Gambia

[bill barlow]

Is there a black market for currency exchange in The Gambia?

[Paul22118]

The dalasi is the currency in The Gambia. If you want to take dalasis out from the UK there is no problem. But do realise that once you land at Yum Dum airport you are entering a whole different ball game for just about everything - currency included.

Much is tolerated in The Gambia and there are loads of men wandering the coach park at the airport for example clutching dalasis. They will then olffer you dalasis in exchange for sterling at a good rate. It is not allowed but no one stops it.

When you sit in the departure lounge on the way home almost all the waiters are asking you to take sterling for dalasis - no one stops them.

I was going to say this is all above board but of course it is not. What it isthough is widespread and acceptable in their Country. If you don't wish to partake of the offered services a polite and firm no does the trick.

Fantastic place, have a good time.

[bill barlow]

Thank you Paul. When you say "good rate" what should I be looking at? Most African countries I,ve been to have an Asian business community allways looking for sterling, Do they exist in Gambia? Thanks.

[Paul22118]

bill, I have been to The Gambia every New Year since goodness knows when. What you need to do is get some dalasis from the UK bank. Note the exchange rate and then on arrival see what his offer is. Take it or leave it.

I have found amazingly that the hotel sometimes gives a better rate than the UK and sometimes the beggar boys want too much. Play it by ear.