Pros and Cons of Living in Senegal
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.
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.
Get Quote
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.
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.
Get Quote
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'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.
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.
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, 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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Senegal?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Senegal?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Senegal?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Senegal accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Senegal like?
- Is the cost of living in Senegal high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Senegal?
- What are healthcare services like in Senegal?
- Is the cost of living in Senegal high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Senegal?
- What is the weather like in Senegal?
- Are there good restaurants in Senegal?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Senegal?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Senegal?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Senegal?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Senegal?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Senegal?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?