Language: The official language is French, but there are six other national languages spoken, including Wolof, which is the most widely used, as well as numerous other dialects.
Currency: The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is fixed to the Euro at a rate of 1 Euro = 655.957 CFA francs, or 100 CFA francs = 0.152449 Euro, and only currency issued by the
Bank of West African States (Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) is considered valid. There are ATMs in
Dakar, but banking facilities are limited
in the rest of the country. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with
American Express being the most widely accepted; commission is charged. Travelers cheques can be cashed in Dakar.
Time: Local time is GMT.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for
Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). No city/area codes are required. Senegal's telephone system is one of the most developed in
Africa, and there are numerous telephone centers for making both local and international calls. Mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 cell phone coverage. Cybercafes offer Internet connections in the main cities.
Duty Free: Travelers to Senegal over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products; perfume for personal use; or gifts to the value of CFA 5,000. The import of spirits is not duty-free.
Tourist OfficeMinistry of Tourism, Dakar: +221 821 1126 or www.au-senegal.com
Embassies
Embassy of Senegal,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 234 0540.
Embassy of Senegal,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7937 7237.
Embassy of Senegal,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 238 6392.
Consulate-General of Senegal,
Victoria, Australia: +61 (0)3 9348 0466.
Embassy of Senegal,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 5263.
United States Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 823 4296.
British Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 823 7392.
Canadian Embassy, Dakar (also responsible for
Australia): +221 (0)33 889 4700.
South
African Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 865 1959.
