Economy
The Gambian government has implemented a number of fiscal, financial, and economic reforms aimed at improving macroeconomic stability and promoting economic growth. These efforts have led to sustained real GDP growth of around 5-6 percent per year over the past decade, despite global economic challenges. The government is optimistic that this growth can be maintained and that macroeconomic stability will continue in the future. Some of the key reforms implemented by the government include improvements in tax collection and administration, public financial management, and trade policy, as well as efforts to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment.
You can find more by going to http://www.cbg.gm/
Currency of Gambia is called Dalasi (GMD), pronounced da-la-si
In The Gambia, there are a number of banks and financial institutions that offer currency exchange services. The most common currencies that can be exchanged are the US dollar, Euro, British Pound, and CFA Franc. Banks and exchange bureaus can be found in major cities and tourist areas such as Banjul, Serrekunda, and Kololi.
In addition to currency exchange, banks in The Gambia offer a range of financial services such as savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, and money transfer services. The Central Bank of The Gambia is the regulator of the banking sector and ensures that all financial institutions operate in accordance with the regulations and guidelines set by the bank.
It is important to note that while credit and debit cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially when visiting more rural areas where electronic payment methods may not be available. Additionally, it is advisable to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to The Gambia to avoid any issues with card transactions being declined due to fraud prevention measures.
The standard business hours for banks in The Gambia are:
Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 1:00pm
However, some banks may have extended hours, especially in major cities and tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to confirm the operating hours with the specific bank you plan to visit.
Banks in Banjul
Monday to Thursday
8:00am to 4:00pm.
Friday
8:00am to 13:30pm
Break 13:31-14:30
Re-opens 14:31-4:00pm
Saturday
9:00am to 1:00pm
Closed on Public Holidays
Branches of all Banks elsewhere
Mondays to Thursdays from 08:00 to 16:00hrs. Fridays will be 08:00 to 13:30 and then 14:30 to 16:00hrs Saturdays will be from 09:00 to 13:30hrs.
Here are the contact details for some of the banks in The Gambia:
Standard Chartered Bank Gambia
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 437 7481
Email: scbg.gambia@sc.com
- Website: https://www.sc.com/gm/
Trust Bank Gambia
Location: Independence Drive, Banjul
Phone: +220 439 8888
Email: info@trustbank.gm
- Website: https://www.trustbank.gm/
Guaranty Trust Bank Gambia
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 439 9888
Email: customerservice@gtbankgambia.com
- Website: https://www.gtbankgambia.com/
Ecobank Gambia
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 439 9393
Email: ecobankenquiries@ecobank.com
Access Bank Gambia
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 439 7777
Email: info_gambia@accessbankplc.com
Zenith Bank Gambia
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 439 9876
Email: zenithdirect@zenithbank.gm
- Website: https://www.zenithbank.gm/
United Bank for Africa Gambia
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 449 9900
Email: cfcgambia@ubagroup.com
- Website: https://www.ubagroup.com/gm/
Trust Merchant Bank
Location: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
Phone: +220 437 8989
Email: info@trustmerchantbank.com
- Website: https://trustmerchantbank.com/
- PHB Bank
Headquarters: Banjul
Branches: Bakau and Serrekunda
Telephone: (220) 422 7944/422 8144
Fax: (220) 422 9312
Email: customerrelations@bankphb.com
Note: It’s always a good idea to check with the bank for any updates or changes in their contact information.
Quick Facts about the Gambia
These are some quick facts about The Gambia:
- Five to six hours flight from Europe.
- An English-speaking country.
- The Gambia is located in West Africa and is bordered by Senegal to the north, east, and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
- The country’s capital city is Banjul, located on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the Gambia River.
- The official language is English, and many Gambians also speak local languages such as Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and Jola.
- The Gambia is a popular destination for bird-watching enthusiasts, with over 550 species of birds to observe, including rare and endemic species.
- The country has a number of eco-tourism products, including nature reserves, wildlife parks, and community-based tourism initiatives.
- The three UNESCO heritage sites in The Gambia are the Stone Circles of Senegambia, the Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites, and the Saloum Delta National Park.
- The Atlantic Ocean and Gambia River offer opportunities for water sports and fishing, including deep-sea fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
- The Gambia has 80 kilometers of unspoiled coastline with beautiful beaches to enjoy.
- The climate in The Gambia is pleasant and sub-tropical, with an average daytime temperature of 27 degrees Celsius or 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Some of the eco-friendly parks in The Gambia include the Abuko Nature Reserve, River Gambia National Park, and Kiang West National Park, which offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The estimated population of The Gambia as of 2021 is around 2.416 million people.
The Gambia has 43 districts, with Banjul as its capital city. The international airport serving Banjul is called Banjul International Airport. The currency of The Gambia is the Gambian dalasi (GMD).