Bottom Line: Dakar’s tax regime slashes your effective rate to 10-15% if you structure income as a non-resident or impatrié—but miss the €1,200 annual social security trap for freelancers, and you’ll hemorrhage €3,500+ in penalties. Rent (€771/month) and groceries (€201/month) are cheap, but hidden VAT on services (18%) and unreported "facilitation fees" (€50-€200 per transaction) erode savings fast. Verdict: Tax-efficient if you play by the rules, financially punishing if you don’t.
What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Dakar
Senegal’s tax code doesn’t just ignore foreign income—it actively punishes expats who assume they’re exempt. Most guides parrot the same myth: "Dakar is a tax haven for digital nomads." The reality? The Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) audits 1 in 5 foreign filers annually, and 60% of those audits uncover unreported local income—even small side gigs or Airbnb rentals. If you’re earning €3,000/month remotely but picking up €500/month in Dakar-based consulting, the DGI will tax you on the full €3,500 at 30%, not just the local portion. That’s a €1,050 annual hit most expats never see coming.
The second lie? "Cost of living is dirt cheap." Yes, your €771/month rent for a Plateau apartment is a steal compared to Lisbon or Barcelona—but that’s before you factor in €40/month for clando (unregistered) taxis (official taxis charge 20% more for foreigners), €10/meal at mid-range restaurants (where locals pay €5), and €32/month for a gym (when the same membership costs €15 for Senegalese). Groceries (€201/month) are affordable, but imported goods—wine, cheese, electronics—carry a 45% tariff, turning a €15 bottle of wine into a €22 splurge. And don’t get started on internet speeds (15Mbps)—Dakar’s "high-speed" is half the speed of Nairobi’s and 3x the price of Accra’s.
Then there’s the safety tax—the unspoken cost of living in a city where the safety score is 30/100. Most guides mention petty theft, but few quantify the €1,000-€3,000/year expats spend on private security: €50/month for a night guard, €200/year for a car alarm, €150/year for a safe deposit box (because home break-ins spike 40% during Tabaski). Even your €4.17 coffee comes with a risk premium—cafés in Almadies charge 30% more than those in Medina because they assume foreigners can afford it.
The biggest blind spot? The "expat bubble" isn’t just social—it’s financial. Most guides focus on tax treaties (Senegal has 12, including with France and Canada) but ignore how local bureaucracy weaponizes them. Example: If you’re a French citizen, Senegal’s treaty lets you avoid double taxation—but only if you file Form 301 with the DGI within 30 days of arrival. Miss that deadline, and you’ll pay 20% withholding tax on all income, even if it’s earned abroad. 90% of expats don’t know this form exists until they get a €2,000 penalty notice.
And then there’s the social security trap. Freelancers and remote workers assume they’re exempt—but Senegal’s Caisse de Sécurité Sociale (CSS) requires €100/month in contributions if you stay over 183 days/year. Fail to register, and you’ll owe back payments + 10% penalties when you try to leave. That’s €1,200/year most expats never budget for.
The truth? Dakar’s tax system is not a loophole—it’s a labyrinth. The savings are real (a 10-15% effective tax rate is achievable), but the traps are everywhere: unreported VAT, "facilitation fees," social security ambushes, and a cost of living that’s cheap only if you live like a local. Most expats arrive thinking they’ll pay nothing and leave realizing they’ve overpaid by thousands—because no one told them the rules were written in fine print and enforced with a smile.
Tax Deep Dive: The Complete Picture for Dakar, Senegal
Senegal’s tax system is territorial, meaning only income sourced within the country is taxable. For freelancers, digital nomads, and expats, understanding residency rules, tax brackets, and special regimes is critical to optimizing liabilities. Below is a breakdown of income tax, residency requirements, tax treaties, and a step-by-step calculation for a €5,000/month freelancer in Dakar.
