The larger shops and supermarkets in Gambia, as well as international hotels, will be able to accept international credit and debit card payments. However they will in most cases charge a fee of up to 5%.

If you are going to pay by card in Gambia: Be aware of currency conversion fees: British banks may charge heavily for international card payments made in the Gambia. In addition, your bank’s GMD to GBP exchange rate may not be so good. This is how banks make money. Before using your bank card for payments in the Gambia, it’s certainly a good idea to contact your bank. This will avoid your card becoming blocked due to international transactions that your bank may find suspicious.

Cash is an important means of payment in the Gambia. Vendors by far prefer cash payments over card payments.

Many vendors will only be able to accept cash payments, for example in local stores, bars and restaurants, as well as on street markets in Serekunda. Cash payments are especially the norm if you travel beyond Banjul and Bakau.

We recommend taking plenty of GMD cash with you on your trip to the Gambia.

A coffee in a cafe in the Gambia will cost around 90 GMD. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant costs in the area of 600 GMD.

Like most places in Africa, tipping in the Gambia is a good idea if you like the service you received. A 10% tip is recommended, often done by leaving a few extra coins or having the waiter ‘keep the change’.