Location: West Africa
Local Time: GMT
Capital City: Banjul
Population: 1.8 million
Area: 10,000357,021 square km, 3,861 square miles.
Language(s): English, local languages
Dialling Code: 220
Emergency: Police: 17. Fire: 18. Ambulance: 16 or 18 (Banjul)
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required although UK licence is valid for short visits
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Dalasi (GMD 1 = 100 Butut)
Notes: GMD: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100
Coins: GMD: 1. Butut: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Limited acceptance of credit cards. Travellers cheques are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0800-1330 Mon-Thur, 0800-1100 Fri
Office: 0800-1600 Mon-Thur, 0800-1230 Fri
Shops: 0900-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Thur, 0900-1300 Fri-Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Koriteh, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted in a few instances.
Business/Social Hints: When Muslim conventions apply, visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar local customs. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: When there is no service charge, tips are around 10%
