Gambia
Businessmen wear jackets and ties for business meetings. A personal approach is important in Gambian business circles. Punctuality is appreciated and it is advisable to take business cards, although their use is not widespread. Office hours are normally 0800-1600 Monday to Thursday; 0800-1230 Friday.
Crime is very low and foreigners do not seem to be a specific target in The Gambia, however Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia and travelers should be careful of pickpockets in the crowded market areas and on ferries.
The number of hotels has increased greatly in recent years and is expected to continue to increase as tourism takes hold in the country. Most of the hotels are self-contained complexes set in spacious gardens and will generally cater for most tourist needs. Bedrooms will not always be air-conditioned.
Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 220. Outgoing international code: 00. The country has an automatic telephone-system. There are nine GAMTEL offices in Banjul offering Fax service, some on a 24-hour basis. Telex/telegram services are run by GAMTEL, Cameron Street in Banjul. There are several GAMTEL branches in Banjul with telex stations. Post office hours: 0800-1300 Monday to Friday; 0800-1100 Saturday.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round 3-pin or square 3-pin (15 or 13 amps).
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round three-pin or square three-pin (15 or 13 amps).
Social conventions
Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Nanga def (‘How are you?’) is the traditional greeting. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages on both banks of the River Gambia. Travelers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.
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Western food is available at most tourist hotels and restaurants, as is traditional Gambian delicacies.National specialties:
• Benachin (also called ‘Jollof Rice’, a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables).
• Base nyebe (rich stew of chicken or beef with green beans and other vegetables).
• Chere (steamed millet flour balls).
• Domodah (meat stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice).
• Plasas (meat and smoked fish cooked in palm oil with green vegetables) served with fu-fu or mashed cassava chura-gertek (a sweet porridge consisting of pounded groundnuts, rice and milk).
• Mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, papayas and oranges.National drinks:
• Spirits, beers and wines.
• Jul Brew is the local specialty beer.
• Fresh fruit juice.Tipping:
10 per cent service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills. Although if the service calls for it a further tip can be given.Nightlife
In general the nightlife is subdued, although there are nightclubs and bars in Bakau, Banjul, Farjara and Serrekunda. There are organized performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and dancing, and also fire-eating displays.
