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As a city of 3 million people, Dakar is a great choice for those looking for nature, leisure, history and the typical african bustling streets. Book a flight to Dakar and...
Trust the local “teranga”
Meaning hospitality and warmth. People will recommend good beaches among so many (Bel-Air, N’Gor, Yoff) or the natural reserve and zoo of Park Hann. A 30-minute boat ride will take you to the Gorée island, whose beautiful streets evoke the past of slavery and today are UNESCO’s World Heritage.
And after quiet...
Comes storm. Bargain at the typical open-air markets, walk the narrow streets of the Medina and check out Village des Arts, a contemporary artistic complex with bars and restaurants near by. And when in Dakar, you can’t miss the African Renaissance Monument — it’s the continent’s tallest statue!
Culture and Business
Before leaving
Make sure you have your passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, take care of your visa or other necessary documentation ahead of time. Take all the necessary vaccinations and medication, if applicable.
Climate
The climate is tropical with year-round heat - there are dry and wet seasons well defined due to the winter winds of the northeast and southwest summer winds.
Time zone
GMT
Geography & politics
Senegal is a country in West Africa, by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a democratic semi-presidential republic, where the president is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government.
Tipping & paying
The local currency is the CFA Franc (XOF). It is not mandatory to tip, but if you are satisfied with the service you can leave a small amount.
Languages & useful phrases
The official language is French. About three-quarters of the population speak Wolof, the lingua franca of the country. There are also six other widely spoken languages: Serer, Fula, Alpuular, Mandingo, Diola, and Bassari. In French, "Bonjour" = hello; "S'il vous plaît" = please; "Merci beaucoup" = thank you very much.
What you should do
Be prepared to talk about your family and personal matters before you deal with business. It is important to establish a relationship of closeness and trust. Avoid confrontations and do not use an aggressive tone.
What you shouldn’t do
Do not use your left hand to eat or offer a gift, as it is a sign of disrespect. Be prepared as Senegalese speak with many metaphors and analogies, they are typically indirect in their communication.
What to wear
Be conservative in your style. Suit and tie is the most appropriate option, and the formal equivalent for women.
First impressions
The most common form of compliance is the handshake. Among close friends, it is also normal to hug or give three kisses on the face. Physical contact between people of the same sex is normal. If you are invited to someone's home, you can bring a small gift as a way of thanking them, such as chocolates or pastry.