The Gambia Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Banjul
- Currency
- Gambian Dalasi (GMD D)
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from November to February brings pleasant weather and peak birdwatching, before the humid summer rains.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities, including ECOWAS and several visa-exempt countries, enter without a visa for short stays; check your eligibility before travel.
Getting around
Shared bush taxis and minibuses (gelly-gellys) connect towns, river ferries cross to the north bank, and yellow taxis serve tourist areas.
Safety
Mainland Africa's smallest country is friendly and generally safe, with petty theft and persistent 'bumster' touts the main nuisances along the coast. Take normal precautions and politely but firmly decline unwanted guides.
Tipping customs
Tipping around 10% in restaurants is appreciated and small gratuities for guides and drivers are customary.
Travel tips
Carry dalasi in cash as card acceptance is limited outside resorts, and bring euros or pounds to exchange. English makes travel easy, and a friendly but firm manner deters touts. Buy an Africell or QCell SIM for affordable data.