Is cash still widely used?
Yes. Gambia is predominantly cash-based. Local transport, markets, smaller restaurants, and most businesses require dalasi cash. Tourist resort hotels in the coastal strip (Senegambia area) have better card acceptance.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Banjul and the tourist coastal strip. Trust Bank and Standard Chartered machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 200 GMD per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Good availability in the tourist coastal strip; limited elsewhere
- Withdraw cash before heading upcountry
Card acceptance
Low. Tourist resort hotels and some restaurants in the coastal strip accept cards. Everywhere else requires dalasi cash.
Tips for travelers
- Gambia is one of West Africa’s most visitor-friendly and accessible destinations
- The Senegambia tourist strip has good card infrastructure at larger hotels
- Upcountry Gambia and river trips require cash for everything
- Tipping is expected in tourist-facing restaurants and for guides