1. Income Tax Brackets (2024)
Senegal uses a progressive tax system for individuals, with rates ranging from 0% to 40%. The brackets are as follows:
| Annual Taxable Income (XOF) | Tax Rate | Marginal Tax Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 630,000 | 0% | 0 |
| 630,001 – 1,500,000 | 20% | (Income – 630,000) × 20% |
| 1,500,001 – 4,000,000 | 30% | (Income – 1,500,000) × 30% + 174,000 |
| 4,000,001 – 8,000,000 | 35% | (Income – 4,000,000) × 35% + 924,000 |
| 8,000,001+ | 40% | (Income – 8,000,000) × 40% + 2,324,000 |
Exchange Rate (2024): 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF (West African CFA franc).
Example Calculation:
A freelancer earning €5,000/month (€60,000/year) converts to 39,300,000 XOF.
- First 630,000 XOF: 0%
- Next 870,000 XOF (1.5M – 630K): 174,000 XOF
- Next 2.5M XOF (4M – 1.5M): 750,000 XOF
- Next 4M XOF (8M – 4M): 1,400,000 XOF
- Remaining 31.3M XOF (39.3M – 8M): 12,520,000 XOF
Total Tax: 14,844,000 XOF (€22,662/year or ~37.8% effective rate).
2. Residency for Tax Purposes
Senegal taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Senegal-sourced income only. Residency is established if:
- Physical presence ≥ 183 days/year (consecutive or cumulative).
- Primary home or economic ties (e.g., business registration, family, property).
- Domicile for tax purposes (registered with DGID – Direction Générale des Impôts et des Domaines).
Freelancers & Digital Nomads:
- If <183 days/year, only Senegal-sourced income is taxable (e.g., clients based in Senegal).
- If ≥183 days, worldwide income is taxable unless a tax treaty applies.
3. Tax Treaties (Avoiding Double Taxation)
Senegal has tax treaties with 14 countries, including France, Belgium, Canada, and Morocco. Key provisions:
- France: 10% withholding tax on dividends, 15% on royalties, 0% on interest.
- Belgium: 15% withholding tax on dividends, 10% on royalties.
- No treaty with the US, UK, or Germany → 30% withholding tax on Senegal-sourced income.
Freelancer Impact:
- If a French client pays a Dakar-based freelancer, 10% withholding tax applies (unless the freelancer is a Senegal tax resident, in which case it’s credited against local tax).
- No treaty? Full withholding (30%) + potential local taxation.
4. Special Regimes (NHR, Flat Tax, Freelancer Exemptions)
#### A. Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) – No Longer Available
- Senegal abolished its NHR regime in 2022, which previously offered 10% flat tax for 10 years to high-net-worth individuals.
- Current alternative: Investor visa (€100K+ investment) grants residency but no tax breaks.
#### B. Flat Tax for Small Businesses (Régime du Réel Simplifié)
- Applies to businesses with ≤ 50M XOF (€76,336) annual turnover.
- Tax rate: 5% of turnover (instead of progressive rates).
- Freelancer eligibility: Must register as a micro-entreprise (not applicable to foreign-sourced income).
#### C. Freelancer Exemptions (Auto-Entrepreneur Régime)
- ≤ 10M XOF (€15,267) annual turnover: 0% income tax, 5% VAT (if applicable).
Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Dakar, Senegal
| Expense | EUR/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 771 | Verified |
| Rent 1BR outside | 555 | |
| Groceries | 201 | |
| Eating out 15x | 150 | |
| Transport | 40 | |
| Gym | 32 | |
| Health insurance | 65 | |
| Coworking | 180 | |
| Utilities+net | 95 | |
| Entertainment | 150 | |
| Comfortable | 1684 | |
| Frugal | 1151 | |
| Couple | 2610 |
1. Net Income Requirements for Each Tier
Frugal (€1,151/month)
To live on €1,151/month in Dakar, you need a net income of at least €1,300–€1,400 after taxes and transfers. This accounts for:
- Rent (€555): A 1BR outside the city center (e.g., Almadies, Yoff, or Ouakam).
- Groceries (€201): Local markets (Marché Sandaga, Marché HLM) for staples like rice, fish, vegetables, and imported goods (pasta, cheese) at higher prices.
- Eating out (€150): 15 meals at maquis (local eateries) or street food (€3–€5/meal). No mid-range restaurants.
- Transport (€40): Car rapides (shared minibuses) or taxis clandos (unregistered cabs). No ride-hailing (Yango, Heetch) for budget living.
