SENEGAL

CURRENCY:

CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XOF)

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000.

COIN: XOF500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

Please note that Senegal is part of the French Monetary Area. The CFA is tied to the Euro. Note also there are two main differences regarding currency: the Bank of West African States (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest ) is the only bank to use for valid currency. Do not go to the Bank of Central African States (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale) for currency as it is NOT VALID.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

American Express is the most widely accepted credit card. Do not rely on ATM machines: there are some in Dakar but they may not accept foreign bank cards.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Currency exchange services are available at larger banks and hotels, and the airport.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

These do enjoy acceptance at banks and through a wide variety of businesses. Best in Euros. Note: outside Dakar these have LIMITED acceptance.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 0800-1115 and 1430-1630.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

Declare on arrival with import of foreign currency. Export of local currency only to limit of XOF 20,000.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

The Republic of Senegal is located in West Africa. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was once part of the Empire of Ghana. The capital is Dakar and the official language is French.

POPULATION:

Around 11.5 million.

ECONOMY:

Senegal has taken large measures to try and improve their economy. By devaluating the currency and price control dismantle, the economy is now growing rapidly. Main elements include mining, tourism, petroleum refining. Exports include fish, cotton, chemicals and nuts.