Currency and Money
Senegal is part of the African Financial Community (CFA) zone.
The exchange rate changes regularly (£1 = 775 FCFA).
Senegal is part of the Franc Zone, which is characterised by the freedom of bank transfers. Outside of this Franc Zone, transfers are made with authorisation by intermediary banks. Cheque books and bank cards will allow you to withdraw money from most banks in Senegal. Credit cards and international bank transfers
The main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) can be used to pay for purchases, as well as in major hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and travel agencies. Cards are also used to withdraw cash at ATMs in all major cities.
If you need extra money, your bank will provide information on bank-to-bank transfers (there are agreements between banks for such transactions).
Furthermore, money transfer companies Western Union, Money Gram or Wari have representatives in most major cities in the country.
Languages, habits and customs
The official language is French, which is understood by a good part of the population.
There are several national languages, the main ones being Wolof – the most widespread – Serer, Diola, Pular, Malinke, Soninke.
Time difference
Senegal is on GMT. In relation to the United Kingdom:
* GMT – 1 in summer
Electricity
Voltage: 220 V
Sockets identical to those in France, Belgium, Italy or Spain (with two round holes and possibly a male appendage for the earth connection). If these sockets are not available, visitors from the United Kingdom are advised to bring a UK->EUR/FR adapter.
Telephone and internet
The dialling code for Senegal is 221.
The telephone network is of good quality for your national or international communications or for sending faxes.
Three operators offer mobile phone services (subscription or Sim card).
Internet cafes allow you to surf the Internet or check your e-mail in all cities. You can also access 4G in many cities. The areas covered by 4G are available at this link:
* https://www.orange.sn/2/particuliers/1/3/homepage-37731.html.
Post office
The postal service is reliable. Post offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional services (express mail, money transfer) are offered.
Public holidays
Public holidays are:
* 1 January (New Year’s Day);
* 4 April (Independence Day);
* 1 May (Labour Day);
* Muslim holidays (Tamkharit, Korité, Tabaski, Maouloud or Gamou, Magal of Touba and other confraternity holidays) whose dates depend on the Muslim calendar;
* Christian holidays (Christmas, Easter Monday, All Saints’ Day, Ascension, Pentecost and Assumption).
Other civic holidays (non-public holidays)
* 8 March (Women’s Day);
* 23 August (Senegalese Tirailleur day).
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