The Gambia Travel Forum

hello,

I am trying to get an idea of how much money to budget for a trip to The Gambia. What is a the average cost of food, lodging etc? I know that exchange rate is about 28 dalasi/1 USD, but I want to know what to expect....I want to know the local prices if possible, so that I can have an advantage in bargaining!

thanks,

michelle
M

Not knowing what standard of accomodation and food you're looking for, it is difficult to answer your question. Locak stuff is cheap, but most goods have to be imported and have almost western prizes (e.c.western beverages)

We have just returned and were getting 38 - 40 Dalasi to the pound. We found the cost of eating out expensive - £15 - £20 a head, almost home prices.(that's two courses and a couple of beers each!)

If you keep out of the tourist areas, and eat and drink locally you will find it cheaper obviously. Only buy drinks at the small local shops. Boil and drink the water, it's fine, otherwise it will cost a lot of money to buy bottles all the time. When out and about and its meal time , ask the locals in the area you are in, where the ladies are cooking. Sometimes this can be in someone's compound, where they will be providing lunch for the local tradespeople to collect and buy from them. You can eat very cheaply - good plate of rice, sauce and whatever the meat/fish of the day is!

Tapalapa/Sinfu (bread types) can be bought cheaply (D4) from the small local shops. They will also put in a 'filling' for you such as egg/mayonaise, cornbeef etc. Spicy Beans (which are lovely) can be purchased from the street lady's in the mornings to go in the bread for b/fast.

I eat like this all the time - great and have never gone hungry!!!