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Senegal

CLIMATE

Senegal has marked contrasts in climate. The coastal region, except in Casamance, is equable, with low rainfall and high humidity. Inland, the climate is drier, ranging to the semi-desert of the Sahel region in the east. The wet season is from June to September, rather shorter in the north and longer in the south, especially near the coast. The rainfall varies from less than 20 inches in the north to 80 inches in Casamance. In eastern and central Senegal, water is often scarce in the dry season. The country suffers from occasional droughts, such as that of 1968-73. The Senegal River fell to one-third of its average annual flow in 1972-73, and in 1972 failed to flood for the first time in more than 60 years. Temperatures vary according to the season, with an average range of approximately 24° - 38°C (75° - 100°F), the highest being in the northeast.

Climate Chart for Dakar

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Embassies do NOT always update us when they change their entry requirements - we strongly advise you contact your nearest embassy to find our the lastest information.

Citizens of countries member of the European Union (EU) do not need visa to travel to Senegal for up to three months stay. Visas are also not required for citzens of Canada Israel Japan Taiwan United States .

Click for Visa Requirements

Listing of Senegal Embassies and/or Consulates located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency: West African CFA=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking: Monday to Friday: 0800-1115 and 1430-1630
Shops: Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1400-1800

LOCAL TIME

Senegal has the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights to Senegal Domestic Flights with Senegal: All the main towns are linked to Dakar via a domestic air service runs by the national airline, Air Senegal
Train:	The service is slow but improvements are planned.
Bus:	The main centres are connected by fairly good quality minibuses. Long distance travel is also covered by bush taxis, usually Peugeot 504's with three rows of seats, they are comfortable, safe and reliable. On lesser used routes bush taxis are pick up trucks and are less comfortable with bench seating.
Road:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Senegal Map (Maps Worldwide) Institut Geographique National (IGN) - Countries and Cities of the World Sheet map, Full colour, Scale 1 : 600,000 Other Maps & Atlases for Sale Road conditions away from the coast can be poor and sometimes impassable. Driving is on the right hand side and an international driving licence or french licence is required. There are numerous local and international car hire firms mainly at the airport and in Dakar.
Road:

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Year's Day
4th April	Independence Day
1st May	Labour Day
21st May	Ascension Day
15th August	Assumption
1st November	All Saint's Day
25th December	Christmas Day
Moveable holidays:	Good Friday and Easter Monday and variable Muslim holidays

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - view
Round pins with ground - view
Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin - view
Round pins with spade grounding pin - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Senegal, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.

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	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .

	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.