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Gambia Money Guide: Dalasi, ATMs, Exchange and Costs in 2026
The Gambian Dalasi is one of West Africa's more straightforward currencies — but the cash economy, limited ATM coverage and informal money-changing scene trip up first-time visitors regularly. This guide covers everything: what to bring, where to change it, what things actually cost, and the mistakes to avoid.
Quick-answer box
- Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD / D)
- Approximate rate: £1 = D80–88 [VERIFY: current rate]
- Best to bring: GBP or EUR cash; USD less useful
- ATMs: Reliable in Kololi, Kotu, Bakau and Banjul; scarce upcountry
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard work at main ATMs; Amex not accepted
- Daily cash budget (mid-range): D3,000–6,000 (£35–70)
- Tip the local economy: Pay local businesses in Dalasi, not pounds
The Dalasi
The Gambian Dalasi (GMD) is subdivided into 100 bututs. In practice, bututs are almost never seen — the smallest useful denomination is D5. Common notes: D5, D10, D20, D50, D100, D200. The D200 note (worth about £2.30) is the largest.
The Dalasi is a closed currency — you cannot buy it before you arrive. There is no Gambia Dalasi at UK exchange bureaux or airports. Bring GBP or EUR cash to exchange on arrival.
How to get Dalasi
Airport exchange desk
Banjul International Airport has exchange desks in arrivals. The rate is usually 5–10% below what you'll get in Kololi or Banjul, but the convenience is worth it for the first D500–1,000 to cover taxis and tips on arrival. [VERIFY: current airport desk operators]
ATMs
The most reliable ATMs in the tourist zone are:
- Ecobank (Kololi and Banjul) — accepts Visa and Mastercard, D5,000–8,000 daily withdrawal limit
- Trust Bank (Banjul and Serrekunda) — Visa and Mastercard
- GTBank (Kololi area) — reliable
Withdrawal limits typically run D3,000–8,000 (£35–90) per transaction; you may need multiple transactions for larger amounts. International transaction fees apply — expect £1.50–3.50 per withdrawal from UK banks.
Upcountry ATMs are unreliable. If you're going to Janjanbureh, Basse or any upriver destination, carry sufficient Dalasi from the coast. Do not assume you'll find a working ATM.
Money changers (bureaux de change)
Licensed exchange offices in Kololi, Bakau and Banjul offer better rates than banks. Look for signage in the main commercial streets. GBP and EUR are welcomed; USD exchanges at a slight discount. Rates fluctuate daily — shop around between two or three offices.
Street money changers approach tourists in the craft market and on the Strip. Their rates can be marginally better but the risk of fast-hand tricks, short-counting and counterfeit notes is real. Only use licensed offices.
Your UK bank card
Works at Ecobank, Trust Bank and GTBank. Inform your bank before travel that you're going to The Gambia — many UK banks block the first transaction as fraud prevention. Monzo, Starling and Revolut work well with lower international fees.
What things cost
| Item | Price in Dalasi | In GBP (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Julbrew beer (restaurant) | D75–100 | £0.90–1.20 |
| Fresh lime juice | D40–60 | £0.50–0.70 |
| Local chop-house lunch | D100–180 | £1.20–2.10 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | D400–700 | £4.70–8 |
| Ngala Lodge / Butcher's Shop main | D900–1,400 | £10–16 |
| Coffee at a café | D60–100 | £0.70–1.20 |
| 1.5L bottled water | D30–45 | £0.35–0.55 |
| Bush taxi (short hop) | D20–50 | £0.25–0.60 |
| Taxi Kololi→Banjul | D200–350 | £2.35–4 |
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | D5,000–10,000 | £58–116 |
| Excursion (half-day) | D1,400–2,500 | £16–29 |
Tipping
Tipping is expected in tourist-facing restaurants and for guides and drivers. It is not expected in local chop houses or markets.
- Restaurants: 10% where service is not included (check the bill)
- Guides: D200–500 (£2.30–6) per person for a half-day; D400–800 for a full day
- Drivers: D200–300 for a day excursion
- Hotel staff (cleaners, porters): D50–100 per day
- Beach vendors who've given time: Not obligated, but D20–50 if they've been genuinely helpful
Pay tips in Dalasi, not pounds. GBP is not useful for small local transactions.
Common money mistakes
Bringing only a card. ATMs fail; power cuts happen; machines run out of notes on busy days. Always carry D2,000–3,000 in cash as backup.
Paying in pounds on the Strip. Many Strip restaurants and bars quote prices in GBP or EUR and will accept them — but the conversion they use is typically 10–15% worse than the Dalasi equivalent. Pay in Dalasi.
Not separating your money. Keep a day's cash in your wallet and the rest elsewhere — belt bag, hotel safe, split between two people.
Assuming upcountry has ATMs. It largely doesn't. If your trip includes any time east of Brikama, carry enough Dalasi from the coast.
Exchanging Dalasi before leaving. You can't — it's a closed currency. Spend what you have, donate the coins to your hotel staff, or convert the remaining notes at the airport desk on departure (poor rate, but it's the only option).
FAQ
Should I bring GBP or EUR?
GBP is slightly better — most exchange offices post GBP rates and the conversions are cleaner. EUR is also widely accepted. Avoid USD if you can.
Is it safe to use ATMs in The Gambia?
At Ecobank and Trust Bank branches: yes, broadly safe. Use ATMs in daylight and in public locations. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Can I use contactless or Apple Pay?
Almost never. The infrastructure for contactless payment is minimal in the tourist zone and absent elsewhere. Bring physical card and cash.
How much cash should I bring for two weeks?
For a mid-range trip staying in hotels with some organised excursions: bring the equivalent of £300–400 in GBP cash. Withdraw D5,000–8,000 (£58–93) from an ATM on arrival to cover the first few days, then continue as needed.
More practical Gambia planning? Read our Gambia packing list and best time to visit The Gambia. For the full trip picture see the Gambia holidays guide.