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VISITOR INFO
MONEY
Official Currency: 100 Bututs=1 dalasi
Coins are of the denominations- 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 bututs and 1 Dalasi.
Notes of 5, 10, 25 and 50 Dalasi. In some
banks travellers cheques are exchanged for a higher rate than cash. At
the Standard Chartered Bank in Banjul, UK cheques (up to £50max) will
sometimes be cashed if you have a cheque guarantee card. American
Express Credit Card is accepted in most hotels but it is wise to
arrange this at the start of your stay.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking:
Monday to Thursday:
0800-1300 Friday: 0800-1100
Saturday and Sunday are holidays but you can usually change money with a
money-changer.
Shopping:
Monday to Friday:
0930-1200 and 1430-1800 Saturday:
0900-1200
Governmental Offices:
Monday to Thursday:
0800-1600 Friday: 0800-1230
LOCAL TIME
Gambia has GMt time.
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
By Air
Gambia International Airlines
Services between Banjul, Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Siera Leone), and
Conakry (Guinea)
By River
The River Gambia is a great way
of trasportation and this major waterway offers interesting travel.
Many tourist companies offer excursions along the river.There is a three day trip on the river from Banjul to
Basse and return by coach.
By Bus
Travelling by bus is a good
option as buses access most of the country and are run in an organized
manner.
By self-drive or car-hire
Have a copy of The Africa Guide's
recommended Map Published by ITMB Publishing Ltd - Series Africa
Format Folded Map. ITMB Publishing points out interesting and exotic
area in detail. Theu describe in detail
the physical features of the country and the history and culture
through the text.they are a ‘must carry’ for a backpacker and
tourist.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
·
1st January New
Years Day
·
18th February Independence Day
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15th August
Queen's Birthday
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15th September St. Mary's Day
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December 25th Christmas Day
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Moveable Holidays Easter and Muslim Holidays
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1st May
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 230V running at
50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Rectangular blade plug -
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It
is not possible to pay for your medical expenses in Gambia through your
insurance company. The only option is to make full payments after
treatments and later get them reimbursed at your insurance company
through claims. However this is possible only if you are treated by licensed medical personnel and you provide your insurance
company with proper documentation and receipts. Always
ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers
you for repatriation to your home country.
Payments will be simplified if you have access to cash, either from a
credit card or by wire transfer. The country's local embassy or
representative will be able to help.
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