| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
bantaba
Switzerland
61 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Feb 2008 : 03:24:04
|
|
How easy is it using a U.S. travelers check in The Gambia. A friend of mine is planning to visit The Gambia in a very near future for a period of one week. My friend is uncomfortable carrying a large sum of cash or using a credit card. My advice to him is to use travelers check, I am not sure whether Gambian banks charge fees for cashing travelers check. I would like to seek advice from bantaba members who had use travelers check in The Gambia.
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2008 : 10:56:50
|
I take english cash and change it as I need it, or spend it in sterling.
I don't like to waste my precious holiday time queuing in the bank in serrekunda!!! It would try the patience of a saint!!!!
I also take one credit card with me. I keep it in the hotel safe at all times and would only use it in an emergency to withdraw cash from a 'hole in the wall' or to transfer money from uk.
I would NEVER use my credit card for a transaction in a shop or restaurant in Gambia, even if that facility was available, because if there is a paper copy then people have your credit card details. |
 |
|
|
jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2008 : 12:08:10
|
it is okay in the big hotels, but I would advise they take some dollars. the bigger banks, one in senegambia nera kariba hotel and one in westfield will change travellers cheques. but it is a performance you go to one counter for the form and then another for the money. There are thre outlets for cash machine, westfield, tariffic lights near the garage on kairiaba avenue and senegambi tourist place.
take cash it is only for one week, if he still unsure, trave to arrange a money transfer from USA that he can cash when he is in Gambia, hope that helps. |
|
|
|
bantaba
Switzerland
61 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2008 : 17:12:32
|
| Thanks for all the advice, my suggestion to him will be to take cash maybe in large denominations. It is much easier to deal with cash in The Gambia. |
|
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2008 : 20:37:30
|
| I am quite amazed at the advice to take cash,cash in large demoniation notes? people steal everywhere in all countries, for what its worth I take travellers checks they are replaceable and safe, its true that the money men and banks don't like them, cash is much easier to deal in and of course untraceable,banks in Gambia sometimes get confused about stuff that is not banknotes, all bureau de change will change travellers checks there again as they are difficult for the dealers in gambia to trade in the rate you get is a few dalasi lower,but what a great load off your mind if you are not thinking about how to keep your cash safe!.Your Choice. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
|
|
|
fee_sweetie
United Kingdom
127 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2008 : 23:25:15
|
everytime we go to the gambia we always take travellers cheques and they are really easy to get changed. Also why would you take lots of cash, when if your travellers cheques get stolen, the money is replaced for you.........
we got them changed at the bank, the hotel, the money changing place on the senegambia strip ( the one next to ali babas)...the list goes on, you can change them everywhere......
my advice is not to take lots of cash.........ure just asking to be robbed.. |
"Religion is an insult to human dignity. Without it you'd have good people doing good things + evil people doing evil things but for good people to do evil things it takes religion"- Richard Dawkins |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2008 : 06:06:23
|
| I stick it in my safe at the hotel and just take a little out each day. The amount you need daily is small. Personal choice. i dont want to spend my holiday in a queue!!! |
|
|
|
fee_sweetie
United Kingdom
127 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2008 : 13:28:39
|
| I take travellers cheques and dont spend my holiday in a queue???!!! I dont understand where ur getting ure information from........do u queue for a bus, do u queue to use a toilet, do u wait for ure food being served, do u wait at a bar to be served??????? waiting 2 mintues to have ure money changed is not going to ruin ure whole holiday........and to be honest everytime i went to get my travellers cheques changed, i was the only one there so there wasnt even a queue!!!!!.............but hey ho, each to their own..... |
"Religion is an insult to human dignity. Without it you'd have good people doing good things + evil people doing evil things but for good people to do evil things it takes religion"- Richard Dawkins |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2008 : 13:39:48
|
| My experiences at the trust bank at West field try my patience! The queue is always nearly out of the door and the staff are SO SLOW!!! |
|
|
|
bantaba
Switzerland
61 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 03:32:55
|
A combination of traveler’s cheques and few bank notes might do the job. My friend is traveling with Gambia Experience (Bed & Breakfast) and staying at Kombo Beach Hotel. I am sure that Kombo Beach Hotel provides a secure safe for storing passports, money and travelers cheques.
Thanks again everyone
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Topic Locked