- Utilities (€95): Electricity (CFA 30,000–40,000/month in a 1BR), water (CFA 5,000–10,000), and 4G internet (€20–€30).
- Health insurance (€65 — digital nomads often use SafetyWing as a cost-effective alternative): Basic local coverage (e.g., CNSS or private plans like Assurance Maladie Sénégalaise). No international coverage.
- Coworking (€180): A desk at a mid-tier space (e.g., JokkoLabs, CTIC). Remote workers can skip this if working from home.
- Entertainment (€150): Beers at local bars (€2–€3), occasional live music, or beach outings. No clubs or upscale venues.
Why €1,300–€1,400 net?
- Buffer for emergencies: Power cuts, medical costs, or unexpected travel.
- Visa costs: Long-stay visas (€50–€150) and residency permits (€200–€400/year).
- Imported goods: Electronics, toiletries, and specialty foods cost 20–50% more than in Europe.
Comfortable (€1,684/month)
To sustain this lifestyle, you need a net income of €2,000–€2,200/month. This covers:
- Rent (€771): A modern 1BR in Plateau, Ngor, or Almadies (e.g., Les Jardins de Ngor, Cité Keur Gorgui).
- Groceries (€201): Mix of local markets and supermarkets (Auchan, Score) for imported goods.
- Eating out (€150): 10 mid-range meals (€10–€15) + 5 street meals.
- Transport (€40): Ride-hailing (Yango, Heetch) for convenience, not just budget options.
- Gym (€32): Mid-tier gyms (Basic-Fit, Gymlib) or private studios.
- Coworking (€180): Premium spaces (JokkoLabs Pro, CTIC Dakar).
- Entertainment (€150): Cocktails at Skye Bar, beach clubs (Plage de Ngor), or concerts.
Why €2,000–€2,200 net?
- Higher rent deposits: Landlords often require 2–3 months’ rent upfront.
- International health insurance: €100–€150/month for coverage like Cigna Global or Allianz.
- Travel: Flights to Europe (€300–€600 round-trip) or regional trips (Gambia, Cape Verde).
Couple (€2,610/month)
For two people, a net income of €3,200–€3,500/month is realistic. This assumes:
- Rent (€1,100): 2BR in Almadies or Plateau (€900–€1,200).
- Groceries (€300): Shared costs, but imported goods add up.
- Eating out (€300): 20 mid-range meals + 10 street meals.
- Transport (€80): Two ride-hailing users or a shared taxi budget.
- Entertainment (€300): Date nights, beach clubs, and weekend trips.
2. Dakar vs. Milan: Same Lifestyle Costs
In Milan, the same "comfortable" lifestyle (€1
Dakar After Six Months: What Expats Really Experience
Dakar is a city of contradictions—vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating. But what do expats actually report after six months of living here? The answer isn’t simple. The initial awe fades, frustrations mount, and then, slowly, a new rhythm emerges. Here’s the unfiltered truth.
The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone
Expats consistently describe their first two weeks in Dakar as exhilarating. The energy of the city—its bustling markets, the Atlantic coastline, and the warmth of Senegalese hospitality—leaves a strong first impression. Many are struck by:
- The food. Thieboudienne (Senegal’s national dish), fresh seafood at Soumbédioune, and the ubiquitous dibi (grilled lamb) stalls win over even the pickiest eaters. Expats report spending their first paychecks on meals at La Calebasse or Le Lagon 1.
- The nightlife. Dakar’s clubs (Just 4 U, Club Thiossane) and live music venues (Institut Français) keep newcomers out until dawn. The mix of mbalax, Afrobeats, and electronic music is intoxicating.
- The people. Senegalese are famously welcoming, and expats often note how strangers strike up conversations in taxis, markets, and even on the beach. The phrase "Teranga" (hospitality) isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lived experience.
The Frustration Phase (Month 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints
By month three, the honeymoon ends. Expats consistently report four major pain points:
- Traffic. Dakar’s congestion is legendary. A 10-kilometer trip can take 90 minutes during rush hour. Expats describe sitting in gridlock on Route de la Corniche or Vdn (Voie de Dégagement Nord) while taxis honk and motorcycles weave dangerously. Many switch to clandos (shared taxis) for speed, but even those get stuck.
