US to Senegal Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2025)

Known for its beautiful beaches and delicious food, Senegal is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for travelers all around the world. As in most developing countries, all the conveniences of the Western world are available here, but not as readily.

While you will find plenty of places to charge your devices in major cities, blackouts occur semi-frequently, and electricity is harder to come by if you’re traveling through rural areas. Use this quick guide to understand how to best prepare for your trip abroad!

Which power outlets do they use in Senegal?

Here is an actual photo of a Senegal power outlet

In Senegal, power plugs Type C, D, E, and K are all used. Type C is the standard European power plug, and it also accepts Type E plugs. The Type D power plugs you will find in Senegal are also common in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and a few African countries. While Type E plugs are also common in a few Western European countries, Type K plugs are of Danish origin. If you come to Senegal from any of these countries, some of your devices may not need adapters.

Keep in mind that the standard voltage in Senegal is 230 Volts, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. While most of the world uses 220-240 volts, the US, Canada, American Samoa, and a few other places use 120 V, so you may need a converter.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Senegal?

Recommended Senegal power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

If you’re coming from the United States, you will absolutely need a power adapter to use your electronics in Senegal. If you live in China, many parts of Europe, Nigeria, etc., you will need a power adapter as well.

A universal travel adapter works in over 100 countries, so you can use it in Senegal and beyond! It will work with C, E, and K power plugs in Senegal, so all the ones you will encounter except power plug type D. The adapter takes inputs from US, Australia, UK, and EU plugs, and it comes with two USB ports that are optimized for fast charging cellphones! It even comes backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality.

Other Senegal Packing List Items

1. Neck Wallet

This neck wallet is great for security and staying organized. I don’t tackle international travel days without it since it can hold all of your documents in one location, on your person, without flaunting that you’re a tourist. As with many parts of the world, pickpocketing is an issue in Senegal, so it’s best not to make it too obvious that you’re a visitor. You can wear this under your shirt so no one will even see your essentials.

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2. Filtered Water Bottle

The tap water in Senegal is not considered safe to drink and has a high bacteria level that can make people sick. We recommend opting for the higher-quality filtered water bottle, so you can maintain control over your own water supply and fill up even when filtration is not available.

This Grayl is our go-to, it’s a little pricey but the quality reflects it – removing bacteria, viruses, sediment, microplastics, pesticides, and more. It’s cheaper than being rushed to the hospital for e. Coli or Schistosomiasis, a common virus found in the water here. You never know if plastic water bottles will be for sale, particularly in remote areas, so this is your safest bet.

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3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

There have been national attacks in Senegal, including an anonymous hacker group making multiple attacks on several of the Senegalese government websites! You do not want to risk your cybersecurity while abroad, take it from me as someone who has had their credit card number stolen by joining public networks that I thought were safe.

The best way to counteract any creepy onlookers trying to steal your sensitive data like passwords and financial numbers – is by using a VPN to encrypt your data. It will protect you from any online monitoring since it gives you an anonymous IP address. Get it before booking your flight to minimize any geo-targeted pricing for cheaper airfare. It will also help you bypass regional censorship that much of Africa and the East can be prone to (ensuring you won’t be blocked from using your favorite sites like YouTube, Netflix, PayPal, and more).

View options at NordVPN.com

4. Jet Lag Relief

The journey to Senegal is LONG! And these pills are meant to help with fatigue, disorientation, and sleep disruptions you may experience while traveling. The ingredients include wild chamomile, leopard’s banes, and ipecac. It helps you adjust to new time zones more quickly, so they arrive at your destination awake and ready to explore rather than feeling groggy and disoriented.

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5. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

This charger is small but mighty! You can easily fit it in your daypack or suitcase, and it can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about. Because of the possibility of blackouts in Senegal, it’s especially important to carry one of these, so you can still use your phone if you’re low on charge and there’s no electricity. It’s a great investment for any traveler.

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6. Travel Insurance for Senegal

Unexpected things happen all the time, especially when you venture far from the comfort of your home. Your domestic provider does not cover you abroad in most cases, and you do not want to get stuck paying out-of-pocket for unnecessary bills. Delays and trip interruptions have unfortunately become a common part of flying lately, and insurance can help you withstand some of the costs that come with that.

