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| Travel Advice For Gambia | |||||
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Travel & Tourism
A-Z of Travel |
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BUMSTERS These
are generally unemployed young men who hassle tourists for money,
gifts or a free meal. There are generally 4 types of bumster in Gambia,
most of whom operate in the Senegambia
Strip area of Kololi. The first type
will hassle you until you get so fed up that you just relent and give
him some money just to go away. Don't ever be tempted to do this. More...
BARGAINING
& HAGGLING Prices
tend to be fixed in supermarkets, restaurants, bars and malls. However,
when shopping around in craft markets and
small goods stores you can expect shop keepers to ask for a higher price
for their goods than they would for a local. More...
CRIMEThe Gambia has one of the lowest crime  rates
in sub-Saharan Africa. Serious crime is even lower than most industrialized
nations, and some tourists say they feel safer here than in their own
countries. Physical assaults against tourists are rare, as well as muggings
and bag snatchings. However, there are certain urban areas where they
tend to be more common. The sort of crime you are likely to encounter,
if you are not on your guard, is sneak-thieving. This might take the
form of pick pocketing, stealing unattended items, cheating you of change,
and other petty thievery. The one serious crime that is rampant are
scams committed by conmen and bumsters.
You are only likely to encounter these people if you spend much time
here, and have financial and personal dealings with certain people.
More...
CULTURE
& TRADITIONS If
you intend on going out and about, meeting and interacting with local
people then there are quite a few unwritten rules of etiquette and local
customs you need to brush up on. Among these are how you greet
people, the local dress code, food etiquette when eating with a family,
do's and don'ts of society and the
family structure. For example you need to take your shoes off when visiting
someone's house, bikinis in public, away from the beach, are a no no,
drinking an alcoholic beverage in a non-resort street, especially while
walking, is offensive to many, as this is a Muslim country and is best
avoided. More...
DO'S & DON'TS There
are a number of pitfalls, issues and products, both cultural and travel
to consider. Some of the advice relates to things to buy before your
arrival to Gambia, while others are things to look out for, avoid or
to carry on your person during your stay. It is easy to forget certain
things, which can cause you hassle, stress and embarrassment. Have you
taken out your holiday insurance?
Did you buy that money belt? More...
DRESS CODE It
is advisable to take along two lightweight woollen jumpers, or a jacket,
for the cool evenings during the months of November to March. It can
bet a bit cold by the Atlantic ocean side, especially when there's a
bit of a breeze.There are two kinds of rules on how to dress. The first is within the grounds of your hotel. You can wear a bikini on the beach, maybe sunbath topless, and wear the kind of clothing you would wear on a hot summer's day in your own country. However, when outside in public there are certain types of clothing to avoid. Women should cover their legs at least down to the knees, short sleeves are fine, uncovered torso not so. More...
ELECTRICAL
VOLTAGE & SOCKETS Most
of the electrical sockets in The Gambia are the 3 pin British type 'G'
socket. However, in hotels you will often
see variable plug types, so it's a good idea to bring along a travel
adaptor. The electrical supply is not always a steady current, and can
be variable, so think about bringing along a surge protection plug.
More...
GETTING
AROUND This
section provides advice on the various car
rentals firms, driving, bicycling, quad
bikes, green tourist taxis, yellow cabs, ferry
crossings, river boats, microlight and light aircraft, walking, hitch
hiking and rickshaws. More...
GREETINGS
ETIQUETTE If
while on vacation you plan to go sightseeing then it is worthwhile learning
a few simple greetings and other phrases,
as well as well as simple rules when entering someone's house. More...
If you want to take some pictures of people and attractions then you need to know about the local etiquette of taking photos.
HEATSTROKE,
SUNBURN & DEHYDRATION Rub
on sunblock with as SP of at least 30 when needed and try to go sunbathing
before 10am or after 4pm. Long exposure to the hot sun, especially if
you are drinking alcoholic beverages, can lead to dehydration and possible
health problems. More...
HEALTH  It
is advisable to take malaria prevention
precautions before you depart for Banjul
Airport. If you get malaria then certain symptoms can show up 7
to 15 days after infection. There are preventative measures you can
take to avoid being bitten in the first place. More...
MONEY This
section has information on the Dalasi currency denominations, average
room costs in hotels, exchange rates,
credit card acceptance,
taxi fares, tipping,
how much things cost,
ATM machines, banks and
bargaining. More...
SAFETY
 CRIMEWhen out and about on holiday, always be aware of various hazards posed to your wellbeing and safety. Nature, and the urban environment, can have some potentially harmful elements which you might not be well attuned to. Among these are various animal diseases, biting insects, heatstroke, roadside pedestrian care and internal transport. For example, as cute as some dogs and cats may be, they are mostly feral, and many have all kinds of diseases, and a few may even have rabies. More...
SWIMMING Bathing
in pools, the Atlantic Ocean, the river, and streams in Gambia come
with certain risks that may not be the same as in your own country.
You need to understand the system of flags used on the beaches, the
potential dangers of swimming in creeks and what to look out for in
hotel pools. More...
TRAVELLERS' DIARRHOEA
 Where
ever you go on holiday in the world it's always advisable to take certain
precautions about where, and what you eat and drink, especially in a
developing country with a sub-tropical or tropical climate. Food and
water standards are not all the same, and microbes
can proliferate in warm humid climes. Don't assume if someone
at a lodge serves you 'bottled' water in a glass, that it's actually
bottled water. More...
TRAVELLING
WITH CHILDREN Going
on vacation with small kids and babies can often be very stressful at
the best of times. There are matters involving airline travel, the hotel
facilities available, and your child's health that you should take
into account before your departure, while en-route, and during your
stay in The Gambia. More...
VACCINATIONS If
you are a foreign visitor travelling from the EU or the USA there are
no required vaccinations by the Gambian authorities. If you are a visitor
from another country then you should check with your physician. If you
intend to stay in a deprived area, or for a long period in situations
where you may be more easily exposed to diseases, then it is recommended
you take a number of immunisations. More...
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Whether
or not visas are required to gain entry into The Gambia depends on the
citizens of the country concerned. Citizens of some countries don't
require an entry visa in their passport, whereas some do. Some travellers
who are required to get a visa prior to entry, but don't, may be given
2 days to get one from the Immigration Department in Banjul. More...
WHAT TO PACK Depending
on where you are staying, and for how long, will determine a few travel
essentials. If you are staying for a month, or a short 2 week vacation,
then consider packing your preferred hygiene products (though many are
available locally), a small pocket torchlight, mosquito repellent spray,
anti-diarrhoea tablets etc. More...
OTHER TRAVEL TIPS:
ParcelsIt is not wise to carry gifts, parcels or letters for anyone on your return flight back to your country. Do not carry any gifts, parcels or letters on your departure to The Gambia's Banjul Airport either. If you feel obliged to do so, then do open the item first, inspect it, then reseal it yourself.
 Disclaimer Always get the advice of your doctor before deciding to take or not to take any medications or precautions. |
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