Medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is often problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. Dakar, on the other hand, is still one of the two medical reference centers for West Africa. There are also numerous doctors and most medicines are available. French-speaking specialists from almost all disciplines are available. A German-speaking general practitioner practices in Dakar. Statutory health insurance in Europe does not cover the medical expenses that arise in Senegal, some of which are very considerable. Local hospitals and doctors are increasingly asking tourists to pay in advance. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the country within six days of being in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Senegal. Regardless of official regulations, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for all travelers to Senegal who are over one year old. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is recommended obtain medical advice in good time before the start of the journey. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Malaria protection against the predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is required year-round in all parts of the country. Chloroquine resistance has been reported.
Food and drink
Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquito bites, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Typhus occurs nationwide. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: Unprotected sexual contacts, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly gnats, occurs in the semi-arid areas. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur during the dry season. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. There is a nationwide increased risk of infection with sleeping sickness, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Careful mosquito repellent measures are recommended. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing and insect repellent. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing and insect repellent. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing and insect repellent.
Money
Currency
1 CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc* = 100 centimes. Currency code: CFA Fr, XOF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 CFA Fr. Coins come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 CFA Fr. Note: [*] The CFA Franc (XOF) is issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest ( BCEAO, State Bank of West African States) and used by the 8 members of the African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. The Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC, CFA Franc (XAF) issued by the State Bank of Central African States is not legal tender in Senegal. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards
Common credit cards such as American Express and sometimes also Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are occasionally accepted in upscale hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn at ATMs in Dakar. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at some ATMs in Dakar with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Senegal.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.30-12.00 and 14.30-16.30 (variations are possible), sometimes also Sat 08.30-11.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import of local currency, export of which is limited to 20,000 CFA Fr. Import of foreign currencies up to the equivalent of 1 million CFA Fr, declaration obligation (keep the receipt well). If currency smuggling is suspected, undeclared sums of money may be confiscated. Export of foreign currencies up to the equivalent of 500,000 CFA Fr.
Currency Exchange
The euro is exchanged in banks and exchange offices at a fixed rate.
