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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.
Currency: The Gambia's currency is the Dalasi (GMD), which is divided into 100 bututs. Dalasi are difficult to obtain outside of The Gambia but there is a bureau de change at the airport. Currency can also be exchanged at banks in the capital, Banjul, and at some hotels and tourist resorts. Commission tends to be high. It is advisable to bring travellers cheques or cash because only a few places accept credit
cards. Street moneychangers give the best rates, but take care not to be conned and make sure you know the current exchange rate before trading with them. Note that currency must be declared on arrival and the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. Travellers cheques are accepted, US dollars and Pounds Sterling are the preferred currency. Some hotels and restaurants accept MasterCard and Visa, but it is unwise to rely on them and a charge may be levied. ATMs are limited to a few areas, and accept Visa but not MasterCard.
Time: Local time is GMT.
Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style, square three-pin plugs are standard.
Communications: International Direct Dialling is available and the country 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.
Tourist OfficeGambian Tourist Office: +220 462 491 or www.visitthegambia.gm
EmergencyEmergencies: 17 (Police); 16 (Ambulance)
Embassies
Gambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 785 1399.
Gambian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7937 6316.
Gambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 785 1399.
Australian High Commission, Accra, Ghana (also responsible for The Gambia): +233 (0)21 701 2961.
Gambian Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 784 1059.
United States Embassy, Banjul: +220 439 2856.
British High Commission, Banjul: +220 449 5133.
Canadian Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for The Gambia): +221 889 4700.
South African Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for The Gambia): +221 865 1959.
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, New York, United States (also responsible for The Gambia): +1 212 421 6934.
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