Gambia - basics - Countries Guide

Time: Local time is GMT.

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style, square three-pin plugs are standard.

Language: The official language of Gambia is English, and Gambians are educated in English. There are several tribal languages, but overall the use of English prevails.

Health: No inoculations are compulsory for entry to The Gambia, but it is recommended that prospective travellers take medical advice at least three weeks before departing for the country. Malaria is prevalent throughout the year, but the greatest risk is between June and November; travellers should obtain up to date medical advice on the appropriate prophylactics, as some (e.g. chloroquine) are not adequate for The Gambia. Visitors are advised to carry preparations for dehydration, stomach upsets, insect bites and cuts, as well as mosquito repellent and sun block, as these are not readily available in The Gambia. Water borne diseases such as Schistosomiasis do occur and travellers should not swim or raft in contaminated fresh water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, ensure meat and vegetables are well cooked and avoid unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Emergency medical facilities are of a low standard so travel insurance is recommended.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, and further tipping is discretionary. Generally all services rendered require a small 'cadeau' (gift or tip).

Safety: Crime involving tourists is rare in The Gambia. It is wise, however, not to carry valuables or large sums of money or display them in public. The most popular beaches are manned by tourist police or hotel security officers. Take precautions on more isolated beaches, in unlit areas and in spots away from the 'tourist track'. Driving in The Gambia can be hazardous and many taxis are not roadworthy. Security checkpoints are common on all major roads within the country. Road travel from The Gambia to Casamance in southern Senegal should be avoided because of a recent increase in fighting between rebel factions.

Customs: The Gambia is a Muslim country and therefore it is disrespectful to dress immodestly away from the beach, swimming pools or tourist centres. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal. It is prohibited to photograph military institutions.

Communications: The international access code for The Gambia is +220. The outgoing international code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). No area codes are required. There are GSM mobile telephone networks, but not all countries have roaming agreements; US mobile phones will not work. Coverage is limited to Banjul and a few other areas. Internet cafes are available in Banjul and the major tourist resorts.

Duty Free: Visitors arriving in the Gambia are permitted to bring the following goods into the country without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; one litre of spirits and one litre of wine or beer; 284ml of perfume; and a still camera and film for personal use.

Climate: Sited between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, The Gambia enjoys constant sunshine and barely fluctuating high daytime temperatures all year round. The rainy season is between July and October, when humidity is high and short, spectacular rainstorms characterise the evenings. Between November and June there is virtually no rainfall. During winter months evenings can be cool.