Gambia, The
Businessmen wear jackets and ties for business meetings. A personal approach is important in Gambian business circles. Punctuality is appreciated and it is advisable to take business cards, although their use is not widespread. Office hours are normally 0800-1600 Monday to Thursday; 0800-1230 Friday.
Crime is considered low (according to INTERPOL, higher than in Japan and lower than in the US), but attacks on tourists are increasing. Do not take valuables or large sums of money to the beach or display them in public. For valuables or identity documents, use the hotel safe. The more popular beaches are usually manned by tourist police or hotel security. Visiting isolated beaches is riskier and would require particular vigilance. Theft from vehicles is also increasing; do not leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Petty street crime is a problem and as in any country, be aware of pickpockets in crowded market areas.
Visitors and expatriate residents have reported residential and automobile burglaries, including theft from occupied cars stopped in traffic with the windows open or doors unlocked. Long-term residents should hire a security guard for their home to prevent burglary and theft.
There has been a recent upsurge in attempts by criminals to gain access to residential compounds by subterfuge. This has been noted especially in the Manjai-Kotu and Upper Saloum areas. Resident expatriates should exercise caution when granting access to their compounds and should instruct guards and household staff to be vigilant against letting unknown persons gain access. Make sure they are informed in advance of any legitimate repairmen who may need to enter.
The most recent schemes involve a person or persons claiming to know or work for someone in the house who ask to be let into the compound to speak to the “boss” or their friend. Once inside the compound, they can determine ease of entry, security measures, and locate items to steal on a future break-in.
Another scheme involves thieves gaining direct access to the residence, often by telling a guard or housekeeper that they were asked by the resident to perform repair work. The thieves carry a box into the house containing a fake replacement part or other materials, and then load the box with items to steal.
Recently there have been several reports of violent crimes against women. Women should avoid walking alone on the beach and in tourist areas, particularly in the evening.
Credit cards are not recommended in The Gambia, firstly because they are not widely accepted (see “Further Notes” below) and secondly because there have been cases of foreigners' credit card numbers being sent abroad and their accounts accessed without their knowledge. U.S. citizens have also reported their credit and ATM card numbers stolen after purchases at local stores or withdrawals from ATM machines in The Gambia.
Except for regular roadblocks, there is limited visibility of police presence in Banjul and the surrounding areas. The ability of the police to respond quickly is also virtually nonexistent. Police lack basic training, equipment and resources such as radios and vehicles. The police is a reactionary force and cannot maintain any large-scale or long-term proactive operations. Travelers should report crime to the police and to their embassy.
The number of hotels has increased greatly in recent years and is expected to continue to increase as tourism takes hold in the country. Most of the hotels are self-contained complexes set in spacious gardens and will generally cater for most tourist needs. Bedrooms will not always be air-conditioned.
Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 220. Outgoing international code: 00. The country has an automatic telephone-system. There are nine GAMTEL offices in Banjul offering Fax service, some on a 24-hour basis. Telex/telegram services are run by GAMTEL, Cameron Street in Banjul. There are several GAMTEL branches in Banjul with telex stations. Post office hours: 0800-1300 Monday to Friday; 0800-1100 Saturday.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round 3-pin or square 3-pin (15 or 13 amps).
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round three-pin or square three-pin (15 or 13 amps).
Social conventions
Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Nanga def (‘How are you?’) is the traditional greeting. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages on both banks of the River Gambia. Travelers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.
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Western food is available at most tourist hotels and restaurants, as is traditional Gambian delicacies.National specialties:
• Benachin (also called ‘Jollof Rice’, a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables).
• Base nyebe (rich stew of chicken or beef with green beans and other vegetables).
• Chere (steamed millet flour balls).
• Domodah (meat stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice).
• Plasas (meat and smoked fish cooked in palm oil with green vegetables) served with fu-fu or mashed cassava chura-gertek (a sweet porridge consisting of pounded groundnuts, rice and milk).
• Mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, papayas and oranges.National drinks:
• Spirits, beers and wines.
• Jul Brew is the local specialty beer.
• Fresh fruit juice.Tipping:
10 per cent service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills. Although if the service calls for it a further tip can be given.Nightlife
In general the nightlife is subdued, although there are nightclubs and bars in Bakau, Banjul, Farjara and Serrekunda. There are organized performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and dancing, and also fire-eating displays.
