Moving to Senegal
If you have decided to relocate to Senegal, take your time when choosing your removal company. This is the most important step, and you should not rush into it. Set up an appointment with a relocation counsellor for an in-house estimate. Make a list of all the objects that require special care (glassware, mirrors, pieces of art etc.) and make sure to specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes etc.).
Planning your move to Senegal
Search online or use local directories to find a mover in Senegal and get a free quote. Be sure to look for companies that offer a one-stop-shop service to get all your goods from your old home to your new home, including all customs handling
Make an estimate
Prices will, of course, vary depending on your situation and country of origin, but when getting a quote, be sure to think about:
- Origin address - where removers will pack and load your belongings
- Destination address in Senegal - where removers will unload your belongings
- Volume or weight of your stuff
- Types of transportation required (by air, truck, ship)
- Nature of the services (the 'terms and conditions' and damage insurance)
- Payment plans.
Usually, removal companies unload your belongings directly at the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses, and you have to pick them up yourself afterwards, which wastes time and adds costs. Check your moving contract carefully.
Making a list
Make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings to establish a value statement. The value statement is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage of your belongings.
Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Carefully read the terms and conditions of your contract to find out more about transportation and the handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because, without it, an estimate cannot be established.
Damage insurance
Damage insurance will then be proposed by the carrier. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost of the insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.
Waybill
Finally, you must sign the waybill before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead.
Regarding removal payment plans, a deposit is usually paid before loading, and the balance must be paid upon delivery. A payment plan must be arranged with the removal company in any case.
Important:
In general, carriers handle customs paperwork for you (customs clearance etc.) For more security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers).
Importing your belongings into Senegal
When deciding what belongings to bring with you to Senegal, you should first think about what you might need (for your job, leisure activities and your home etc.) before seeing whether it's better to buy that good in Senegal or import it. You will want to think about tax implications, availability of the goods in Senegal and customs rules.
For example, if you are moving into an unfurnished home, you may want to bring furniture with you (there are a few department stores in Dakar that sell furniture, but they can be expensive).
Besides, you might want to bring your vehicle with you. In Senegal, you can import your car if it is under eight years old, but you must pay an import tax of 58% of its value. For new personal effects, expect to pay between 35% to 55% of the good's value to import them into Senegal.
Prohibited or restricted items in Senegal
In Senegal, it is prohibited to import the following items:
- Obscene publications (cassettes, video, journals or any other things against common decency etc.)
- Illegal drugs
- Subversive publications that may disturb public law and order.
Also, the following items require special approval or procedures before they can be imported:
- Weapons and munitions
- Transceivers
- Drugs (other than those for personal use)
- Meat, giblets and offal
- Double concentrated tomato
- Protected animal species
- Hydrocarbons
- Gold
- Currencies over the value of one billion CFA.
If in doubt, contact the communications department of Senegal's Customs Headquarters.
Address: Bloc des Madeleines, Avenue Peytavin x Boulevard de la République
Phone: 33 839 00 00
Email: spdgd@douanes.sn
Good to know:
Contact the Senegal embassy or consulate for more information about relocation in the country, customs, prohibited items etc.
Useful links:
FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers
FIDI - International Federation of International Movers
Moving to Senegal Customs Guide
Senegal Customs
