Money Matters
Gambian currency, the Dalasi (GMD, D), is freely convertible but is not available outside of the country. Coins comprise of 50 Bututs and 1 Dalasi. Notes comprise of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 Dalasis.
Communications
Internet
There are many Internet cafes in the Kombos area with new ones springing up on a regular basis. The two main servers are Gamtel and Quantumnet. In some areas, especially near major tourist hotels, wireless Internet has been set up.
General Tips
> Purchase a good travel guide with local maps (see the recommended reading section).
> Be prepared to hear "hello, how are you?" all the time and take the time to ask the same and answer back "fine, fine" at the very least (just be weary of the bumsters). The Gambia is a friendly country and Gambians like to chat with others, especially with visitors. It also a social norm to first have such a conversation about how someone is doing before conducting any further business.
Recommended Reading
Guide books
Bennett, Lindsay. Travellers Guide to The Gambia. UK: Thomas Cook Publishing, 2011. Updated by Lisa Voormeij, this website's author.
Gregg, Emma and Richard Trillo. Rough Guide to The Gambia. New York: Rough Guides Ltd., 2006
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