Money and duty free for Senegal

Currency and Money

Currency information

CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000,1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

Senegal is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is pegged to the Euro.

Credit cards

American Express and Visa are more widely accepted than other credit cards. Fees are added for the use of credit cards and many businesses may not accept payments with foreign cards. It is best to carry cash for the majority of transactions.

ATM

There are ATMs throughout Senegal and fairly widespread across Dakar. However, check if they accept foreign cards first. Société Générale de Banque au Sénégal is said to be accepting foreign ATM cards but do check diligently before using.

Travellers cheques

Traveller's cheques are not commonly used nowadays. If you're still using them, beware that only banks in Dakar can accept them.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1100 and 1400-1600.

Currency restrictions

Local currency CFA francs (XOF): foreign visitors face no restriction when it comes to importing the local currency.

Foreign currencies: foreign visitors must declare if they are importing foreign currencies worth more than 1,000,000 CFA francs (or its equivalent) or exporting foreign currencies worth more than 500,000 CFA francs (or its equivalent).

Currency exchange

Money changers can be found throughout Senegal, with exchange rates generally more favourable at border points. However, keep your money safe and watch out for scams.

Senegal duty free

Overview

The following may be imported into Senegal by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 10 packets of cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1 bottle of wine and 1 bottle of spirits.
• 1 bottle of perfume and 1 bottle of eau de toilette.
• personal jewellery in gold or silver, not exceeding the weight of 50 g.
• about ten films.
• 1 camera.
• 1 musical instrument (for example, guitar, flute, etc.).
• 1 radio set.
• 1 laptop computer containing personal data.
• 1 tent and/or other camping equipment.
• 1 sports equipment consisting of specific and personal items.
• 1 hunting weapon with 50 cartridges, subject to being a member of a hunting association.
• 1 canoe or any other similar device with a length of less than 5.5Om.
• 1 pair of tennis rackets.
• foodstuffs in proportions corresponding to the personal needs of the traveller.

Banned Imports

Prohibited items include obscene publications, narcotics and subversive publications.

Restricted items requiring a permit include weapons and ammunition, medicines (other than for personal use), transceiver devices, meats and offal, double tomato paste and endangered animal species.

Banned Exports

Restricted exports requiring authorisation include leather, salt, gold and endangered species.