Travel
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| Time: | Local time is GMT. | | | | | Electricity: | 230 volts, 50Hz. | | | | | Language: | The official language of The Gambia is English but several tribal languages are also spoken. | | | | | Health: | Recommended vaccinations include typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, hepatitis A and polio. Malaria is prevalent throughout the year, but the greatest risk is between June and November. Food poisoning is a major risk in The Gambia. Emergency medical facilities are of a low standard. Travel insurance is recommended. | | | | | Customs: | The Gambia is a Muslim country and therefore it is disrespectful to dress immodestly away from the beach, swimming pools or tourist centres. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. | | | | | Safety: | Crime involving tourists is rare in The Gambia. Road travel from The Gambia to Casamance in southern Senegal should be avoided because of a recent increase in fighting between rebel factions. | | | | | Business: | Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: International Direct Dialling is available and the country code for The Gambia is +220. The outgoing international code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). No area codes are required. There are GSM mobile telephone networks, but not all countries have roaming agreements; US mobile phones will not work. Coverage is limited to Banjul and a few other areas. Internet cafes are available in Banjul and the major tourist resorts.
| | | | | Tipping: | A 10% service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, and further tipping is discretionary. | | | | | Duty Free: | Visitors arriving in the Gambia are permitted to bring the following goods into the country without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; one litre of spirits and one litre of wine or beer; 284ml of perfume; and a still camera and film for personal use. |
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Bijilo Forest Park
Bijilo Forest Park, a rainforest nature reserve, is also known as Monkey Park.
National Museum
The National Museum is a semi autonomous institution established by an Act of Parliament in December 1989 to promote and develop Gambian culture.
Beach
The landscape is picturesque and the sandy beaches of the Atlantic are a special attraction.
