Gambia - Business TravelGambia - Business Travel

Business Customs

Business attire in is a combination of traditional dresses and western business outfits.  The Gambia is a conservative country, but the mode of dressing is a mix between conservative and liberal.  Exchanging business cards upon first meeting is common practice and frequently expected.  The software mobile app, What’s App is very common as a mode of communications. It is not uncommon to receive business calls until 11 pm.  Gift exchanges among business partners or acquaintances are also common.

Travel Advisory

Travelers are recommended to consult with the State Department for the latest travel advisories.  
The Gambia Travel Advisory 

Visa Requirements
US citizens need visa to travel to The Gambia.  The Gambia has an embassy in the U.S.  Information on requirements can be found below:
The Gambian U.S. Embassy.

Currency

The Gambia’s local currency is the Dalasi (GMD), and it is the only currency used in day to day transactions. International transactions are usually quoted in US dollars.  The dalasi is not a fully convertible currency.  Most local ATMs accept US-issued credit and debit cards with Visa and MasterCard logos, but only dispense cash in the local currency.  Travelers’ checks are rarely used, and it is not recommended for travelers to rely on them.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Internet connection in The Gambia has been improving.  The country recently connected to the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable, which has significantly improved internet connection speeds.  Mobile penetration rate is high (over 100 percent), and there are 4 mobile phone operators (Africell, Gamcel, Qcell and Comium).  Direct international telephone calls can be made on all phone lines.  The country code is 220.  All the major mobile phone companies provide data services (3G at minimum) that allow reasonably good internet connection.  All major hotels have internet connections and Wi-fi access.  It is becoming increasing common for restaurants and cafes to also provide free Wi-fi access.  
The electric current in The Gambia is supplied at 220-240 volts, and the primary socket type is the British BS-1363.  However, adaptors are easy to find at local electronic stores.

Transportation

Air Transport: Banjul International Airport is a small airport without access to daily flights.  The main direct flights are to Accra, Brussels, Casablanca, Dakar, London, Lagos and Nouakchott. During the tourist season (November to April), several chartered flights from Europe serve the country multiple times per day.  There are no direct flights to the U.S.  The best ways for U.S. travelers to reach the country are through Casablanca, Dakar, London or Brussels.  Further information on airport transport can be assessed on via the Banjul International Airport. 

Sea Port: The Gambia port is serviced by several major lines including CMA-CGM/Delmas, Maersk, MSC and Grimaldi.  The majority of ships that dock at the port are smaller vessels arriving from major transshipment ports such as Casablanca and Malaga.

Ground Transport: The quality of road is low.  An increasing number of roadway construction projects have begun since the change of government in January 2017.  In addition, the River Gambia bisects the country, and the absence of a bridge that fully spans it is a major source of delay in traveling across the country.  However, a bridge financed by the African Development Bank is currently under construction, and set for completion in 2020.  Small taxis operating within the major towns are painted in yellow, with green stripes on the sides.  These taxis do not have meters and run on fixed routes with fixed fares, but fares for specific destinations can be negotiated.  Several car rental agencies operate in the country, and an arrangement with one of these is recommended for extensive local travels.

Language

The official language in The Gambia is English, and it is spoken by a large number of people in urban areas.  The other major common languages are Wolof, Mandinka, and Fula.  Almost all signs are written in English.

Health

While the country has many hospitals and clinics, few meet basic international standards or provide access to state-of-the-art facilities.  Most will not accept international or foreign health insurance cards, and will therefore require upfront cash payment.  There are a large number of small pharmacies that sell medications (mostly generics) with or without prescriptions.  Malaria is endemic in the country and it is therefore recommended that US travelers bring prophylactics.  Travelers are recommended to travel with their yellow fever vaccination cards.  While the document is not always required upon entry, it is occasionally requested.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

The Gambia is under the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone.  The Gambia does not observe daylight savings time.  Therefore, the time difference with US time zones changes during the year.  For example, there is a 4-hour difference with Eastern Standard Time when daylight savings is in effect and a 5-hour difference when it is not.  Public sector business hours are from Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and Fridays from 8:00am to 12:30pm during a normal week.  Most private businesses operate from Monday to Saturday.

The national holidays are:

New Year’s Day	January 11
Independence Day	February 18
Good Friday	April 14
Easter	April 17
Labour Day	May 01
Africa Liberalization Day	May 25
Eid ul Fitr	No fixed date (1st day of 10th month of the Islamic Lunar calendar)
Eid ul Adha	No fixed date (10th day of 12th month of the Islamic Lunar calendar)
Revolution Day	July 22
Assumption Day	August 15
Yoamul Ashora	No fixed date (10th day of 1st month of the Islamic Lunar calendar)
Mawlud Nabi	No fixed date (12th day of the 3rd month of the Islamic Lunar calendar)
Christmas	December 25

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

With the exception of goods on transit, the requirements for the entry of temporary goods are the same as goods being brought in permanently.

Travel Related Web Resources

The Gambian Embassy in the US
The U.S. Embassy in The Gambia
State Department
CIA World Fact Book
The Gambia Tourism Board

 

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