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Guide
Dakar, Senegal πΈπ³
#675
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, is located on the Cape Verde Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 1,200,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average 12-20 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 600 XOF, primarily use West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/D sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Orange Senegal and Free provide good coverage and affordable plans |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular options include Ecobank, Qonto |
π Accommodation | Options range from upscale hotels to hostels; Airbnb is popular |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used; mobile payments gaining popularity |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, local listings on Jumia House |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Dakar Youth Hostel, Le Relais de l'Osiris |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | GorΓ©e Island, Plateau, and Dakar-Plateau neighborhoods |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Petite CΓ΄te coastal area, Dakar-Plateau; good for longer stays |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Work and Co, located in the Dakar-Plateau area |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Rome, offering good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups at the Dakar Digital Nomads community group on Facebook |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Dakar Facebook Group, monthly networking events |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and Uber are prevalent in Dakar |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental shops available in the Plateau area |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de N'Gor, easily accessible within 15 minutes from the city center |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Dakar operates on the N1 and N2 highways connecting to other regions |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Dakar, main railway station |
π Public Transport Passes | No fixed transit pass; local buses (car rapides) are common |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and car rentals available for trips to nearby cities like Saint-Louis |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Cheikh Anta Diop Hospital, reputable healthcare facility |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Dakar, offers various classes |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House, offering comprehensive workout facilities |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Le Lavomatic, popular laundromat |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food, delivering various local and international cuisines |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Thieboudienne, a flavorful fish and rice dish |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Koutoubia offers excellent plant-based dishes |
π« Best Dessert Spots | La Galette for traditional pastries and desserts |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Sandaga Market, known for a variety of local goods |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Senegal, offering various goods and services |
π Grocery Delivery | Super U and Carrefour deliver groceries in Dakar |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de la RΓ©publique, vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs |
π» Local Brewery | BiΓ¨re dβAfrique, a popular local beer |
π· Wine Bars | Le Verre Γ Vin, wine bar with a variety of options |
π² Street Food Stalls | GorΓ©e Island street vendors are notable |
π Popular International Cuisine | Le Djembe offers diverse menu options including Italian and Lebanese |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | GorΓ©e Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | IFAN Museum of African Arts, showcasing rich African culture |
π° Historical Sites | La Maison des Esclaves, significant historical site |
π Religious Sites | Grand Mosque of Dakar, an architectural wonder |
π Annual Events | Dakar Biennale, held every two years celebrating African art |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Les Almadies, known for local culture and cuisine |
π Theater Venues | ThéÒtre National Daniel Sorano, hosting numerous performances |
ποΈ Local Markets | SoumbΓ©dioune Market, famous for local crafts |
πΌ Music Scene | Live performances at places like LeAfrique and Just4U Club |
π¨ Street Art | Cultural murals throughout the downtown area |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Leila's Cooking Classes, teaching traditional Senegalese cuisine |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galerie Antenna, showcasing contemporary art |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Palais de la RΓ©publique, a key government building |
π΄ Local Heritage | Traditional Senegalese music and dance play vital cultural roles |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Lac Rose, a unique pink lake approximately 30 minutes from Dakar |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Niokolo-Koba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal walkways along the beaches |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Point des Almadies, offers stunning Atlantic ocean views |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, home to many migratory birds |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches have designated areas for bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx available for shipping needs |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | iFix, providing repair for various electronic devices |
π Table Tennis Spots | Dakar Sports Club, offering various facilities |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Alliance FranΓ§aise Dakar, providing French language courses |
π Libraries & Study Spots | BibliothΓ¨que de lβAssemblΓ© Nationale, a quiet library |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor hosts various events |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge providing local immersive gaming |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Cap Vert offers recreational gaming options |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬68,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬108,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬84,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬152,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬128,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate in Senegal |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable on dividend distributions |
π¦ Tax System | Residency-based taxation with a progressive income tax |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% on income above a certain threshold |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign entities |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on assessed value |
π Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the purchase price |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Mixed system but with favorable conditions for expatriates investing in the local economy |