It can also come in handy in the event of a medical emergency, so if you have any underlying health issues, you’ll probably feel much more at ease if you purchase some coverage before your next trip. Faye is our favorite for the 100% digital experience and stellar customer service!

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye

7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

This is the perfect umbrella for traveling. It’s really lightweight, windproof, and very easy to open and close. Though it’s compact, it provides more coverage than the average umbrella, so it’s easy to share with someone else. All of that, on top of the lifetime guarantee, makes it a no-brainer of a purchase.

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8. Activated Charcoal

I always pack these activated charcoal tablets. These work as detoxifiers to withdraw any harmful pathogens from the body and remove them before they are absorbed into your stomach. You’ll want to immerse yourself in the local fare, but cuisine can vary greatly from what you’re used to at home. From street food to gourmet dining to simple ice cubes in a Coca-Cola, anything can make you sick on vacation where the local bacteria is new, but these natural supplements will get you on your feet much quicker!

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9. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

These locks require four-digit combinations, making them exponentially harder to open than three-digit locks. They’re TSA approved and thoughtfully designed in such a way that agents must relock before removing their keys. These come in a 2-pack and are great for use all around the world.

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10. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Senegal bathrooms are often squat toilets (a hole in the ground), and while your resort may be more upscale, you still never know what kind of bathroom situation you’ll run into. We never fail to bring our hanging toiletry bag because it’s one of our favorite discoveries in years!

Keeping everything at eye-level, it mitigates the commotion of cluttered countertops and hotel rooms. You probably won’t have tons of storage space but this really helps you stay zen since everything is organized and has its own place. We can fit the entire family’s toiletries in this, including my wife’s skincare, so it’s been a game-changer!

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11. Cooling Towel

The hottest temperature recorded in Senegal is 53 °C (128°F). And while you may not hit record heat, it’s still a balmy and warm destination that you should pack cooling towels for. These little gems are chemical-free yet work like magic to keep you cool. Simply add water and it will drop to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temp for up to an hour. When the effects wear off, just add more water and wring it out! We use these for gym days, concerts, long lines at amusement parks, and definitely warm destinations that we travel to. It will make all the difference!

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12. Luggage Straps

Nearly 25 million bags per year are damaged or lost, but these keep your bags from exploding open at inopportune times (like when it’s deep in the matrix of the airport’s conveyor belt or being tossed with force into a pile of other bags!) I had a buddy’s bag fall apart on him between flights, we were able to strap it together using these adjustable belts and all was well!

The bright colors also help you see your bag more quickly at baggage claim, and everyone wants to speed up that process. Not to mention, the built-in ID tags are perfect for locating your bags and being easy to contact in case anything gets lost.

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13. Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are great for staying organized while you’re traveling. Each set comes with 5 different sizes, so you can easily pick the ones you need based on the length of your trip. We bring them all sometimes and use each for different purposes like pants, tops, shoes, socks, essentials, etc. You can opt for a 3-pack instead of the 5-pack if you prefer to start small, either way, you also get a bonus laundry bag!

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14. Mosquito-Repellent Wristbands

Mosquitos are the culprit of many diseases in Senegal, including the most common risk of Malaria. While you will probably obtain Malaria-preventative medicine before embarking for Senegal, you should also bring these wearable wristbands that will deter annoying bugs! These work naturally to repel mosquitos and minimize painful and itchy bites. We like that you don’t have to respray all day, and these can be worn around the wrists and ankles.

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15. Lightweight Binoculars with Phone Adapter

With epic safaris to embark on, you’ll want a nice pair of binoculars to see things in high-def! This is part of the reason you came to Africa, and you don’t want to squint across the savannah to see the breathtaking sights. These will give you 12X magnification, and we prefer this pair for travel since they’re super lightweight and actually connect to your phone, which means you can take pictures or see the footage on your mobile device.

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What’s the electricity and power supply like in Senegal?

