Some Interesting Facts About Senegal

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day
January 21 Tabaski (Eid Al Adha)
February 10 Tamxarit (Islamic New Year)
March 28 Easter Monday
April 4 Independence Day (parades and canoe races)
April 21 Prophet's Birthday
May 1 Labour Day (parades)
May 5 Ascension
May 15 Whit Sunday (Pentecost)
May 16 Whit Monday
August 15 Assumption Day
November 1 All Souls' Day
November 3 - 5 Korité (Eid Al Fitr)
December 25 Christmas Day  

Customs & Duties

The following may be imported into Senegal by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; a moderate quantity of perfume for personal use; gifts up to the value of CFAfr5000. All alcohol imports have duties imposed on them, even if they are only meant for personal consumption.

Electricity

Power is supplied at 240 V/110; 50Hz. Electrical appliances not compatible will require an adaptor or converter.

Post & Communications

Postal services in Senegal are expensive, slow and unreliable and letters are held up for 30 days at a time. Thankfully the telephone services are reasonable and international connections are good. The capital Dakar has private telecommunication centres; cyber cafes in Dakar, Saint Louis and other major towns stay open till late evening.

Weights and measures

The Standard Metric system of weights and Measures is used in Senegal, which basically means you measure solids in kilograms and grams, liquids in litres and distance in metres and kilometres.

Tipping

A service charge of 10-15% is included in all hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers are not normally given gratuities but it is entirely up to you and the level of personal satisfaction with the service received.

English Language Media

All newspapers are in French. VOA and BBC broadcasts in English can be tuned into but their frequency changes often.