Travel Costs in Senegal

All figures are approximate estimates in USD for comparison.

Budget / day
$35
Mid-range / day
$90
Luxury / day
$250
Budget meal
$3
Coffee
$2
Local transport
$0.5
Budget hotel
$20
Mid-range hotel
$65

Overview

Senegal is a relatively affordable destination by international standards, though Dakar is notably more expensive than the rest of the country due to its status as a regional business hub. Budget travelers can get by cheaply by eating local thiéboudienne and using shared minibuses called car rapides, while mid-range and luxury costs rise significantly at tourist-oriented restaurants and beachside resorts in Saly or upscale Dakar hotels. The CFA franc is the local currency, and while USD is not widely accepted directly, exchange rates and ATM availability are generally manageable.

Notes

Eat at local restaurants and street stalls serving traditional Senegalese dishes to cut food costs dramatically, and negotiate taxi fares before getting in rather than expecting metered rides. Traveling outside Dakar to areas like Casamance or Saint-Louis reduces accommodation and dining costs considerably.

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