The Gambia’s golden beaches, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture make it an exciting destination, where knowing how to manage money is essential for a smooth experience. Whether you’re cruising along the River Gambia, exploring bustling local markets, or relaxing in a beachfront lodge, this guide covers everything you need to know—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in The Gambia (Gambian Dalasi (GMD)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and make the most of The Gambia’s warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty.
How to pay in Gambia – cash or card?
In The Gambia, cash remains the predominant method of payment, especially in rural areas and among smaller businesses. However, there has been a gradual shift towards electronic payments, particularly in urban centers and tourist destinations. The official currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD).
You can use cash for:
Small Businesses and Local Markets: Many small shops, traditional markets, and rural establishments prefer cash transactions.
Transportation: Local taxis and public transportation typically operate on a cash-only basis.
Tips and Gratuities: While service charges may be included in bills, leaving additional tips in cash is customary for exceptional service.
Small Tour Operators
You can use card for:
Hotels and Resorts: Major hotels and resorts in urban areas often accept credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard.
Restaurants and Cafés: Upscale dining establishments, especially in tourist areas, may facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Some supermarkets and larger shops in urban centers accept electronic payments using Visa or MasterCard via POS terminals.
Large Tour Operators
What’s the best currency to take to Gambia
Gambian Dalasi (GMD) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to The Gambia. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, some rural regions and smaller establishments may prefer cash payments. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry some GMD in cash to avoid inconveniences.
Other currencies, such as US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds, are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Gambia
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Gambia. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Gambia
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Gambia
If you’re withdrawing money in Gambia from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Gambia
Bringing a small amount of Gambian Dalasi (GMD) before traveling to Gambia can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, the Gambian Dalasi is a closed currency so unless you already have it from before, you cannot get it outside Gambia.
Withdrawing GMD from ATMs in Gambia is a practical approach to get GMD. Most ATMs accept Visa, while Mastercard and other cards may not always work.
For better exchange rates, it’s recommended to exchange money in Gambia at banks or licensed exchange bureaus rather than at the airport or hotels, where rates may be less favorable.
Carrying a mix of cash (preferably USD, EUR, or GBP) and cards is advisable. Many businesses in tourist areas accept foreign currencies, but it’s best to have some local cash for markets, transportation, and smaller shops.
Where to withdraw money in Gambia
You can withdraw money in Gambia at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
Where to exchange currency in Gambia
You can exchange currency in Gambia at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
Authorized Money Exchange Bureaus: These are prevalent in tourist areas such as Kololi, Bijilo, Fajara, and Kotu. They often offer competitive rates, especially if you’re exchanging larger sums. Notable bureaus include: Kharagne Lowe Financial Exchange Bureau Company, Barry’s Bureau de Change, Cham & Associates.
Banks: Most banks in The Gambia provide currency exchange services with competitive rates. It’s advisable to compare rates between banks and exchange bureaus to secure the best deal.
Hotels: Some hotels offer currency exchange services for their guests. While convenient, the rates may not be as favorable as those offered by banks or authorized exchange bureaus.
You can find good currency exchanges in Gambia using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including The Gambia.
Avoid Parallel Market Money Changers: It’s advisable to avoid street hawkers offering currency exchange services, as they may not be authorized and could pose risks such as getting counterfeit currency.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Gambia safe?
Carrying cash in The Gambia requires caution due to the prevalence of petty street crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from vehicles, especially in crowded areas, markets, beaches, and hotels. To minimize risks:
- Carry only necessary amounts: Bring only the cash you need for daily expenses.
- Use secure storage: Keep valuables, including passports and large sums of money, in a hotel safe or another secure location.
- Be discreet: Avoid displaying cash and valuable items in public.
- Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and tourist areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night: Stick to well-lit, populated areas and consider traveling in groups after dark.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Gambia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
