9:34 pm
Same time as you
Weather in Gambia
Gambia
33°
Overcast
Sun
20
33
Mon
21
35
Tue
20
28
Wed
20
27
Thu
20
29
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.
Transportation in Gambia
Tipping in Gambia
Tipping is not mandatory but is increasingly common, especially in tourist areas, as a sign of appreciation for good service. A service charge may already be included in the bill at restaurants, so check before tipping.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
25-50 GMD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 GMD per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost
Safety & security in Gambia
Driving in Gambia
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
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
Fire
118
Save 116 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Gambia
Voltage
220-240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Cards & payments
Limited, primarily in hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses in urban areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Gambia
Limited, mostly available in Banjul and major tourist areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are available, but not as widespread as in Europe. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. It's advisable to withdraw larger amounts to avoid frequent ATM fees. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card блокировки.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your UK mobile provider for roaming charges in Gambia. Roaming can be expensive, so consider a local SIM card for longer stays.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 500 GMD (~£7)
Network coverage
2G, 3G, 4G
Local carriers
Africell, QCell, Comium
WiFi & internet
Limited, available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, primarily in tourist areas.
Average speed
8 Mbps
WiFi is available in tourist areas, but may be unreliable and slow. Mobile data is a more reliable option, but can be expensive. Consider a local SIM for better rates.
Health & vaccinations
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may be limited. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage in The Gambia.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever
It's crucial to visit your GP or a travel clinic at least 8 weeks before your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is a risk in The Gambia, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent, and consider taking antimalarial medication. There is limited availability of medical facilities in The Gambia. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable.
Calling Gambia
Country code
+220
To call The Gambia from the UK, dial 00 220 followed by the Gambian phone number (without the leading zero if there is one).
To call the number 1234567 in The Gambia from the UK, you would dial 00 220 1234567.
The country code for The Gambia is 220. When calling The Gambia from abroad, you will need to dial the exit code of your country, followed by the Gambian country code (220), and then the local phone number.
UK Embassy in Gambia
British High Commission Banjul
48 Atlantic Road, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
Airport in Gambia
Frequently asked questions about Gambia
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.