POLICE
For US and Canadian citizens: a passport valid for at least 6 months is required but no visa is necessary if the stay does not exceed 90 days.
For other nationalities, inquire at the Senegal Embassy in Washington: (202) 234 0540, at the Senegal Mission to the UN (212) 517 9030; or at the Embassy in Ottawa (613) 238 6392.
CUSTOMS
There is no limit on the amount of money that can be imported into Senegal. Only 50 000 FCFA per person are allowed out of the country. One camera, one (non-professional) video camera, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, one bottle of wine, one bottle of alcohol are allowed duty-free. For more information, contact Direction Generale des Douanes, 5 Place De l'Independance.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are required. Anti-malaria prescription is suggested.
TIME ZONE
Universal Time (GMT). Senegal is 4 hours ahead of the US Eastern Time during Daylight Savings Time and 5 hours ahead the rest of the year.
CLIMATE
Dry from September to June. Light rain in July and August, mostly at night. Temperatures in the 80's from May to November, in the 70's from December to April.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts/50 cycles AC
CURRENCY
CFA (African Financial Community) Franc. The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily. $1 = approximately 600 FCFA.
LANGUAGE
National: Wolof
Official: French
English is widely spoken.
TELEPHONE
To call Senegal from the US or Canada: 011 - 221 - number.
To call the US or Canada from Senegal: 00 - 1 - area code - number.
Fax services are available in the hotels and in the numerous "Tele-Centres" located in every city.
TAXES
There are no sale taxes, but a tourist tax is charged in hotels. It is about $ 1.00 per person, per night. There is no departure tax at the airport.
BUSINESS HOURS
Most offices are open from 8am to 1pm and from 2PM to 5PM Monday to Friday. Stores open Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM to 12:30 and from 3:30PMto 7:30 PM. Markets are opened every day from 7AM to 7PM. Banks open from 8 AM to 11AM and from 2:30PM to 4PM.
HOLIDAYS
Businesses are closed on all Muslim and Catholic Holidays, on Independence Day (April 4) and Labor Day (May 1).
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Islam is practiced by 94% of the population and mosques are numerous. There are a few Catholic churches and one Protestant Church.
Cathedrale du Souvenir Africain - Note the African angels on the facade - Bd. de la Republique - 821 43 64
Great Mosque - the largest, built in 1964 in Moroccan style. At 2:00PM on Fridays, hundreds of worshippers fill the mosque, the grounds and the adjoining streets. You can witness this remarkable display of devotion (no shorts, correct attire required) - Allee Pape Gueye Fall - 821 53 61.
Protestant Church - Services in French, English and Korean - rue Carnot.
CAR RENTAL
Valid US or Canadian Driver License or International Driver License required.
Avis (822 33 33), Budget (822 25 13), Hertz (821 56 23), Senegal Auto (822 42 70).
TAXIS
Airport/Dakar: 3000 F ($6). After midnight: 4700 F ($9). Basic charge: 120F.
INLAND TRANSPORTATION
Bush taxis (mini-vans and station wagons) link every part of the country. You will find them at the "Gare routiere" Ave. Malick Sy (823 15 42).
AIRLINE COMPANIES
Don't forget to reconfirm your flight back.
Air Afrique - Place de l'Independance - 822 43 54/23 10 45
Air Senegal - 45 Av. Sarraut - 823 62 29/23 49 70
Air France - Ave. Sarraut - 823 10 77 / 23 22 07
Alitalia - Place de l'Independance - 823 21 29/21 38 74
TRAINS
Railway Station: 823 31 40
Dakar- Saint Louis (daily)
Dkr 3PM - SL 8PM
SL 6:30AM- Dkr 11:30 AM
$4 (2nd class)-$6 (1st class) one way
Dakar-Kaolack (daily)
Dkr 4PM- Klk 8:50PM
Klk 6:15AM - Dkr 11AM
$3-$4 one way
Dakar-Tambacounda-Bamako
Dkr 10AM (Wed., Sat.) Tb 7PM
Bmk 2:20PM next day
Bmk 10AM (Fri. Mond.) Dkr 2:20PM next day
The Senegalese train leaving on Wed. is air-conditioned. The Malian train leaving on Sat. is ventilated.
$37-$58 one way.
FERRY SERVICES
Dakar-Goree
Information: 823 80 06.
Every hour from and to Dakar between 6:30 AM and 10:30 PM, $6 round trip.
Dakar-Ziguinchor
Information: 822 54 43
Dkr 8PM (Tu., Fr.) Zig 12 noon next day
Zig 1PM(Th., Su.) Dkr 7AM next day
EXCURSIONS AND TOURS
From a city tour to a tour of the country.
African Connection Tours
32 rue Mass Diokhane Tel: 821 83 16 Fax: 821 83 26
act@telecomplus.sn
Senegal Tours
5 Place de l'Independance- Tel: 823 31 81 - Fax: 823 26 44
sngtours@sonatel.senet.net
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Ecotourism: To promote a real contact with the population, villagers in 15 sites have built huts like theirs, which are used by the tourists. The guests are encouraged to share the daily life of the village: harvest, weekly markets, traditional cooking and food preparation, family ceremonies, work in the fields, etc. All proceeds remain in the village and are used in development projects. Room and board are about $25 a day. For more information on this exciting and exceptional program, ask for our special brochure.
Deep-sea fishing: From May through November, Senegal offers some of the world's best sport fishing. Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Sailfish, Barracuda and countless other species are found in abundance. Well-equipped Fishing Centers are located in Dakar, Saly, the Saloum Islands and the Casamance.
Hunting: Hunters enjoy pursuing Africa's most exotic game, including lions, warthogs, antelopes, various small game animals and game birds on designated areas during the hunting season, from December to April. Accommodations include hunting campsites, hotels and lodges. Hunting guides handle all arrangements and formalities.
WOLOF
Wolof is the national language of Senegal. Even though French is the official language and English is spoken in tourist areas, a few words of Wolof will help you make friends!
Asalamu aleikum : Peace be with you (Arabic words used in Wolof)
Wa aleikum salam :Peace be with you too
Nanga def: How are you?
Nanga tudd :what's your name?
Man, X la tudd : My name is X
Baal ma : I'm sorry
Wao : yes
Dedete : no
Dama khiff : I am hungry
Dama mar : I am thirsty
Lii niata : How much is it ?
Fan la : Where is it?
Mangui dem : Good bye< br>
