Money in Senegal: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping

Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). Bring cash for daily needs; cards work in major hotels, supermarkets and a few restaurants in Dakar and Saly. Tip about 5‑10 % of the total.

The XOF is shared with seven other West African states and is pegged to the euro. ATMs are common in Dakar, Saint‑Louis and larger towns; they dispense only XOF and may have a limit of 100 000 XOF per transaction. Outside major cities ATMs are scarce, so keep small notes (5 000‑10 000 XOF).

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in upscale hotels, larger supermarkets and some restaurants in Dakar and the tourist resort of Saly. Rural guesthouses, markets and transport operators usually require cash. Mobile money (Wave, Orange Money) is popular among locals but not widely used by short‑term visitors.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, leave 5‑10 % of the bill if service is not included. For hotel porters, 1 000‑2 000 XOF per bag is customary. Guides and drivers generally receive 5 000‑10 000 XOF per day, depending on the length of the tour.