Communication

Keep in touch with friends and family while away.

Here you will find out how you can keep in touch with friends and family and stay up to date with what's happening back in the UK during your stay in The Gambia.

Communication Options

The Gambia offers a range of options:

International Calls

To make an international call from your hotel please advise the switchboard of the number you require - in some hotels the call can be passed through to your room. Please note that calls can be very expensive and prices do vary from hotel to hotel.

There are local telephone offices located in Kotu, Kololi, Serrekunda, Bakau and Banjul, where calls can be made at a cheaper rate. Gamtel offices are open from 8am to 10pm daily. There are also Telecentres (small public booths) in Kololi and the small shopping complex opposite Palma Rima, however phonecards cannot be used here. Guests can also make use of prepaid SIM cards for their mobiles.

Phonecards

Cost 100 - 200 dalasis and a 4 minute call to Europe will cost approximately 100 dalasis (just over £2).

Stamps

For postcards and letters to the UK currently cost under 15p and the service is reasonable.

Newspapers and Magazines

There is a limited delivery from the UK to The Gambia, brought by incoming tourists and available from some hotel shops.

Televisions

Some hotels have a TV in a public area which receives satellite transmissions and The Gambia now has its own television station broadcasting programmes for a few hours in the evening.

Internet Cafés

There are now six main internet cafés in The Gambia - but please be aware that the cable networks within the country are still fairly rudimentary and connection can be very slow.