Capital city, Gambia
Banjul
Small, run-down capital on an island at the river mouth: Albert Market, Arch 22 and the Barra ferry. Most visitors do it as a day trip; there are few hotels and little nightlife.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$739–1,210Comfortable, one person · D55,000–90,000Details
- Value for money69/100Better value than 68% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Nov, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; avoid ice.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–47Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYellow-green taxiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash is needed in markets, taxis and small eateries; few places take cards.Details
Where to stay in Banjul
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central Banjul (Albert Market, Arch 22) | Day-trip sights, markets, government buildings |
Apps that work in Banjul
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Wave: Mobile money used for local payments
- Taxis: No ride apps found; agree taxi prices before getting in. Hotels can book trusted drivers for the day.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Gambia.
- Mostly cash Cash is needed in markets, taxis and small eateries; few places take cards. Bring euros or pounds to change at banks.
- Currency: Dalasi (GMD). US$1 ≈ D74.41 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Few ATMs accept foreign cards, and they cap withdrawals at about 5,000–10,000 GMD; Visa is more widely accepted.
- Tipping: Not required; 10% in restaurants or a small tip is appreciated.
- Paying by phone: Wave and Afrimoney work locally but need a Gambian SIM and registration. Apple/Google Pay are not accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities are visa-free or can apply for a visa online; check requirements for your passport before booking.
- A yellow fever certificate is needed if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; an onward ticket and accommodation details may be requested.
Emergency numbers
Police 117
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at the Banjul airport or carrier shops in Serrekunda with your passport. Roughly 500–1,000 GMD for a month of data.
More places in Gambia
Going to Banjul solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.