About 79% of Senegal has access to power. The Senegalese government hopes to achieve universal access in the next few years as part of its plan to make Senegal an emerging economy by 2025. Projects in the works are meant to help fill the gap and to address the disparity in electricity access between urban and rural areas.

Currently, electricity is pretty expensive in Senegal, so one of the government’s goals is to make it more affordable. Blackouts also happen semi-frequently, with one estimate finding an average of six blackouts per month in the country. Looking forward, there is considerable potential for solar and wind power in Senegal. Senegal’s first wind farm opened in 2019. A solar power station opened in 2022, further advancing the country’s goal of reducing fossil fuel reliance for electricity.

Do I need a voltage converter for Senegal?

The standard voltage is 230 V in Senegal and 120 V in the US. So if you’re coming from the US, you will need a voltage converter to use large appliances like a hair dryer, straightener, or curling Iron in Senegal.

Be sure to check the standard voltage in your respective country to determine if you need a converter. You can seriously damage your electronics if you forget to use a voltage converter for appliances that need it. The good news is that chargers for many common appliances, like laptops, cameras, and cell phones are dual-voltage and typically don’t need converters these days.

Other FAQs about traveling in Senegal

1. What foods should I try while in Senegal?

The national dish of Senegal is Ceebu Jen, a fish and rice dish served with an array of vegetables. Generally speaking, seafood is a big part of Senegalese cuisine, whether it’s fried fish, lobster, sea urchin, etc. There are many Senegalese dishes inspired by other cultures. Things like nem (a take on Vietnamese spring rolls), shawarma, brochette, and couscous are also important Senegalese foods.

Lastly, it’s a crime to leave the country without trying dibi, a grilled meat dish served with grilled onions, mustard, and bread. It’s too heavenly to accurately describe with words. You just have to go try some!

2. What’s the best time of year to visit Senegal?

Senegal has two seasons; a wet season and a dry season. Keep in mind that as a Subsaharan country, it never gets very cold, regardless of the season. With that said, December and January are the coolest months of the year in Senegal. You probably want to avoid going in April, May, or June, as these are the hottest months. It’s also important to consider that the risk of malaria increases during the wet season. For this reason, some recommend going during the dry season, between October and May.

3. What are must-sees in Senegal?

There’s a lot to do and see in Senegal, so it depends on the length of your trip. Two must-sees are Lake Retba (the Pink Lake) and Goree Island. Lake Retba is famous for two reasons: its color and salt content. The lake gets its pink color from a bacteria called Dunaliella salina. This bacteria is present because of the lake’s high salt content. Similarly to the Dead Sea, it’s easy to float in Lake Retba because of this salt content.

You can see the lake via canoe rides and purchase salt from the lake from locals who harvest it sustainably.

Meanwhile, Goree Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to have been one of the largest slave-trading centers on the African Coast. The island features a memorial, The House of Slaves, including The Door of No Return, which commemorates the last slaves saw of their continent before being put in slave ships.

4. Is Senegal safe for solo female travelers?

Keep in mind that no country on Earth is 100% safe. With that said, Senegal is generally safe for female solo travelers. There are some precautions you should take, however. Try not to make it too obvious that you’re a tourist. If you’re lost, ask for directions inside shops, rather than asking strangers on the street. Don’t walk around alone at night. Take taxis instead.

If you plan to go out at night, ask your hotel for recommendations of reputable places. Like every place, some neighborhoods are safer than others, so it’s good to ask around about clubs or parties you’re thinking of attending before you venture out on your own.

5. Is Senegal a French-speaking country?

Senegal was colonized by the French, and French remains the country’s official language. There are over 39 languages spoken in Senegal, with Wolof being the dominant local one. Other languages commonly spoken are Arabic, Serer, Fula, and Diola.

While French is the language of business and many official matters, it is not the language of the home or the heart of the Senegalese people. However, it is an essential lingua franca, since the country consists of many different tribes, cultures, and local languages.

US to Senegal Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2025)

Table of contents

Which power outlets do they use in Senegal?

What kind of power adapter do I need for Senegal?