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- Do bring enough funds for your stay and your return journey, and
ensure that if necessary you can arrange for extra funds to be sent to
you.
- Do exchange money at banks, bureau de change or hotels. May people
lose their money by trusting someone to get them a ‘good rate’.
- Do beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers as you would at any tourist
resort. Report any loss as soon as possible at the nearest police station.
- Do respect local laws and customs. This is a conservative society with
a mainly Moslem population. Do ensure you are modestly dressed in public
places.
- Hiring a moped or car? Check beforehand. Is it roadworthy? Is there
proper insurance cover? Wear a helmet or seat belt as appropriate and do
drive carefully – an accident can ruin your holiday.
- Sea swimming can be dangerous; seek local advice on the safe bathing
areas.
- Malaria. Do take the pills, before, during and after your trip. Your
doctor can advise on the right ones. Insect repellent can also be a useful
precaution.
- Rabies. Do get anti-rabies shots if you are scratched or bitten by a
dog or other animal.
- Too much sun – especially if mixed with alcohol; - can result in
dehydration and lead to serious health problems. Do take care.
- Visa sponsorship. Do consult the British High Commission before you
make any commitment to sponsor a visa application.
- Travel advice. Do check Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice
before travelling.
- Contacts. Do enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.
- Medical insurance. Don’t come to The Gambia without it. Make sure it
covers the costs of local hospitalisation and medical repatriation to
Britain.
- Don’t get involved with drugs; they are easily discovered by the
Gambian police/customs officers.
- The Gambia has unemployment. Don’t expect to find work.