Know the currency
The Gambian currency is the dalasi, identified internationally as GMD. Under the Central Bank of The Gambia Act 2018, one dalasi is divided into 100 bututs, and the Central Bank has the authority to issue currency notes and coins.
When comparing an old price with a new one, check the date, currency and unit. A quoted room price may be per night, per person or for the whole accommodation. A transport quote may cover a shared seat, a vehicle or an entire trip. Ask what is included before deciding whether two offers are comparable.
Use a dated rate
The Central Bank publishes dated exchange-rate information. Its reference figures are a useful starting point, but they should not be presented as a promise of the rate a customer will receive. Ask the provider for the applicable buying or selling rate, any fees and the final amount before agreeing.
A public guide should link to the current rate source rather than freeze an exchange rate into a permanent article or printed QR poster. If a lesson uses an example, label it as an illustration and show the date. Keep the exchange-rate exercise separate from the cost of the goods themselves.
Check the provider
The Central Bank publishes a list of approved foreign-exchange bureaus. Consult the current list and check the exact business identity and location. A familiar-looking name or a directory entry does not by itself establish that an operator is authorised.
Keep the agreed terms and transaction record. For a booking or purchase, confirm the total, cancellation conditions and the business’s own contact route. Avoid putting identity documents, card details or private financial information into a public correction form or an open message thread.
A practical numeracy activity
Ask learners to compare two fictional offers: one with a better headline price but an extra fee, and one with an all-inclusive price. Work out the final cost in the same currency and for the same quantity. Discuss why the cheapest advertisement is not always the cheapest transaction.
Use the business directory to practise asking clear questions, not to imply that every listing is endorsed. A well-kept directory names its source and review date and provides a way to report a change. Visitors and residents can then make better decisions while still confirming availability and terms directly.
Sources & further reading
- Central Bank of The Gambia Act 2018
- Central Bank: current dated exchange-rate publications
- Central Bank: approved exchange bureaus
Source review date: 2026-10-29.