Dakar, Senegal 🇸🇳
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dakar is the capital city of Senegal, located on the Cape Verde Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.1 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speed of 20 Mbps, mobile data speed can reach up to 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655 CFA Franc (XOF). Cash is widely used, but credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Senegal, Tigo, and Free. Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Société Générale, Ecobank, and BNP Paribas are available. ATMs accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local apartments, and hotels like Radisson Blu and Terrou-Bi are available for accommodation. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly, with increasing acceptance of cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Dakar and Hotel Le Djoloff offer affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Dakar is popular among digital nomads and freelancers, offering reliable internet and facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Les Almadies is a great spot for remote work, with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events organized by Dakar Network Angels and expat meet-ups are common. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups on Facebook provide various opportunities to connect with other expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and Uber operate in Dakar, providing reliable ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local businesses like Citybike Dakar offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de N'Gor is a nearby beach known for its beauty and surf conditions. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal serves domestic and regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines include Air France, Delta, and TAP Air Portugal. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Dakar is well-connected via Route National N1, linking to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Dakar serves as the main train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is available via buses and minibuses; passes can often be purchased on-board. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and car hires are available for travel to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier National is one of the prominent healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Dorota and Aloha Yoga are popular wellness centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Oxygene Fitness & Spa offer gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available throughout the city, including Lavomatic. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the leading food delivery service in Dakar. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Thieboudienne, a traditional fish and rice dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Le Relais de l'Institut cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Menta provides a variety of local Pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marché Sandaga is a popular local market for fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include Jumia, an online marketplace for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Easyshop offers home delivery for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife is vibrant in the Plateau district with bars like Les Bains de Mer. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Star Beer is a well-known brewery with local tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Nectar offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Place de l’Indépendance offer unique Senegalese snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Italian restaurant, La Dolce Vita, is popular among locals and expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The African Renaissance Monument and Gorée Island are significant cultural landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The IFAN Museum of African Arts showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Gorée Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site reflecting Senegalese history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque of Dakar is an architectural highlight. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Dakar Biennale (Dak'Art) is a major cultural event held every two years. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Medina district is rich in culture and local traditions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Daniel Sorano National Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Soumbedioune Market is known for its crafts and local art. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at venues like Just4U and Le Village Artisanal features traditional Senegalese music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Corniche is filled with vibrant street art reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at La Maison du Chef are popular for learning Senegalese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Arte is a noted gallery showcasing contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palais Presidentiel is a notable historic building in Dakar. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Teranga, or hospitality, is an important cultural value in Senegal. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie is close by for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Niokolo-Koba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible for longer trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade offers scenic walking paths with views of the ocean. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at Cap Manuel provide breathtaking views of the atlantic ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Bird Reserve of Dune Verde is a hotspot for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches like Plage de Ngor allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services are available through DHL and local courier agencies. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like Flash Store offer mobile and electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as French in Dakar offer French and Wolof classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bibliothèque de Dakar provides study spaces and books. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Maison de la Culture is a hub for cultural events and community gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often provide gaming consoles and have gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Dakar offers traditional gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, existing regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% on property sales. |