Travel Essentials

Gambia: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Gambia?

Police: 117, Ambulance: 116, Fire: 118

Plugs: Type G; 230 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: Police 117, Ambulance 116, Fire 118. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants is appreciated; tip guides and drivers a small amount. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Gambia Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Type G; 230 V, 50 Hz

Emergency Numbers

Police	117
Ambulance	116
Fire	118

Tipping

About 10% in restaurants is appreciated; tip guides and drivers a small amount.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever; hepatitis B, rabies and meningitis for some travelers
Malaria: Risk throughout the country; ask about preventive tablets

Apps To Download Before You Go

Afrimoney: Africell's mobile money service, widely used for payments and transfers.
QMoney: QCell's mobile wallet, the other main option.
Wave: Low-fee mobile money app expanding across West Africa, including The Gambia.
Yango: Ride-hailing app operating around Banjul and the coast.
WhatsApp: The main way to book taxis, guides and lodges.
Africell / QCell: Mobile operator apps for prepaid SIM top-ups.
Facebook: Where most local businesses post updates.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. "Salaam alaikum" is a friendly, common greeting; Gambians are generally open to conversation.

Religious respect. The Gambia is predominantly Muslim; dress modestly, especially away from beach resorts, and be respectful during Ramadan.

Right hand. Use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving; remove shoes before entering mosques or some homes.

Safety And Scams

The Gambia is generally safe and welcoming for tourists, with low rates of violent crime.

Bumsters. Young men who persistently offer unsolicited guiding, friendship or romance that can lead to requests for money; a polite but firm "no thank you" usually works, and physical danger is rare.

Market goods switching. Items agreed upon in craft markets are sometimes swapped for lower-quality goods at payment — check what you're given before paying.

Women travelers. Bumsters may specifically target women with romance-based approaches; avoid walking alone after dark and dress modestly to reduce unwanted attention.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Criminalized

Illegal — same-sex acts are criminalized, with penalties up to 14 years to life imprisonment under 'aggravated homosexuality' provisions, and cross-dressing is also criminalized; strong discretion is essential.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	150 GMD	$2.15
Local bus or metro ride	30 GMD (shared taxi)	$0.45
Mid-range restaurant meal	800 GMD	$11.50
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	1,000 GMD	$14
Mid-range hotel (night)	4,200 GMD	$60
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	9,500 GMD	$135

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

November to May, the dry season, is best, with the coolest and most comfortable weather from November to February; June to October is hot, humid and rainy.

Phrases

Basic English phrases · Basic Mandinka phrases · Basic Wolof phrases