The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into The Gambia: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco (from 18 years); 1 l spirits (from 18 years); 250 ml of perfume or eau de toilette.
Import Restrictions
Processed and unprocessed ivory, raw and processed precious metals and gemstones, historical artefacts, bullet casings, etc. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Import regulations
An import permit is required for weapons, ammunition, plants and food. A medical certificate in English is required for importing prescription drugs that could be confused with narcotics.
Prohibited Imports
Counterfeit money, pornographic material, narcotics, etc.
Consulate General of the Republic of The Gambia
Gladbacher Strasse 17-19
Cologne
Germany
+49 (0)221 888 88 73.
http://www.gambia-consulate.de
http://www.gambia-consulate.de
Tue and Thu 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and by appointment.
Business
Business etiquette
The personal element plays an important role in Gambian business circles. Punctuality is expected. Business cards are useful. Business hours: Mon-Thu 8am-4pm, Fri 8am-12.30pm.
Business contacts
Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry 55 Kairaba Avenue, PO Box 3382, Serrekunda, The Gambia Tel. +220 (0)307 31 42.
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. Public payphones are located in city centers. However, due to vandalism, a large number of these public phones are not working.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, network providers are GAMTEL (Internet: www.gamtel.gm) and Africell (Gambia) Ltd. (Web: www.africell.gm). There is currently a roaming contract with Switzerland.
Internet
The main providers are GAMTEL (Internet: www.gamtel.gm) and Quantumnet (Internet: www.qanet.gm). Internet cafes can be found in larger cities.
Post office
Air mail to Europe takes at least 3 days. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-13:00, Sat 08:00-11:00.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
