Power & Connectivity (SIM)

Senegal uses 230V / 50Hz with Type C, D, E and K sockets. A Type C/E adapter covers most cases; travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage. Power cuts can occur, so a power bank is handy.

The main operators are Orange (Sonatel, the largest), Free Sénégal (formerly Tigo) and Expresso. Prepaid SIMs are sold at the airport and operator shops; registration requires your passport. 4G/LTE is good in cities but can be patchy in rural areas.

eSIM support is growing in Senegal, and travel eSIM plans are a convenient option: buy one online before arrival and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. Confirm coverage for Senegal before purchase.

Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés in Dakar and other towns, though speeds vary and connections can be less reliable outside cities. A local SIM or eSIM is useful for staying online on the go. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking.

Internet in Senegal is generally accessible, and standard apps and services — messaging, social media, maps and streaming — usually work normally. Connectivity can be affected by network conditions rather than blanket censorship.

Handy apps include ride-hailing such as Yango and Heetch in Dakar, mobile money like Wave and Orange Money for payments and transfers, plus maps and translation. Mobile payment is widely used, so setting up Wave or Orange Money can be convenient.

Senegal's country code is +221, and the language is French. App-based calls such as WhatsApp are widely used, which can be cheaper than international voice calls. Save numbers in full +221 format so they work from any network.