Money in Senegal
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- XOFWest African CFA franc
- Symbol
- CFA
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Senegal
Shared by eight West African countries. Cash is the norm outside Dakar.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Rex Clarke Adventures says outside the capital to assume cash only, and in Ziguinchor and smaller towns to bring enough cash for the whole stay. Oncaravan also says the economy runs mainly on cash.
- ATMs
- Rex Clarke Adventures says ATMs in Dakar and Saint-Louis dispense cash reliably. World Travel Guide (2020) says ATMs are less common in rural areas and can be offline or empty on holidays.
- Foreign currency
- Rex Clarke Adventures says euros are widely accepted informally in tourist-facing businesses, with change given in CFA.
- Watch out for
- World Travel Guide (2020) says Central African CFA notes are not legal tender in Senegal. It also says non-residents must declare more than CFA 1,000,000 on entry and more than CFA 500,000 on exit.
Tipping in Senegal
Around 10% in restaurants where no service charge is added. Small tips for guides and drivers.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Rex Clarke Adventures, World Travel Guide, Embassy of Senegal in the UK, Oncaravan, Intrepid Travel.
Convert to and from XOF
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 586 XOF | 656 XOF | 786 XOF |
| 10 | 5,855 XOF | 6,560 XOF | 7,857 XOF |
| 50 | 29,276 XOF | 32,798 XOF | 39,285 XOF |
| 100 | 58,552 XOF | 65,596 XOF | 78,570 XOF |
| 500 | 292,762 XOF | 327,979 XOF | 392,848 XOF |
What each amount is worth in XOF. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Senegal use?
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF).
Do you need to tip in Senegal?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants where no service charge is added. Small tips for guides and drivers.
Can you pay by card in Senegal?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Rex Clarke Adventures says outside the capital to assume cash only, and in Ziguinchor and smaller towns to bring enough cash for the whole stay. Oncaravan also says the economy runs mainly on cash.
Are there ATMs in Senegal?
Rex Clarke Adventures says ATMs in Dakar and Saint-Louis dispense cash reliably. World Travel Guide (2020) says ATMs are less common in rural areas and can be offline or empty on holidays.