Gambia: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
January 21 Eid Al Adha
February 18 Independence Day
March 25 - 28 Good Friday -Easter Monday
April 21 Prophet's Birthday
May 1 Labour Day
July 22 Revolution Day
August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 3 Eid Al Fitr  
December 25 Christmas Day  

Weekend Saturday,Sunday

Muslim festivals are dependent on the sighting of the various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations.

Customs & Duties

The following goods may be imported into The Gambia without incurring customs duty: 200 Cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250gm of tobacco or mixed to the same total quantity, 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of beer or wine and goods up to a value of Dalasi 1000.

Electricity

220v/240v, 50hz are the specifications available.

Post & Communications

There are telephone services in Banjul, Serekunda and major towns, where you can dial direct overseas 24hours a day. The connections are reputed to be excellent. The main post office is in Banjul with branches in each major city and town. There are Internet facilities in Banjul where you can surf the net and check your mail for a fixed sum.

Weights and measures

The metric system is used in the Gambia.

Tipping

The standard tipping amount is 10% of the bill.

English Language Media

The Gambia weekly, the nation, the Gambia daily, the Gambian times and the Gambia onwards are the only known English language media guides.