Money and duty free for Senegal
Currency and Money
Currency information
West African CFA Franc (XOF; symbol CFA) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFA500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.
Senegal uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), issued by the Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO). Currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC) is not legal tender in Senegal. The West African CFA Franc is pegged to the euro.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and businesses in Dakar and other major cities. Smaller businesses, markets and establishments in rural areas generally prefer cash, and card payment systems may occasionally be affected by network interruptions.
Mobile payment services, including Wave, Orange Money and Free Money, are widely used by the locals. However, they generally require a locally registered mobile number, so most visitors will find cash and bank cards more convenient during a short stay.
ATM
ATMs are widely available in Dakar and other major towns and cities. Many accept international Visa and Mastercard cards, although withdrawal limits and bank charges vary between banks.
ATMs are less common in rural areas and smaller towns, so travellers should carry sufficient cash when travelling outside the main urban centres. Machines may occasionally be out of service or run out of cash, particularly during public holidays and busy travel periods.
Banking hours
Mon to Fri 08:30 to 11:00, then 14:00 to 16:00.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, non-residents entering Senegal with currency or other means of payment exceeding the equivalent of CFA1,000,000 must declare the amount to the customs authorities. Non-residents leaving Senegal with amounts exceeding CFA500,000 or its equivalent must also make a customs declaration and may be required to provide supporting documentation.
Senegal duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Senegal by passengers aged 18 years and above without incurring customs duty:
• 10 packs of cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• One bottle of spirits.
• One bottle of wine.
• One bottle of perfume.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Banned Imports
The import of narcotic drugs, counterfeit currency, counterfeit goods, obscene material, and firearms, ammunition or explosives without the necessary permits is prohibited. Certain goods, including medicines, plants, animals, food products and other controlled items, may require import permits or supporting documentation.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Banned Exports
Travellers wishing to export goods from Senegal should ensure they comply with customs regulations. Certain items, including cultural artefacts, endangered wildlife and wildlife products protected under CITES, and some agricultural products, may require export permits or be prohibited from export.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
