What Else?
LGBTQ+
The Gambia has a terrible record on how it treats same sex relationships, and yes, Gambians who are openly not straight can end up with a life sentence in prison.
However, tourism is The Gambia's main source of income and all tourists are treated very well there. You have to google search back to 2008 to find stories of gay tourists ending up in trouble with the law. Whenever we visit The Gambia, we've seen same-sex tourist couples out and about enjoying the culture, the food, the beaches and the good vibes. The advice generally, I believe, is to hold back on public displays of affection, like you might do on a holiday to Dubai or in front of your most conservative grandma. If you need reassurance on this, please do talk to us and we'll put you in touch with LGBTQ+ folks who we know have visited before, and they can share their experiences and perspectives with you.
Health
Gambia remains a primarily cash-based economy, so it’s worth bearing that in mind before you jet off. We advise changing your pounds for Dalasi when you get there. You can do it in the UK but it's not easy and the rate will be high. Most hotels and local banks will be able to exchange your sterling, so the only thing you need to think about is how to pay for your journey between the airport and the hotel. If your hotel organises a transfer for you, more the better! If you have to take a taxi, explain the lack of dalasi to the taxi driver and they will take you via a money exchange place.
You'll need to pay £20 to the airport when you land and £20 when you leave again. This is a security fee that everyone coming in and out of the country needs to pay each time. They give you a little receipt for it, and I recommend keeping that receipt safe in case they mistakenly ask you to pay it again.
You’ll find a number of hotels and restaurants accept visa debit cards, credit cards, monzo, etc.
You’ll also see ATM machines in the tourist area of Senegambia and a few other popular resorts, but they can be unreliable. Plus, you may have to pay a surcharge for using them.
APS and Western Union are always great ways of getting access to cash while you're there. The rates are competitive, and we tend to use the APS app. It's quick and easy!