Dakar, Senegal 🇸🇳
#675
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, is located on the Cape Verde Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 12-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF, primarily use West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Orange Senegal and Free provide good coverage and affordable plans |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Ecobank, Qonto |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from upscale hotels to hostels; Airbnb is popular |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used; mobile payments gaining popularity |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, local listings on Jumia House |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Dakar Youth Hostel, Le Relais de l'Osiris |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Gorée Island, Plateau, and Dakar-Plateau neighborhoods |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Petite Côte coastal area, Dakar-Plateau; good for longer stays |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work and Co, located in the Dakar-Plateau area |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Rome, offering good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at the Dakar Digital Nomads community group on Facebook |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Dakar Facebook Group, monthly networking events |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and Uber are prevalent in Dakar |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental shops available in the Plateau area |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de N'Gor, easily accessible within 15 minutes from the city center |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Dakar operates on the N1 and N2 highways connecting to other regions |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Dakar, main railway station |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No fixed transit pass; local buses (car rapides) are common |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and car rentals available for trips to nearby cities like Saint-Louis |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cheikh Anta Diop Hospital, reputable healthcare facility |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Dakar, offers various classes |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House, offering comprehensive workout facilities |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Le Lavomatic, popular laundromat |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food, delivering various local and international cuisines |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Thieboudienne, a flavorful fish and rice dish |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Koutoubia offers excellent plant-based dishes |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Galette for traditional pastries and desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sandaga Market, known for a variety of local goods |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Senegal, offering various goods and services |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super U and Carrefour deliver groceries in Dakar |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de la République, vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bière d’Afrique, a popular local beer |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Verre à Vin, wine bar with a variety of options |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gorée Island street vendors are notable |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Le Djembe offers diverse menu options including Italian and Lebanese |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | IFAN Museum of African Arts, showcasing rich African culture |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | La Maison des Esclaves, significant historical site |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Grand Mosque of Dakar, an architectural wonder |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Dakar Biennale, held every two years celebrating African art |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Les Almadies, known for local culture and cuisine |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre National Daniel Sorano, hosting numerous performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Soumbédioune Market, famous for local crafts |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live performances at places like LeAfrique and Just4U Club |
| 🎨 Street Art | Cultural murals throughout the downtown area |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Leila's Cooking Classes, teaching traditional Senegalese cuisine |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Antenna, showcasing contemporary art |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palais de la République, a key government building |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Senegalese music and dance play vital cultural roles |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lac Rose, a unique pink lake approximately 30 minutes from Dakar |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Niokolo-Koba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal walkways along the beaches |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Point des Almadies, offers stunning Atlantic ocean views |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, home to many migratory birds |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches have designated areas for bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx available for shipping needs |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix, providing repair for various electronic devices |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Dakar Sports Club, offering various facilities |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française Dakar, providing French language courses |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque de l’Assemblé Nationale, a quiet library |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor hosts various events |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge providing local immersive gaming |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Cap Vert offers recreational gaming options |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €68,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate in Senegal |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividend distributions |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation with a progressive income tax |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% on income above a certain threshold |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign entities |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on assessed value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the purchase price |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Mixed system but with favorable conditions for expatriates investing in the local economy |