|  Tropical
Senegal is lauded for beauties both natural and urbane. With its suave
capital, Dakar - many travellers' favourite amongst the larger African
cities - and its entourage of internationally known musicians, Senegal
brings in more visitors than any other country in the region.
Much of its lands are lush and vital, especially when compared to
the deserts that surround it. Many of its visitors are package tourists
soaking up the sunshine in upscale hotels, but the best of Senegal
- a good wander through its streets and plains - is free.
Useful Information
- Curencies
Senegal belongs to the African Financial Community area (CFA)
The CFA franc has a fixed parity with Euro (1 Euro = 655.957 FCFA)
Senegal belongs to the Franc zone , which is characterized by free bank transfer.
outside this zone , transfers are carried out on authorization of the intermediary banks
Chequebooks and bank cards in Euros will allow you to withdraw money from most Senegalese banks
The exchange rate of currencies is set on the basis og the Euro.
- Credit cards an internation transfers
You can use credit cards for your shopping, but also in International hotels restaurants , car renting companies and travel agencies. The main International credi cards (Visa,Mastercard , American Express, etc...) are accepted in most hotels, restaurant and shops.You can use these cards to withdraw money from automate teller machines In all cities ln case you need more money, your bank advisor could Inform you about the bankto-bank transfer possibilities (there are agreements between banks for this kind of operation). Also, there are money transfer companies, such as Western Unlon and Money Gram which have representatives In most of Senegal's main cities.
- Insurance
Make sure that you have taken out a comprehensive Insurance policy before traveling.
- Languages and customs
French is the official language, which is spoken by most of the population.
They are six national languages (Wolof -the most widely spoken Serer, Diola,Pullar, Soninkeh, Mandingo) and many other dialects. Greetings have an Important meaning; If you do not wish to be mistaken, just use the traditional Arabic greetings (Salaam aleykum, aleyklum asalaam).
- Time zone differential
Senegal uses GMT.
- Electricity
220 V and two pin round plugs
- Telephone and the Internet
Senegalese dialing code: 221. The country has a high-quality telephone network; you can make national or International phone calls, and also send facsimiles In any of the numerous telecentres.
Two operators provide cellular telephone services (subscription or cards)
There are more and more cyber-cafés in Dakar and in the regions, where you can easily surf the Internet. Rates vary between CFA F500 and 1000 francs for one hour.
- Post office
The postal service is reliable Post offices are open from 7.30 am to 4.00 pm.
They also have additional services (express mail money transfer).
Links:
AVCA 2006 sponsors: FMO, CDC,
BIO, AFRICAP,
ECOBANK, AVANTE
CAPITAL & SIFEM
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