Tips on Dakar Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Dakar Warnings or Dangers

Traveling to Dakar means knowing about all of the warnings or dangers that go on. This will allow you to prepare for travel more effectively.

How to Travel

When travelling to Dakar, it is not safe for women to travel unescorted, especially at night. There are various health concerns throughout the region, including malaria and dengue fever. Prior to traveling, it’s important to get the necessary immunizations and medications.

Know the Scams

There are a lot of people in the streets hocking goods. Don’t show interest in the items. Instead, move quickly down the streets. There are even police officers that will ask for money. Be firm that you have no fault and move on.

Some handicapped people in the streets will ask things of you, whether it’s a pen or something else. Don’t give anything to anyone, especially when there are crowds.

How to Shop

Throughout Dakar, the prices are not set. You can haggle over all prices. Generally, you must plan to deal with the salesmen being pushy. The price should come down to one third of the original price.

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It’s best to have cash and maybe one VISA card. Traveler’s checks are useless and many of the credit card and ATM machines do not work.

General Safety Tips

There are a lot of pickpockets and they are not always subtle about it. If you’re going to travel, don’t do so alone.

Silence is key when doing a lot of walking around. If you don’t want anything from any of the vendors, simply don’t say anything.

Get a room with a safe so you have a place to keep important documents when you’re out in the city.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers in Dakar.