Gambia Travel Guide - Money

Gambian Dalasi (GMD; symbol D) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of D100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of D1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bututs.

There is a bank/bureau de change (Trust Bank) at the airport (Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1230). The capital, Banjul, and the nearby towns of Serrekunda, Bakau, Fajara and Kololi have a number of banks where foreign currencies can be exchanged. Exchange bureaux are found in all the main tourist resorts. Some hotels also offer foreign exchange facilities, but tend to charge high commissions. As The Gambia is a cash economy travellers are advised to carry sufficient currency to cover expenses of a planned visit.

While some hotels will accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa if arranged at the beginning of the stay, many local businesses only accept payment by cash or traveller's cheques. ATMs are available in large urban areas, but are few in number and not always reliable. Due to credit card and bank fraud, caution is advised when using credit cards and ATMs.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or Euros.

Restrictions apply.

Mon-Thurs 0800-1330, Fri 0800-1100 (banks in Banjul); Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1600-1800, Sat 0800-1300 (banks elsewhere).