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Money & duty free for Gambia

Currency information: 

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.

Credit cards: 

While some mid-range and top-end hotels will accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa if arranged at the beginning of the stay, most 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.

ATM: 

ATMs are available in large urban areas and at some banks and some petrol stations in Banjul, 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.

Travellers cheques: 

Not recommended although AMEX travellers cheques can be changed at some bank branches in Banjul.

Banking hours: 

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

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Exported currency must not exceed the amount imported.

Currency exchange: 

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.

Gambia duty free

The following goods may be imported into The Gambia, by travellers over 18, without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (or mixed to the same total weight).
• 1L of spirits.
• 1L of wine or beer.
• Goods up to a value of D1,000 (members of families travelling together may aggregate their individual allowances provided no single article exceeds D1,000 in value).

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