Money & Currency
How to pay for things — cash, cards, ATMs and tipping norms on both sides of the river.
The Gambia: Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
The Gambian Dalasi (symbol D) is the currency of The Gambia. It is not traded internationally — you cannot buy it before you travel. Exchange at the airport on arrival (rates are reasonable), at your hotel, or at licensed exchange bureaux on the tourist strip.
Approximate exchange rates (check live rates before travelling):
- 1 GBP ≈ D85–95
- 1 EUR ≈ D75–85
- 1 USD ≈ D65–75
Notes in circulation: D5, D10, D25, D50, D100, D200. Coins are rare and effectively worthless for tourist transactions. Carry small notes for taxis and market purchases.
ATMs: Reliable ATMs are available at Standard Chartered, Trust Bank, and GTBank branches in Kololi, Kotu, Bakau, Banjul, and Fajara. Typical per-transaction withdrawal limit is D5,000 (roughly £55). Bring a backup card — some machines reject international cards depending on your bank. Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most established hotels, upmarket restaurants, and larger supermarkets. Outside the tourist strip, cash is effectively the only option.
Currency exchange: Licensed exchange bureaux on the Senegambia strip offer competitive rates (often better than banks or the airport). Avoid unofficial street dealers — rates may be superficially better but counterfeit notes and short-changing are risks.
Senegal: CFA Franc (XOF)
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (symbol CFA), shared by seven other West African countries. It is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 655.96 CFA — the most stable currency in the region and one that makes budgeting straightforward for European visitors.
Approximate exchange rates:
- 1 GBP ≈ CFA 780–820 (varies with GBP/EUR rate)
- 1 EUR = CFA 655.96 (fixed)
- 1 USD ≈ CFA 590–620
Notes: CFA 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000. Small notes are useful for local taxis and street food.
ATMs: Widely available in Dakar, Saly, Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, and other main towns. Société Générale, Ecobank, and CBAO machines reliably accept international Visa and Mastercard. Daily withdrawal limits are typically CFA 200,000–300,000 per transaction.
Cards: Widely accepted in Dakar hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. In rural areas, smaller towns, and markets, cash only.
Crossing Currencies
If you are travelling between the two countries, note that Dalasi and CFA francs are not interchangeable. Exchange at the border or in the destination country rather than carrying large amounts of the departing country's currency. Border money-changers offer reasonable rates; licensed exchange offices in major towns are generally reliable.
Tipping
The Gambia:
- Taxis: round up to the nearest D50, or add D50–100 on top for good service
- Restaurants: 5–10% if service was good; not mandatory in local restaurants
- Hotel staff: D50–100 for porters, room service
- Guides: D200–500 for a half-day guided tour, depending on quality
Senegal:
- Similar conventions. Round up taxis (or agree a fare in advance).
- Restaurant service charge of 5–10% is appropriate in tourist establishments
- Porters: CFA 500–1,000
Budgeting
Budget traveller (local guesthouses, street food, shared taxis): £30–45/day in The Gambia; €35–50/day in Senegal.
Mid-range (3-star hotel, sit-down meals, occasional tours): £60–90/day; €70–110/day.
Comfortable (4-star resort, restaurant dining, private transfers): £120–200+/day.
A Note on Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in markets, at craft stalls, and for unmetered taxis. It is not expected at supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, or licensed petrol stations. A calm, friendly negotiation is the norm — the first price offered is usually 2–3 times what a local would pay. Counter at roughly half; settle somewhere in between. Never start bargaining unless you are genuinely interested in buying.