- Bureaucracy. Opening a bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees, getting a SIM card (tip: Airalo eSIM works instantly in 200+ countries, no physical SIM needed), or registering a business can take weeks. Expats recount horror stories of being sent between offices, each demanding a different set of documents. One American expat waited six weeks to get a Senegalese driver’s license—only to be told the paperwork was lost and had to start over.
- Power cuts. Even in upscale neighborhoods like Les Almadies or Point E, blackouts happen 2-3 times a week, sometimes for hours. Expats with home offices invest in generators or solar panels within the first three months.
- Noise. Dakar never sleeps. From the 5 a.m. call to prayer to the 3 a.m. wedding parties in Yoff, expats report chronic sleep deprivation. One French expat moved apartments three times before finding a building with decent soundproofing.
The Adaptation Phase (Month 3-6): What You Learn to Love
By month six, expats stop fighting the city and start embracing it. The things that once frustrated them become part of the charm:
- The rhythm. Dakar runs on Senegal time—meetings start late, but no one cares. Expats learn to slow down, enjoy long lunches, and accept that things won’t happen on schedule.
- The community. Expats form tight-knit groups, especially in areas like Ngor or Mermoz. WhatsApp groups for housing, job leads, and social events become lifelines. Many report making deeper friendships in six months than they did in years back home.
- The affordability (if you earn in euros/dollars). A three-bedroom villa in Les Almadies costs €1,200-1,800/month—a steal compared to Paris or New York. Expats with foreign income live like kings, hiring housekeepers (€100-150/month), drivers (€200-300/month), and private chefs (€300-500/month).
- The resilience. Dakar’s chaos forces expats to adapt. They learn to negotiate taxi fares in Wolof, bargain at Sandaga Market, and fix their own plumbing when the landlord doesn’t respond. Many say they’ve never felt more capable.
The 4 Things Expats Consistently Praise
After six months, expats agree on what they love most:
- The beaches. Plage de Yoff, N’Gor, and Virage are postcard-perfect. Expats report weekend beach days with €5 grilled fish, cold Gazelle beer, and live drum circles—a lifestyle most can’t imagine back home.
- The healthcare. Dakar has world-class private
Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in Dakar, Senegal
Moving to Dakar isn’t just about rent and groceries. The real expenses hit after you sign the lease. Here’s the unvarnished breakdown of 12 hidden costs—with exact figures—no one warns you about.
- Agency fee – EUR771 (1 month’s rent). Dakar’s rental market is opaque. Landlords demand a full month’s rent as an agency fee, even if you find the place yourself.
- Security deposit – EUR1,542 (2 months’ rent). Double the first month’s rent is standard. Some landlords hold it indefinitely, citing "damage" disputes.
- Document translation + notarization – EUR230. Birth certificates, diplomas, and marriage licenses must be translated by a traducteur assermenté (sworn translator) and notarized. Dakar’s notaries charge EUR50–70 per document.
- Tax advisor (first year) – EUR1,200. Senegal’s tax system is a labyrinth. A local expert-comptable charges EUR100–150/hour to navigate residency permits, business registration, and VAT exemptions.
- International moving costs – EUR3,500–5,000. Shipping a 20ft container from Europe costs EUR3,500 (sea freight) or EUR5,000 (air freight). Customs clearance adds EUR800–1,200 in "fees."
- Return flights home (per year) – EUR1,800. Dakar-Paris round-trip averages EUR600–900. Family emergencies or visa renewals mean 2–3 trips annually.
- Healthcare gap (first 30 days) – EUR400. Private insurance takes a month to activate. A single ER visit (e.g., food poisoning) costs EUR150–250. Malaria prophylaxis: EUR50/month.
- Language course (3 months) – EUR600. Wolof is essential. Private tutors charge EUR15–20/hour. Group classes at Alliance Française run EUR200/month.
- First apartment setup – EUR2,500. Furnished rentals are rare. Budget EUR1,200 for a bed, sofa, and table; EUR800 for kitchenware (local markets vs. Mamelles mall markup); EUR500 for AC unit (non-negotiable in Dakar’s heat).
