Information:
The most popular travellers' cheques used in The Gambia
were Thomas Cook (ABTA & IATA protected), and American
Express Travelers' Cheques (Amex), who both have a widespread
network and fairly efficient replacement system in place.
As a general rule you tend to get a better exchange
rate when you change cash into the local money, the
Dalasi, than you would get converting travelers' checks
into cash at a bank or bureau de change. However, if
you are staying for a longer period it is more advisable
to have a mix of say 75% cash and 25%TCs.
This is for reasons of security, as they can normally
be replaced within 24 hours from the time you report
the loss, whereas it is a different matter for loss
of cash.
As an emergency back up do take along any debit or credit
cards as they can be used at some bank ATMs to withdraw
cash. To minimise the chances of loss do keep both cash
and travellers' cheques in your resort's in-room safe
or at the reception desk's safety deposit box.
Do hold a copy of the original TC receipt, and note
down their serial numbers. This is because a few banks
will not honour your cheques without your original receipt. |