When is the best time to move to Senegal?

November to February is ideal — the dry season with pleasant temperatures (24–28°C). Avoid June to October (rainy season) for your arrival, as Dakar can experience flooding, high humidity, and mosquito surges. March to May is hot and dry (30–35°C+).

Should I ship my belongings or buy locally?

Most expats recommend traveling light. Dakar has well-stocked supermarkets, furniture stores, and markets. Shipping is expensive ($3,000–$8,000 for a 20ft container) and slow (2–6 weeks). Ship only irreplaceable or hard-to-find items.

Do I need a car in Dakar?

Not necessarily. The new BRT and TER train, combined with taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Heetch), make Dakar navigable without a car. However, a car is useful for weekend trips and errands. Used cars are available locally; importing is expensive due to duties.

How do I get from the airport to Dakar?

Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is 47 km from central Dakar. The TER express train connects to the city in about 20 minutes. Taxis are available but negotiate the fare before departure ($30–$50 to central Dakar). Ride-hailing apps also work from the airport.

Can I bring my pet to Senegal?

Yes, with proper documentation: a veterinary health certificate (within 10 days of travel), rabies vaccination certificate, and a pet import permit from Senegalese authorities. Airlines have specific carrier requirements. Finding pet-friendly apartments in Dakar can be challenging — discuss with your landlord upfront.

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🇸🇳 Senegal

Moving Guide

Moving to Senegal requires less paperwork than many countries — visa-free entry for 60+ nationalities makes the initial transition easy. The key steps are securing temporary accommodation, finding a long-term rental, getting a local SIM card and mobile money account, and (for stays beyond 90 days) applying for a CIE residence permit..

Passport + funds

Entry Requirements

90-day visa-free for 60+ countries

$3,000–$8,000

Shipping Container

20ft from Europe/US

2–4 weeks

Setup Time

For accommodation & essentials

Nov–Feb

Best Arrival Season

Cool, dry, comfortable

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Dakar 🏛️Saint-Louis

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Yellow fever vaccination: required for entry from endemic countries; recommended for all
Get a SIM card immediately: Orange or Free — available at the airport and everywhere in town
Shipping a 20ft container from Europe: $3,000–$5,000; from the US: $5,000–$8,000

Before You Arrive

Preparation for moving to Senegal is relatively straightforward. Most Western passport holders don't need a visa for the first 90 days. Focus on getting your vaccinations, arranging temporary accommodation, and researching neighborhoods. If you're planning to ship belongings, start the process 2–3 months in advance.

Yellow fever vaccination: required for entry from endemic countries; recommended for all
Other vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Meningitis — consult a travel doctor
Malaria prophylaxis: recommended, especially for rainy season (June–October)
Book Airbnb or guesthouse for first 2–4 weeks while finding long-term housing
Download offline maps and French/Wolof phrasebook
Arrange international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage before departure

Your First Weeks in Dakar

The first few weeks in Dakar are about getting oriented, set up with essentials, and starting your housing search. Dakar can feel overwhelming at first — the traffic, the heat, and the sensory overload — but the warmth of the people quickly compensates. Start in Almadies or Mermoz for an easier transition, then explore other neighborhoods.

Get a SIM card immediately: Orange or Free — available at the airport and everywhere in town
Set up Wave mobile money account — essential for daily transactions
Open a bank account if planning to stay long-term (requires passport, proof of address)
Start apartment hunting in person — walk neighborhoods, use Facebook groups, and local agents
Register with your embassy for consular alerts and emergency notifications
Join expat groups: 'Expats in Dakar' (Facebook), InterNations Dakar, local meetups

Shipping & What to Bring

Shipping personal belongings to Senegal is possible but expensive and slow. Most expats recommend traveling light and buying essentials locally. Dakar has well-stocked supermarkets (Casino, Auchan) and markets for household items. Ship only irreplaceable items, specialty electronics, or specific work equipment.

Shipping a 20ft container from Europe: $3,000–$5,000; from the US: $5,000–$8,000
Transit time: 2–4 weeks from Europe; 4–6 weeks from the US
Customs clearance: use a local clearing agent — bureaucratic process can take 1–2 weeks
Import duties: variable; electronics and household goods typically 5–20%
Most household items, furniture, and basics available locally at reasonable prices
Bring: specialty medications, electronics, specific work tools — these are expensive locally

FAQs