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Some scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Gambia

Tourists in The Gambia can face persistent touts, requests for money, fake hotel staff and offers of help that lead to unexpected fees. Other risks include drug-related bribe traps, demands for passport-stamping bribes at borders, and pickpocketing or bag snatching in crowded parts of Banjul.
  1. 1 On the streetVery commonFake hotel worker and robbery invitationSomeone claims to remember you from your hotel and says they work there. They may invite you to another hotel, where the aim could be to rob you.Streets and tourist areas 1Read
  2. 2 On the streetVery commonUnasked-for help followed by a payment requestSomeone offers directions, assistance or a favour without being asked. They may then expect money, even though you never agreed to pay.Streets and tourist areas 1Read
  3. 3 Airport and borderVery commonBorder passport-stamping bribe demandsMilitary personnel may demand a bribe to stamp your passport. Refusing can lead to insults or further pressure.Border crossings 3Read
  4. 4 On the streetCommonBumster friendship and hardship pressurePersistent touts, known as bumsters, may use personal questions, quick friendship or hardship stories to get money. Giving money to end the conversation can lead to more requests when you meet again. Not every friendly approach is a scam.Banjul 3Read
  5. 5 Fake officialsOccasionalMarijuana invitation and police bribe trapSomeone offers marijuana or invites you to a home to smoke it. Police may be waiting there to demand a large bribe.Street approaches and invitations to private homes 2Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowdsThieves can take cash, phones or other valuables from pockets and bags in crowded areas.Banjul 2Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalBag snatchingA thief grabs a bag and takes it. Crowded areas are places to take extra care.Banjul 2Read
  8. 8 Changing moneyOccasionalUnlicensed street currency exchangeChanging money with unlicensed street dealers exposes you to exchange scams. No specific method is described.Banjul 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Albert Market, BanjulCrowds can create opportunities for pickpocketing and bag snatching.
  • Ferry terminals, BanjulThese are identified as places where pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur.
  • Transport hubs, BanjulCrowded transport areas can attract petty theft.
  • Border crossingsTravellers may face demands for passport-stamping bribes and pressure if they refuse.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check the fare before getting in. Green tourist taxis cost more than yellow regular taxis.
  • At Banjul International Airport, compare the fare with the displayed taxi price table.
  • For a motorcycle taxi, agree on the price beforehand and ask whether luggage costs extra.
  • Use licensed taxis after dark instead of walking alone through poorly lit streets.

Money

  • Change money at official banks or licensed exchange bureaus.
  • Confirm the exchange rate and fees before handing over cash.
  • Count money at the counter and put it away before leaving.
  • Avoid showing large amounts of cash.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones, wallets and other valuables out of sight.
  • Carry bags securely in markets, at ferry terminals and around transport hubs.
  • Keep a separate copy of important documents.
  • Avoid walking alone through poorly lit areas after dark.

Where you stay

  • Check directly with your hotel if a stranger claims to work there.
  • Do not follow an unverified hotel worker to another property.
  • Avoid sharing your room number or detailed plans with strangers.

Tours and guides

  • Decide whether you want a guide before accepting an offer.
  • Agree on the full price before a guide starts helping you.
  • Decline unwanted services with a short, firm response.
  • Do not assume that unsolicited directions or favours are free.

Police and officials

  • Do not offer or pay bribes.
  • Stay calm and keep responses brief if an official pressures you.
  • Do not threaten to call your embassy during a border confrontation.
  • Decline drug offers and invitations to smoke in private homes.

What travellers say about Gambia

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in The Gambia?

Keep your guard up, especially with unsolicited help, quick friendship and requests for money. Banjul is described as having relatively low violent crime, but petty theft and persistent touts can occur.

What is a bumster?

A bumster is a persistent tout who may offer guiding, goods, favours or friendship. Some use hardship stories to seek money. A polite, firm refusal and continued walking usually helps. Not every friendly person is trying to scam you.

What if someone says they work at my hotel?

Check directly with reception before trusting the claim. Do not follow them to another hotel. A fake hotel-worker approach can lead to robbery.

Can I be asked to pay for directions?

Yes. Someone who offers directions or help may expect money afterwards. Ask about charges before accepting, or decline help you do not need.

Are green taxis overcharging tourists?

Green tourist taxis are generally more expensive than yellow regular taxis; that alone does not make the fare a scam. Confirm the fare first. Airport taxis have a displayed price table, and motorcycle taxi fares should be agreed before riding.

Where should I exchange money?

Use an official bank or licensed foreign exchange bureau. Avoid unlicensed street dealers. Confirm the rate and fees, then count the money before leaving.

Where should I watch out for pickpockets in Banjul?

Take extra care at Albert Market, ferry terminals and transport hubs. Keep valuables hidden and bags closed and close to your body.

Why should I refuse invitations to smoke marijuana?

Some offers are traps. You may be invited to a home where police are waiting to demand a bribe. Decline briefly and leave without further discussion.

What should I do if an official demands a bribe?

Stay calm, keep your response brief and do not offer or pay a bribe. Avoid threats, including saying you will call your embassy during a border confrontation. Seek help once you can do so safely.

What should I do first if my bag is stolen?

Get somewhere safe and do not chase the thief. Freeze missing cards, secure accounts linked to a stolen phone, and report the theft to police. Contact your embassy if your passport was taken.

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