Flag of SenegalSenegal

Money & currency

Money in Senegal

Updated 2026-08-16

Money & Currency
CFA

West African CFA Franc (XOF)

Currency code: XOF

Practical Money Tips

West African CFA Franc (XOF) — Pegged to the Euro

Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF. Euros are easily exchanged at banks and bureaux de change in Dakar. US dollars are also exchangeable but at slightly less favourable rates.

Good ATM Coverage in Dakar, Scarcer Elsewhere

Ecobank, Société Générale, BDK, and CBAO have ATMs widely distributed in Dakar. Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, and Touba have some coverage. Remote areas and the Casamance have very limited ATM access — withdraw enough cash in Dakar before heading south or east.

Cards at Hotels and Some Restaurants

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in Dakar. Outside the capital, cash is dominant. Orange Money and Wave are popular mobile payment platforms widely used by locals.

Cash Essential Outside Dakar

Outside the capital, markets, street food, taxis, and guesthouses operate in cash. Carry XOF for daily expenses. Small denominations (500, 1,000, 2,000 XOF) are useful for markets and tipping.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What currency is used in Senegal?

The West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with seven other West African nations. It is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate, making the euro the most convenient foreign currency to bring.

Can I use euros directly in Senegal?

Not for purchases — you need XOF for transactions. However, euros are the easiest foreign currency to exchange at banks and change offices in Dakar.

How do I get XOF in Senegal?

At Ecobank, Société Générale, CBAO, or BDK ATMs and branches in Dakar. Bureaux de change (cambios) in the Plateau area of Dakar also offer competitive rates.

Is Orange Money / Wave widely used?

Yes — Orange Money and Wave are dominant mobile payment platforms, widely used by locals for everyday payments. Some vendors and restaurants in Dakar also accept them, though tourists are less likely to have Senegalese SIM-based accounts.

How much does a day trip in Senegal cost?

Outside hotels, day-to-day costs — meals, local transport, market shopping — run noticeably lower than Western Europe, in line with regional West African prices. Mid-range hotels in Dakar sit at a moderate rate compared to Saly and the Petite Côte's resort strip, which trends higher in peak season; check current listings before booking.

Is bargaining expected in Senegal?

Yes — bargaining is standard at markets and with unofficial taxis (clandos). Prices in supermarkets and licensed businesses are fixed. Learning a few phrases in Wolof goes a long way.

Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Senegal?

Apple Pay and Google Pay have very limited acceptance in Senegal — mainly in a handful of high-end hotels and international chains in Dakar. Cash or a physical Visa/Mastercard is needed for most transactions.

Can I exchange leftover CFA francs when leaving?

XOF is a restricted currency — it is difficult to exchange outside the CFA franc zone. Spend remaining XOF before departing or exchange at Dakar airport, though rates there are less favourable.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Senegal overview.

This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.