Saint-Louis, Senegal 🇸🇳
#676
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Saint-Louis is a historic city in Senegal, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. It is located at the confluence of the Senegal River and the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets are standard. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Senegal and Tigo, with prepaid packages available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Société Générale and Ecobank are common. Cards accepted in major locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cash is still widely used, but cards accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Le Relais de la Réserve. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The island of Saint-Louis is ideal for its historical sites and charm. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Regions like Les Almadies offer good internet and amenities suitable for long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | L’Atypique provides a conducive workspace for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare has good Wi-Fi and a comfortable environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often organized through local expat groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expats in Saint-Louis' Facebook group hosts monthly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use taxify or local taxis for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Certain local shops offer bike rentals for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Langue de Barbarie Beach is a beautiful spot, just a short drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Senegal operates regional flights to and from Saint-Louis. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France provides international flights from Dakar to Saint-Louis. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to major roads connecting to Dakar and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Saint-Louis train station connects to Dakar, offering local transit options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No official transit passes; public minibuses (sept-place) are affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hopital Regional de Saint-Louis is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes can be found at local centers such as Yoga Senegal. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options include several local gyms, such as Fitness Club Saint-Louis. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local laundromats, including Lavage Express. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services like Yummy Dakar can deliver to Saint-Louis. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Thieboudienne, a traditional fish and rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants offer vegetarian options, with Le Mékong being a popular choice. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café des Arts is known for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like the Marché de Saint-Louis offer fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces are limited; some users rely on international services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are still developing; locals primarily shop in stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bistros along the riverfront offer a lively nightlife atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brews include Senegal's popular beer, Flag. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are limited; local eateries often serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve delicious local snacks like fish brochettes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Le Djoudj offer a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Island of Saint-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of African Arts showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Faidherbe Bridge and colonial buildings are integral historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mosque of Saint-Louis is a notable religious structure. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Saint-Louis Jazz Festival (Fesjazz) is held annually in May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant cultural scene in the districts surrounding the old town. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Théatre National Daniel Sorano in Dakar showcases performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Saint-Louis Fish Market is bustling and vibrant. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music traditions can be experienced at various festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found throughout the historic districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display works in galleries around the island. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable historic buildings from the colonial era are prevalent throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Saint-Louis is known for its fusion of French and African cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Langue de Barbarie National Park is a nearby haven for birdwatching and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along the river offer walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The promenade along the river offers picturesque views of sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated areas along the beaches allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for package deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Find tech support at local electronics shops in Saint-Louis. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have tables for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in French and local languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries are limited; cafes provide good study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community spaces often host local events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few dedicated gaming lounges exist; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gaming options; local entertainment revolves around community events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,700,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 136,000,000 XOF). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Senegal uses a worldwide income tax basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annually assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applies during property purchases, typically around 7%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | While there are no specific incentives for digital nomads, residents can benefit from lower costs of living. |