The Gambia, known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, is a compact but diverse destination with beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring Banjul’s bustling markets, cruising along the River Gambia, or relaxing in the seaside town of Kololi, understanding how to manage cash is crucial. While digital payments are growing, cash remains the dominant payment method, especially in smaller businesses and rural areas. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in The Gambia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a hassle-free trip.
Where to find ATMs in Gambia?
You can find ATMs in:
- Urban Areas: In Banjul, the capital city, and the surrounding urban areas like Serrekunda, ATMs are available, especially near bank branches and major commercial centers. Banks such as Trust Bank Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank (GT Bank), and Standard Chartered Bank operate ATMs in these regions.
- Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Kololi, Kotu, and Bakau have ATMs in their vicinity, often within or near hotels and tourist facilities. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.
- Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in urban centers before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Gambia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Gambia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Access Bank,
- Ecobank, and
- GT Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some international banks also have their ATMs in Gambia namely Standard Chartered.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Gambia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Gambia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in GMD).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in GMD’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Gambia?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Gambia. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Please note – some ATMs accept only Visa and some only Mastercard. Others like JCB, American Express, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Gambia are usually found by a signage of word ‘ATM’ is widely used or signage has bank name without the words ‘ATM’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in The Gambia primarily offer English as the main language. While the country is linguistically diverse, with languages such as Mandinka, Pulaar, and Wolof spoken by significant portions of the population, ATMs typically do not provide options in these local languages. If you’re not familiar with English, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Gambia?
ATMs in Gambia dispense cash in Gambian Dalasi (GMD), a closed currency that can only be exchanged within the country. Use ATMs upon arrival and convert leftover Dalasi before leaving, as it’s hard to exchange abroad.
ATM withdrawal limits in Gambia?
ATMs in Gambia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of GMD 3,000 to GMD 4,000 per transaction. One bank also allows to withdraw as much as the card’s limit, in one transaction. Some ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit of GMD 10,000 while some ATMs do not have daily withdrawal limits for foreign card holders.
ATM Fees in Gambia
There are no fee-free ATMs in Gambia. Many bank ATMs in Gambia charge between GMD 180 to GMD 200 (Gambian Dalasi) as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you don’t have any fee-free options of ATMs in Rwanda.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Gambia. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Gambia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Gambia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Gambia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Gambia.
Safety at ATMs
The Gambia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are available in urban areas, particularly in Banjul and tourist regions. However, instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, have been reported, especially in crowded markets and public transportation hubs. It’s advisable to use ATMs located within bank premises or reputable establishments to minimize potential risks. Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals. Additionally, due to occasional technical issues with ATMs, it’s recommended to carry some cash as a backup. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Gambia takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Gambia?
No, its not possible. There are no fee-free ATMs in Gambia. Many bank ATMs in Gambia charge between GMD 180 to GMD 200 (Gambian Dalasi) as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you don’t have any fee-free options of ATMs in Rwanda.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Gambia
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in The Gambia.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Gambia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No Barclays ATMs.
HSBC: There are no HSBC ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: Yes, there are Standard Chartered ATMs here.
