💵 Quick Facts

Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD, D)
Exchange Rate: ~68 D per $1 USD / ~86 D per £1 GBP
Best to bring: US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds

💱 Live Exchange Rates

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💰 Understanding Gambian Money

The Dalasi (D) is divided into 100 bututs, though bututs are rarely used.

Notes in Circulation

  • D5, D10, D20, D50, D100, D200
  • Larger notes (D100, D200) can be hard to break at small shops

Coins

  • 1D coin is the most common
  • Smaller coins (25, 50 bututs) exist but are rare

💱 Where to Exchange Money

🏦 Banks

Best rates, most secure

  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • Ecobank
  • Trust Bank

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm

🏢 Forex Bureaux

Convenient, good rates

  • Found in tourist areas
  • Longer hours than banks
  • Compare rates before exchanging

🏨 Hotels

Convenient but poor rates

  • Lower rates than banks
  • Use only for small amounts
  • Good for emergency exchange

⚠️ Avoid Street Money Changers

Street exchange is illegal and you risk:

  • Receiving counterfeit notes
  • Being shortchanged
  • Scams and theft
  • Legal trouble

🏧 ATMs

ATMs are available in main tourist areas but can be unreliable:

  • Found at: Senegambia strip, Banjul, Serrekunda
  • Accept: Visa widely, Mastercard sometimes
  • Withdrawal limits: Usually D5,000-10,000 per transaction
  • Tip: Always have cash backup – ATMs run out or break down

ATM Tips

  • Use ATMs during daylight hours
  • Use ATMs at banks rather than standalone machines
  • Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocks
  • Have a backup card from a different bank

💳 Card Payments

Card acceptance is limited in The Gambia:

  • ✅ Large hotels accept cards (often with 3-5% surcharge)
  • ✅ Some upscale restaurants
  • ❌ Most shops, markets, taxis – cash only
  • ❌ Small restaurants and local businesses

💡 Our Recommendation

Bring cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) as your primary source of funds. Use ATMs as backup. Don’t rely on
cards.

💵 How Much to Bring?

Daily Budget Examples

  • Guesthouse: D500-1000
  • Local food: D150-300
  • Transport: D100-200
  • Activities: D200-500

  • 3-star hotel: D3,000-6,000
  • Restaurant meals: D500-1,000
  • Private taxi: D500-1,000
  • Tours/activities: D1,000-2,000

  • 5-star resort: D10,000+
  • Fine dining: D2,000+
  • Private driver: D2,000+
  • Premium tours: D5,000+

💡 Typical Prices

Item Dalasi USD (approx)
Bottle of water (1.5L) D25-40 $0.40-0.60
Local beer (Julbrew) D50-80 $0.80-1.20
Street food meal D50-100 $0.80-1.50
Restaurant meal D200-500 $3-8
Short taxi ride D50-100 $0.80-1.50
Airport to Kololi taxi D500-800 $8-12
SIM card + data D200-500 $3-8

💸 Tipping Culture

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory:

  • Restaurants: 10% for good service
  • Taxi drivers: Round up the fare
  • Hotel staff: D50-100 for porters, housekeeping
  • Tour guides: D100-200 for a good tour
  • Drivers: D50-100 for day trips

✅ Money Tips Summary

  • Bring cash (USD, EUR, or GBP)
  • Exchange at banks or forex bureaux
  • Carry small notes for daily purchases
  • Keep emergency cash hidden separately
  • Don’t flash money in public