£1 GMD 98.61
Today
4:01 am
Same time as you
Weather in Gambia
Gambia
23°
Partly cloudy
Wed
20
23
Thu
20
23
Fri
19
22
Sat
20
23
Sun
21
25
SPF level in Gambia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Gambia
Tipping in Gambia
Tipping is appreciated in Gambia for good service but is not always expected. A small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
A few GMD for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for helpful service
Hotel Porter
25-50 GMD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 GMD per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost for a good experience
Safety in Gambia
Driving in Gambia
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
N/A (limited motorways)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Gambia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
116
Police
117
Ambulance
118
Save 116 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Gambia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
The Gambia uses Type G plugs, which are the same as in the UK. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz, so UK appliances will work without a voltage converter.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Gambia
Limited
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are mainly available in Banjul and other major towns. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when travelling to rural areas.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Gambia, as they can be high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 300 GMD (~£4)
Network coverage
2G, 3G, 4G
Local carriers
Africell, QCell, Gamcel
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
5 Mbps
WiFi is available in some hotels, restaurants, and internet cafes, particularly in tourist areas. However, the speed can be slow and unreliable.
Health & vaccinations in Gambia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that it covers all activities you plan to do.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever
Malaria is a risk in Gambia, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Consider taking malaria prophylaxis. Gambia has limited medical facilities, particularly outside of Banjul.
Calling Gambia
Country code
+220
00 220 [Gambian number]
00 220 999 9999
To call Gambia from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 220 (the Gambia country code), followed by the local Gambian number. Gambian numbers are usually seven digits long.
UK Embassy in Gambia
British High Commission Banjul
48 Atlantic Road, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
Airport in Gambia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.