Expat Women in Dakar

As long as you keep your wits about you, it’s absolutely fine! Just take the same precautions you would anywhere else—especially being extra careful if you’re out alone at night. I did have my phone and some money pickpocketed, so I’d strongly recommend keeping valuables in a zipped bum bag worn on your chest rather than in open pockets or bags.

Walking alone on day light should be fine provided that other people are in the street. If you look foreigner vendors would harasse you. At night it can be dangerous to walk alone in streets. Taxi are a painful experience cars are totally not maintained unsafe and must negotiate with drivers some are greedy.

Dakar can feel like a safe city once you are familiar with it, especially if you understand the local language, Wolof, or speak French. However, for visiting and ensuring your safety in the city, it is advisable to go with someone who knows Dakar well and has lived there. This way, you can avoid being scammed.