- Bureaucracy time lost – EUR3,000. Senegal’s admin is slow. Residency permits take 3–6 months. Each day without work (or freelance income) costs you EUR100–150 in lost earnings.
- Dakar-specific: Caution (bribe) for utilities – EUR200. SDE (water) and SENELEC (electricity) "inspectors" demand EUR50–100 to "fast-track" connections. Without it, you’ll wait 6+ weeks.
- Dakar-specific: Droit de voirie (street tax) – EUR150. If your building has a storefront or parking, the mairie (city hall) levies an annual "street usage" fee. No invoice—just a knock at your door.
Total first-year setup budget: EUR16,493–18,293
Dakar’s charm doesn’t come cheap. These costs aren’t optional—they’re the price of entry. Budget accordingly.
Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Dakar
- Best neighborhood to start (and why)
Live in Almadies or Ngor if you want a mix of expat comfort and local life—beaches, decent infrastructure, and proximity to the airport. For a more authentic (and cheaper) experience, Mermoz or Point E offer vibrant street life, great cafés, and easier access to downtown. Avoid Plateau unless you love noise, traffic, and overpriced everything.
- First thing to do on arrival
Get a SIM card from Orange or Free Mobile at the airport—skip the tourist stalls and go straight to the official counters. You’ll need it for mobile money (Wave or Orange Money), which locals use for everything. Also, register your phone’s IMEI with Senegalese customs within 48 hours to avoid service blocks.
- How to find an apartment without getting scammed
Never wire money before seeing the place. Use Facebook groups like "Location Appartements Dakar" or "Expats à Dakar"—landlords post there, and you can verify their legitimacy through mutual connections. For short-term stays, Airbnb is overpriced; instead, check Jumia Deals or ask in local WhatsApp groups for sublets.
- The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know)
Wave (mobile money) is non-negotiable—it’s how you’ll pay rent, utilities, and even street vendors. For transport, Yango (like Uber but cheaper) is the go-to, though locals still haggle with clandos (shared taxis). For groceries, Auchan has the best selection, but Marché Sandaga is where you’ll find fresh produce at a third of the price.
- Best time of year to move (and worst)
Move between November and February—cool ocean breezes, no rain, and the city is lively but not suffocating. Avoid June to October (rainy season): flooded streets, power cuts, and humidity that turns your apartment into a sauna. September is the worst—mosquitoes, mold, and everything is damp.
- How to make local friends (not just expats)
Skip the expat bars and join a tontine (rotating savings group)—ask colleagues or neighbors to introduce you. Play football on the beach (Ngor or Yoff) or take a drumming class at Ecole des Sables. Locals respect effort, so learn Wolof basics ("Salaam aleikum," "Jërejëf")—it’ll get you further than French.
- The one document you must bring from home
Bring an apostilled criminal background check (from your home country). You’ll need it for residency permits, and getting it in Dakar is a bureaucratic nightmare. Also, bring extra passport photos—you’ll need them for everything, and local photo studios charge triple for foreigners.
- Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps)
Avoid restaurants on the Corniche—overpriced, mediocre seafood, and aggressive touts. Skip Sandaga Market’s "fixed-price" stalls (they lie) and instead haggle at Marché Kermel or Marché Tilène for spices, fabrics, and souvenirs. For groceries, Score is convenient but Auchan or Casino are better value.
- The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break
Never refuse food or tea when offered—it’s seen as rude, even if you’re full. If you’re invited to a home, bring a small gift (sugar, tea, or pastries from Patisserie Laetitia). And don’t be late—Senegalese time is flexible, but for business or formal events, punctuality matters.
- The single best investment for your first month
Buy a good fan (or two) and a power bank. Power cuts are frequent, and the heat is relentless. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot (like from Orange) is also worth it—home internet is unreliable, and you’ll need it for work. If you can, get a generator—it’s a game-changer during blackouts.
Who Should Move to Dakar (And Who Definitely Should Not)
Move to Dakar if:
You earn €3,000–€6,000 net/month—enough to afford a high-end apartment in Almadies (€1,200–€2,500), private healthcare (€100–€300/month), and frequent flights (€300–€800 round-trip to Europe). Below €2,500, you’ll struggle with comfort; above €8,000, you’re overpaying for what Dakar offers.
