Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Senegal, or should I carry local cash?
Some travelers say card use is growing in Senegal, mostly around Dakar’s airport or upscale hotels like Radisson Blu. But outside major hubs, cash remains the only option. I stayed near Yoff and always carried about 15,000 CFA francs for taxi rides. ATMs by Société Générale and Orange Money agents helped me stay stocked up.
For taxis in Dakar and Saint-Louis, cash is still king. I mostly used taxis in the Plateau district and always paid in CFA francs. Cards for taxis were a rarity and often refused. My tip: carry smaller denominations to make paying taxi drivers easier and avoid haggle over change.
I found the taxi system in Senegal to be largely cash-based. While staying around the Medina area, I never saw a taxi with card terminals. I tried using my Mastercard for an airport transfer once, but the driver preferred cash. Withdraw local currency at Ecobank or BICIS ATMs to avoid surprises in taxi fares.
In Dakar, taxis widely use cash, mostly West African CFA francs. Card payments are uncommon except at airport taxis and a few upscale hotels near Corniche Ouest. I kept about 10,000 CFA francs in small notes ready because drivers rarely gave change. ATMs such as those at Bank of Africa were reliable for cash withdrawals.