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Country Guide > Africa > Gambia


Money

Currency
Gambian Dalasi (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.

Currency exchange
There is a bank/bureau de change (Meridien Bank) at the airport operating during scheduled flights. The capital, Banjul, also has a number of banks where foreign currencies can be exchanged. Some hotels and tourist resorts also offer foreign exchange facilities, but tend to charge high commissions. ATMs are available in large urban areas.

Credit & debit cards
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels if arranged at the beginning of the stay. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Dalasi against Sterling and the US Dollar:
DateMay '04Aug '04Nov '04Jan '05
£1.00=52.2454.8155.9057.27
$1.00=29.2529.7529.5030.33


Currency restrictions
The thriving black market for hard currency is officially discouraged, and visitors must complete a currency declaration form on arrival. Currency from Algeria, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tunisia is neither accepted nor exchanged. There are no restrictions on the import of local or other foreign currencies. Export of local or other foreign currencies is up to the amount imported. CFA Francs are accepted. Local currency may be difficult to exchange outside the country but there are no restrictions on its import and export.

Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0800-1330, Fri 0800-1100. Some banks open on Saturday and opening hours may vary from place to place.


   
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