Dakar, Senegal

• Dakar sits at the western edge of Africa on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. The ocean keeps it cooler than inland Senegal. You'll find French colonial buildings in the Plateau district, newer development in Les Almadies, and old fishing villages like Yoff that have been swallowed up by the growing city.
• Senegal is predominantly Muslim with conservative norms, though Dakar's wealthier areas like Almadies and Point E are more relaxed about dress codes. Most people in upscale areas, hotels, and tourist spots speak some English. Elsewhere you'll need basic French to get by.
• Tourist Police (+221 33 860 3810) patrol Gorée Island, Independence Square, and other major sites. Pickpocketing happens regularly on crowded buses and in markets - keep your valuables in a front-zipped bag and don't wave your phone around in unfamiliar areas.
• DemDikk buses run every 30-45 minutes with AC and are the safest public transport. Uber, Yango, and Heetch all work here for ride-hailing. Almadies and Point E are safe enough to walk around in the evening. Beaches and poorly lit streets at night are a different story - take a taxi.

French and Wolof are the main languages. You'll find English speakers in upscale areas like Les Almadies and Point E, nice hotels, and some Tourist Police officers (+221 33 860 3810). Emergency services mostly speak French and Wolof - limited English. The US Embassy (+221 33 879 4000) has English-speaking staff during business hours.

• Senegal is majority Muslim and conservative. Cover your knees and avoid low-cut tops, especially outside touristy areas. Elbows covered and no cleavage will help you blend in and get less attention.
• People speak French and Wolof. Learn basic French - bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît, excusez-moi. You'll find English speakers in nice hotels and upscale areas, and some Tourist Police speak it, but most people don't.
• Use your right hand for eating and passing things, especially when eating communally. Take your shoes off when entering someone's home. Don't photograph government buildings or military sites - it's illegal. Ask before taking photos of people, especially women.
• During Ramadan, don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight. Some restaurants close during the day. Dress more conservatively than usual.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 17. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• DemDikk buses have AC and run every 30-45 minutes on 45 routes. About 6,000 CFA from the airport to downtown. They're the safest public transport option, though you still need to watch your stuff during rush hour.
• Uber, Yango, and Heetch all work here and are safer than flagging down random taxis. Yango runs about 118 CFA per kilometer. If you do take a street taxi, use only the official yellow and black ones and agree on the price before you get in.
• Almadies, Point E, and Ngor are fine to walk around during the day - ocean breeze makes it comfortable. Don't walk beaches or poorly lit areas at night. Plateau is busy during work hours but empties out in the evening.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Dakar with local guides and curated experiences.