Gambia, The
Gambian Dalasi (GMD) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of GMD100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of GMD1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bututs.
The thriving black market for hard currency is officially discouraged, and visitors must complete a currency declaration form on arrival. Currency from Algeria, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tunisia is neither accepted nor exchanged. There are no restrictions on the import of local or other foreign currencies. Export of local or other foreign currencies is up to the amount imported. CFA Francs are accepted. Local currency may be difficult to exchange outside the country but there are no restrictions on its import and export.
Mon-Thurs 0800-1330, Fri 0800-1100 (banks in Banjul); Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1600-1800, Sat 0800-1300 (banks elsewhere).
There is a bank/bureau de change (Meridien Bank) at the airport operating during scheduled flights. The capital, Banjul, also has a number of banks where foreign currencies can be exchanged. Some hotels and tourist resorts also offer foreign exchange facilities, but tend to charge high commissions. ATMs are available in large urban areas, but are not always reliable. As The Gambia is a cash economy travelers are advised to carry sufficient currency to cover expenses of a planned visit.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels if arranged at the beginning of the stay. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Due to credit card and bank fraud, caution is advised when using credit cards and ATMs.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
