Gambia Travel Guide

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Shopping

Souvenirs can be bought at shops and stalls in the resort hotels, in Banjul's Albert Market and the various bengdulas (craft markets) in the resort areas. Popular purchases include colorful batik wall hangings, handmade clothing, woodcarvings, bead jewelry and traditional djembé drums. Beaded belts and ladies' handbags are also popular, as are books and albums made from recycled paper and West African handicrafts using straw, beads, leather, cloth or metal. Fajara, Kololi, Serrekunda and Brikama have a few shops and market stalls which supply African tribal curios such as masks and textiles.

Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri-Sat 0900-1300. Some shops may stay open until 2200.

Currency

Gambian Dalasi (GMD; symbol D) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of D100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of D1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bututs.

Currency Exchange

There is a bank/bureau de change (Trust Bank) at the airport (Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1230). The capital, Banjul, and the nearby towns of Serrekunda, Bakau, Fajara and Kololi have a number of banks where foreign currencies can be exchanged. Exchange bureau are found in all the main tourist resorts. Some hotels also offer foreign exchange facilities, but tend to charge high commissions. As The Gambia is a cash economy travelers are advised to carry sufficient currency to cover expenses of a planned visit.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

While some hotels will accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa if arranged at the beginning of the stay, many local businesses only accept payment by cash or traveler's checks. ATMs are available in large urban areas, but are few in number and not always reliable. Due to credit card and bank fraud, caution is advised when using credit cards and ATMs.

Travelers Checks

Not recommended.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Exported currency must not exceed the amount imported.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1330, Fri 0800-1100 (banks in Banjul); Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1600-1800, Sat 0800-1300 (banks elsewhere).

Exchange Rate

These rates are a guide only, and, although updated regularly, are subject to change as they are not openly tradable currencies. The Currency Exchange section above details the most commonly used currency in this country.