Taxis & Rideshare in Senegal - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxi and Rideshare Options in Senegal In Senegal, traditional taxis remain the primary on-demand transportation option for travelers and locals alike. You'll find two main types: official metered taxis (typically yellow or black) and shared taxis called "taxi-brousse" or "sept-places" that operate on fixed routes between cities. In Dakar and other major cities, you can hail taxis on the street or ask your hotel to call one for you. For metered taxis, ensure the driver activates the meter at the start of your journey, or negotiate a fare beforehand if the meter isn't working. Many drivers speak French, so having your destination written down or shown on a map can help avoid confusion. While international rideshare apps like Grab are not available in Senegal, local app-based services have emerged in recent years—check current options and live prices in the booking widget below for the most up-to-date availability. Choose traditional taxis when you need direct, door-to-door service with flexibility in timing and route. They're particularly useful for airport transfers, evening travel, or when carrying luggage. Metered taxis offer more comfort and privacy compared to shared options, making them ideal for business travelers or those unfamiliar with the area. For intercity travel, shared taxis provide a local experience and operate throughout the day on popular routes, though you'll need to wait until the vehicle fills up before departure. When using any taxi service in Senegal, it's advisable to have small denominations of West African CFA francs ready, as drivers may not always have change for large bills. For current rates and to compare available services in your specific location, use the booking tools provided on this page.

{'tip': "Request that drivers use the meter (compteur) at the start of your journey, or agree on a fare beforehand for routes where meters aren't standard. This helps avoid disputes and ensures transparency in pricing."}

{'tip': 'Use official taxi stands at airports, hotels, and major landmarks rather than hailing cabs on the street, especially at night. Official taxis are more regulated and provide better accountability.'}

{'tip': 'Solo travelers should sit in the back seat, keep doors locked while in transit, and share their route or taxi details with someone they trust. Avoid sharing taxis with strangers, particularly after dark.'}

{'tip': "Verify the taxi's credentials by checking for official markings, license numbers, and the driver's identification displayed inside the vehicle. Legitimate taxis in Senegal have specific color schemes and registration requirements."}

Meter Tampering: Some taxi drivers may claim their meter is broken or run a rigged meter that increases faster than normal. To avoid: Agree on a fixed fare before starting your journey, or insist on using a metered taxi and note the starting rate. In Dakar, using ride-hailing apps with fixed pricing can help avoid this issue.

Indirect Routes: Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare, especially with tourists unfamiliar with the area. To avoid: Use a GPS app on your phone to follow the route, or ask your hotel/accommodation for the typical fare and route to your destination beforehand. Politely but firmly redirect if you notice detours.

Currency Confusion: Drivers may exploit confusion with the West African CFA franc, giving incorrect change or claiming you gave smaller bills than you did. To avoid: Have small bills ready, clearly state the denomination you're handing over, and count your change before leaving the taxi. Consider using ride-hailing apps where payment is handled digitally.