Foreign Exchange Services:
There are many bureau de change outlets in Gambia particularly
around the various holiday resorts
such as Kololi, Bijilo, Fajara and Kotu. To get the best foreign
exchange rates you either
have to bargain hard or change bulk cash. They are often faster
and tend to give you better rates than you can get from a bank.
Do be wary of signs that say zero commission as what you should
look out for are the rates they have on offer. These are normally
posted outside on the street on small signboards. For large amounts
be prepared to haggle and if they refuse to improve their offer
from their advertised rates then be prepared to move on to the
next firm. The cashier will usually call you back before you exit
their bureau de change.
In order to avoid being short-changed don't assume you have been
given the correct amount of money. Remember to count the bills
given to you in front of the clerk, and its also a good idea to
carry a pocket calculator. Do also check that the bunch of banknotes
does not contain notes of a lesser denomination, for example a
few 50 Dalasi notes mixed up with a larger bunch of 100 Dalasi
notes. Do not be shy about asking for any torn notes to be changed
replaced.
Parallel
Market Money Changers:
Tourists are advised to give a wide berth to the local money changers
who operate in the so called Parallel Market. Many locals used
to change bills on the black market, particularly at Serrekunda's
Westfield Junction, to
get a better rate than they would have at the officially recognised
exchange bureaus and banks. Avoid using the services of street
hawking money changers and you should use an officially registered
bureau de change of or one of the other financial institutions.
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Travel
Advice Money 
