Money and duty free for Gambia

Currency and Money

Currency information

Gambian Dalasi (GMD; symbol D) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of D100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of D1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bututs.

Note: Only 25 and 50 bututs and D1 coins are in circulation. Also, in August 2019, the Central Bank of The Gambia released new dalasi notes which don’t include the portrait of former president Yahya Jammeh. The new notes are D200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

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

AMEX travellers’ cheques can be changed at some bank branches in Banjul.

Banking hours

Times may vary depending on the bank and whether it’s in a city or not. Generally, opening hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1230. Banks may be closed during the middle of the day for lunch.

Currency restrictions

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. 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 can be 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

Overview

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
• 1L of wine or beer
• 250cl of perfume
• Goods up to a value of D1,000

Import Regulations

Fake money, pornographic material and narcotics.