottery, necklaces of clay beads and costume
jewelry of wood or various seeds. There is a
craft village at Soumbe-dionne, on the Corniche de Fann, where the visitor can watch craftspeople at work and buy their handicrafts. Purchases include woodcarving in the form of African gaming boards, masks and statues; musical instruments; and
metalwork, including copper
pendants, bowls and statuettes.
Shopping hoursGenerally Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1530-1930. Some shops open Sunday morning, others are closed Monday.
Currency Information:CurrencyCFA (
Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.
Senegal is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the
Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the
Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express is the most widely accepted, although Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa have limited use. Commissions are added for the use of credit cards. There are ATMs in Dakar but they are limited outside the city and may not accept foreign cards.
Traveller's ChequesTraveller's cheques are easy to cash in Dakar. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take them in Euros. There is limited or no acceptance outside Dakar.
Currency RestrictionsRestrictions apply.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1115 and 1430-1630.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | XOF694.50 |
| $1.00= | XOF478.98 |
| €1.00= | XOF655.96 |
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