Money & duty free for Gambia
Exchange rates:
Currency & Money
Gambian Dalasi (GMD; symbol D) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of D200, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of D5, 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bututs.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants in the coastal tourist areas and Banjul, particularly Visa cards. However, card facilities are less reliable outside the main urban and resort areas, and smaller businesses often accept cash only.
Mobile payment services are used locally but are less common for international visitors than in some other African countries. Travellers should not rely solely on cards or mobile payments and are advised to carry sufficient cash, particularly when travelling inland or visiting markets and smaller towns.
ATMs are available in Banjul, Serrekunda, the Atlantic coastal resorts and other larger towns. International bank cards are accepted at many bank-operated ATMs, particularly Visa cards, though machines may occasionally be out of service or run out of cash.
ATMs become less common outside the main urban areas, so travellers heading inland should carry sufficient cash. Withdrawal limits and bank charges may apply depending on the local bank and the traveller's home bank.
The Gambia does not restrict the amount of foreign currency that can be imported or exported, but amounts exceeding US$10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared to customs on arrival or departure.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels in Banjul, Serrekunda and the main tourist areas. Euros, British pounds and US dollars are the most commonly exchanged currencies.
Exchange rates offered by bureaux de change are often more competitive than those available at hotels. Travellers should use authorised exchange facilities and avoid informal street money changers.
Travellers should also keep exchange receipts if planning to reconvert Gambian dalasi before departure.
Gambia duty free
Travellers over the age of 18 entering The Gambia may import the following goods duty-free:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or 1L of wine or 24 cans of beer.
• 500ml perfume.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Prohibited imports include illicit drugs, counterfeit currency and goods, pornographic material, expired food and medicines, asbestos, and products derived from endangered wildlife, including ivory and certain animal skins. Plastic bags are also prohibited. This list is not exhaustive, and travellers should consult the Gambia Revenue Authority for current regulations.
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