 |
Gambia Basics |
|
The Basics
Time: Local time is GMT.
Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style, square three-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The Gambia's currency is the Dalasi (GMD), which is divided into
100 bututs. Dalasi are difficult to obtain outside of The Gambia
but there is a bureau de change at the airport. Currency can also
be exchanged at banks in the capital, Banjul, and at some hotels
and tourist resorts. Commission tends to be high. It is advisable
to bring travellers cheques or cash because only a few places
accept credit cards. Street moneychangers give the best rates, but
take care not to be conned and make sure you know the current
exchange rate before trading with them. Note that currency must be
declared on arrival and the export of foreign currency is limited
to the amount imported. Travellers cheques are accepted, US dollars
and Pounds Sterling are the preferred currency. Some hotels and
restaurants accept MasterCard and Visa, but it is unwise to rely on
them and a charge may be levied. ATMs are limited to a few areas,
and accept Visa but not MasterCard.
Currency Exchange Rates |
|||||||
| GMD1.00 = | US$ 0.03 | £ 0.02 | C$ 0.03 | A$ 0.03 | R 0.28 | € 0.03 | NZ$ 0.04 |
Language: The official language of Gambia is English, and Gambians are educated in English. There are several tribal languages, but overall the use of English prevails.
Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. A visa is required. Visas may be obtained on arrival for passengers arriving on charter flights or as part of a tour package.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. For British passport holders (irrespective of the endorsement contained therein regarding their national status), no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. A visa is required. Visas may be obtained on arrival for passengers arriving on charter flights or as part of a tour package.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. A visa is required. Visas may be obtained on arrival for passengers arriving on charter flights or as part of a tour package.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Gambia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require a return ticket or proof of onward travel, sufficient funds to cover their stay in Gambia, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Those requiring visas to enter Gambia, AND arriving from countries that do not have an embassy or consulate of Gambia, may be issued with a visa on arrival. Passengers on a package tour, or arriving on a charter flight, are also able to obtain a visa on arrival; but, if required, an extension of stay must be obtained within 48 hours from the Immigration Headquarters in Banjul. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Gambia, if arriving in the country after leaving or transiting through an infected area. If a yellow fever certificate is required, but missing, the passenger will be vaccinated on arrival. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health: No inoculations are compulsory for entry to Gambia, but it is recommended that travellers take health advice at least three weeks before departing for the country. Malaria is prevalent throughout the year, but the greatest risk is between June and November; travellers should obtain up to date medical advice on the appropriate prophylactics, as some (e.g. chloroquine) are not adequate for Gambia. Visitors are advised to carry preparations for dehydration, stomach upsets, insect bites and cuts, as well as mosquito repellent and sun block, as these are not readily available in Gambia. Water borne diseases such as Schistosomiasis do occur and travellers should not swim or raft in contaminated fresh water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, ensure meat and vegetables are well cooked and avoid unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Emergency medical facilities are of a low standard so travel insurance with provision for emergency repatriation is recommended.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, and further tipping is discretionary. Generally all services rendered require a small 'cadeau' (gift or tip).
Safety Information: Crime involving tourists is rare in the Gambia and safety is not a major concern. It is wise, however, not to carry valuables or large sums of money or display them in public. The most popular beaches are manned by tourist police or hotel security officers. Take precautions on more isolated beaches, in unlit areas and in spots away from the 'tourist track'. Driving in Gambia can be hazardous and many taxis are not roadworthy. Security checkpoints are common on all major roads within the country. Road travel from Gambia to southern Senegal should be avoided due to fighting between rebel factions in the area and incidents with bandits.
Local Customs: The Gambia is a Muslim country and therefore it is disrespectful to dress immodestly away from the beach, swimming pools or tourist centres. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal. It is prohibited to photograph military institutions.
Business: Business is conducted formally in The Gambia and a formal dress code is to be observed. Punctuality is expected. Business cards are catching on and advisable to bring along. Greetings are important and a formal handshake is the norm for men and women; it is important to acknowledge every member at a meeting. A personal approach to business is favoured and Gambians like to get to know the person with whom they are conducting business. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for The Gambia is +220. The outgoing international code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). No area codes are required. There are GSM mobile telephone networks, but not all countries have roaming agreements; US mobile phones will not work. Coverage is limited to Banjul and a few other areas. Internet cafes are available in Banjul and the major tourist resorts.
Duty Free: Visitors arriving in the Gambia are permitted to bring the following goods into the country without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; one litre of spirits and one litre of wine or beer; 284ml of perfume; and a still camera and film for personal use.