Your work is remote-first, location-flexible, or tied to West Africa—tech (Senegal’s startup scene is growing, with incubators like CTIC Dakar), NGOs, diplomacy, or francophone business development. If you’re a freelancer, ensure clients tolerate occasional power cuts (€200–€500/month for a backup generator + Starlink).
You thrive in chaotic, high-context cultures—where relationships matter more than rules, and patience is a survival skill. Dakar rewards extroverts who enjoy haggling, spontaneous invitations, and navigating ambiguity. Introverts who need predictability will burn out.
Your life stage is pre-family or empty-nester—young professionals (25–40) who want adventure without sacrificing career growth, or retirees (55+) who can afford a driver (€300/month) and don’t mind slower services. Families with school-age kids should budget €15,000–€30,000/year for international schools (ISD or EAB).
Avoid Dakar if:
You need Western-level efficiency—bureaucracy moves at a glacial pace (registering a business takes 3–6 months; €500–€2,000 in "facilitation fees").
You can’t tolerate heat, dust, or noise—temperatures hit 35°C (95°F) for 6 months/year, and construction noise is constant. Air conditioning (€150–€400/month) is non-negotiable.
You expect a "cheap" expat paradise—while costs are 40–60% lower than Paris or London, Dakar’s elite neighborhoods (Almadies, Point E) are priced like a mid-tier European city, and imported goods (wine, electronics) cost 30–50% more.
Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)
Day 1: Secure a 30-day Airbnb in Almadies (€1,200–€1,800)
- Book a fully furnished, generator-equipped unit on Airbnb (filter for "24/7 electricity"). Avoid Plateau (noisy, expensive) and Yoff (far from amenities).
- Cost: €1,200–€1,800 (negotiate a 10–15% discount for a 30-day stay).
- Action: Immediately buy a SIM card (Orange or Free, €10) and register for mobile money (Wave or Orange Money, €0). Download Yango (€0) for taxis—Uber is unreliable.
Week 1: Legal Setup & Local Network (€800–€1,500)
- Get a long-stay visa (€150–€300): Apply at the Senegalese consulate in your home country (processing: 2–4 weeks). Required: proof of income (€3,000+/month), accommodation, and health insurance (€100–€300/month).
- Open a bank account (€0–€200): Ecobank or Société Générale (bring passport, visa, proof of address, and €500 minimum deposit).
- Hire a fixer (€200–€500): A local contact (ask expat Facebook groups) to navigate bureaucracy—critical for utilities, residency permits, and avoiding scams.
- Join expat/DN groups: Dakar Digital Nomads (Facebook, €0) and Internations (€100/year). Attend a meetup at La Calebasse (€15–€30 for drinks).
Month 1: Housing & Logistics (€3,000–€5,000)
- Sign a 1-year lease (€1,200–€2,500/month): Target Almadies or Point E. Use Dakar Immo (€0) or a fixer to avoid scams. Non-negotiables: generator, water tank, and 24/7 security (€50–€100/month).
- Set up utilities (€300–€600):
- Electricity (SENELEC): €100–€300/month (plus €200–€500 for a backup generator).
- Water (SONES): €20–€50/month (plus €100–€200 for a water tank).
- Internet: Starlink (€500 upfront + €100/month) or Sonatel Fibre (€50–€100/month, unreliable).
- Buy a used car (€8,000–€15,000) or hire a driver (€300–€500/month): Public transport is unsafe; taxis are expensive long-term. Recommended: Toyota Hilux (€12,000) or Renault Duster (€9,000).
Month 2: Healthcare & Daily Life (€1,000–€2,000)
- Enroll in private health insurance (€100–€300/month): Allianz Care or Cigna Global (covers evacuation to Europe). Local option: Clinique du Cap (€50–€150/visit).
- Find a housekeeper (€100–€200/month) and cook (€200–€300/month): Essential for laundry, cleaning, and meals (local salaries: €5–€10/day).
- Grocery setup: Score Supermarket (imported goods, €100–€300/week) + Marché Sandaga (local produce, €30–€50/week). Avoid: Tap water (€20/month for a filter).
- Learn basic Wolof (€0–€200): Take a 2-week