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Pros and Cons of Living in Senegal | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Senegal

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Mar 10, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Senegal include its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. The country is also known for its vibrant music and art scene, as well as its delicious cuisine. Additionally, Senegal is a relatively safe country with a low crime rate. On the other hand, the cons of living in Senegal include its high poverty rate, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare and education. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Senegal?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Senegal responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Senegal often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their money further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and infrastructure to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult for those who don't speak French or Wolof," remarked one expat in Senegal.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Senegal appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Senegal appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is characterized by its colorful festivals, traditional music, and friendly people. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, which is a mix of African, French, and Arabic flavors. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning landscapes, from its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches. Finally, expats appreciate the country's strong sense of community, which is evident in the way people come together to celebrate special occasions and help each other out in times of need," explained one expat.

"Most? the warm caring and dignified people of Senegal made my stay there unforgettable. I also learned to value a simple unaffected smile and was not tainted by my American preconceptions of other people and races," said one person in Thies.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Senegal often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Expats may also find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life in Senegal, as well as the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure. Finally, the hot and humid climate can be a challenge for those who are not used to it," remarked one in Senegal.

"Understanding and adapting to the differences in interpersonal relationships and learning to not read to much in to circumstances I "believed" I understood. Often I merely thought my response to someone was appropriate. Often it was puzzling and confusing- especially at first," explained one expat.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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