Gambia Healthcare and Money

By | May 9, 2022

Health care

Vaccinations

Vaccination needed receipt required
Eat Drink 4
malaria 3
Typhoid & Polio Yes
cholera 2
yellow fever 1

Overview

Although the basic supply is guaranteed, it cannot be compared to Europe, as it is often technically and hygienically problematic. In rural areas, there is often a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. The state hospitals include the Royal Victoria Hospital with a pediatric and maternity ward in Banjul, a hospital in Farafenni and the Bansang Hospital, which is about 320 km up the river. The medical research center at Fajara (opposite the UK High Commission) is well equipped. Travelers are strongly recommended to have adequate worldwide health insurance coverage and reliable travel repatriation insurance. The German statutory health insurance does not cover medical expenses incurred in The Gambia. Local hospitals and doctors require tourists to pay in advance. It makes sense to bring your own first-aid kit. Plenty of sunscreen, bug spray and stomach upset tablets should be packed in your luggage, as these are expensive and difficult to obtain in The Gambia. Check directoryaah for more information.

Notes vaccinations

[1] According to the WHO, Gambia is a country with a yellow fever infection area (Upper River Division). Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for all travelers over 1 year old coming from WHO-designated Yellow Fever infection areas. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in The Gambia. The WHO strongly recommends vaccination for all travelers, regardless of country regulations. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a small risk of infection. To protect oneself, one should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Malaria protection strongly recommended year-round nationwide including cities. Chloroquine resistance of the predominant more dangerous malaria species Plasmodium falciparum (85%) has been reported. Recommendation: Mosquito repellent and prevention through medication. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid local dairy products. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid local dairy products. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid local dairy products. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.

Other risks

Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming or wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well-maintained chlorinated pools are safe. Hepatitis A and E are common, and hepatitis B is highly endemic. A vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, for long-term stays and for children and young people also against hepatitis B. HIV/AIDS is a big problem in Gambia and a big danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can cause a pose a life-threatening risk. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur primarily in the dry season in savannah areas. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. If you are bitten, get medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide.

Money

Currency

1 Dalasi = 100 Butut. Currency code: D, GMD (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 D; Coins in the denomination 1 D are hardly in circulation anymore.

Credit cards

Major credit cards, especially Visa, are accepted in larger hotels and in some restaurants. Euros are converted using British Pounds and fees can be high. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.

ATMs

Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey. The acceptance of EC cards at ATMs is very limited. I

Travelers cheques

Travelers checks are not accepted in The Gambia.

Bank opening hours

  1. Generally open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., partly also Sat 9 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.

Foreign exchange regulations

There are no import restrictions for local or foreign currency; there is a declaration obligation for sums from a value of US$ 10,000. The black market is being fought by the government; Visitors must declare all foreign currencies upon entry. Currencies from Algeria, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tunisia are neither accepted nor exchanged. CFA Francs are accepted.

Currency Exchange

The Gambian currency is not convertible outside the country. There is a bank/exchange office at the airport that is open during scheduled flight operations. There are several banks and bureaux de change that exchange foreign currencies in Banjul, as well as in the nearby towns of Serrekunda, Bakau, Fajara and Kololi; hotels and holiday villages often charge high fees for this. The currencies of the countries Algeria, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tunisia are not accepted and cannot be exchanged.

Currencies

Code Symbol Exchange rates (no guarantee)
GMD D

Gambia Money