The Gambia: Africa's Smiling Coast — bird-watching paradise, River Gambia chimpanzees & beach bliss
📞+220Dial Code
🏛️BanjulCapital
💰GMDCurrency
🚨117Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type GElectricity
The international dialing code for Gambia is +220, and its capital city is Banjul. In an emergency, dial 117. Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type G, so bring a suitable travel adapter. Nearby countries include Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Cape Verde. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Domoda (groundnut stew), Benachin (rice one-pot), Yassa (lemon onion chicken). The local currency is the GMD · D · Gambian Dalasi.
🛂 Gambia passport: ranked #129 of 197 worldwide, with 64 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Gambia:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Gambia's country code: +220
Dial +220 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +220 1 [number]. From mobile: + +220 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Gambia
How to Call Abroad from Gambia
To call another country from Gambia: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Gambia numbers is +220 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +220 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Gambia
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Gambia to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +220 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Gambia.
Common Questions About Calling Gambia
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +220 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Gambia?
For a mobile: dial +220 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +220, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Gambia from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +220 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Gambia via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +220 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Gambia?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +220 mean and where does it come from?
+220 is the international dialing code assigned to Gambia by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Gambia number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +220 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Gambia
Country Code
+220
Calling abroad from Gambia? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+220 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 220 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 220 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 220 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
📲 How to Call Gambia from Other Countries
To reach Gambia, first dial your country's international exit code, then Gambia's country code +220, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 220local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 220local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 220local number
🇫🇷 France
00 220local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 220local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 220local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 220local number
🇮🇳 India
00 220local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +220 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Gambia
Gambia uses UTC+0. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Gambia from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–17:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
10:00–22:00
🇩🇪 Germany
11:00–23:00
🇫🇷 France
11:00–23:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
12:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
13:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
12:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
15:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Gambia
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–220–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Gambia
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Gambia
Do I need a visa to visit Gambia?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Gambia visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Gambia offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Gambia currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Gambia?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Gambia grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Gambia on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Gambia visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Gambia using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Gambia visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Gambia using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Gambia?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Gambia on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
No rail | Bush taxi intercity | Minibus in Banjul | River Gambia ferry | Taxis | International Airport Banjul | Pirogue boat trips
✈️ Airports
1 main airport | Banjul International Airport BJL (Yundum) | Small domestic airstrips
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Gambia is divided into 6 divisions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Gambia. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
📶 SIM & Internet
Local SIMs widely available — buy at airport or official stores with passport. Data prices vary ($2–10 per GB depending on country). eSIM coverage improving (Airalo, Holafly). Network coverage strong in cities, patchy rurally. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Orange Money) often more useful than cash.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress respected throughout Gambia, especially in Muslim-majority regions of North Africa. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites and rural areas. Lightweight, light-colored clothing for heat. Long sleeves/pants in evenings against mosquitoes. Sturdy closed shoes for safari and bush walks.
🌍 Gambia: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Gambia?
Some of the most famous foods in Gambia include: Domoda (groundnut stew), Benachin (rice one-pot), Yassa (lemon onion chicken), Supakanja (okra dish), Ngalax (groundnut & vegetables), Foliday (okra & oil), Akara (bean fritters), Chere (steamed millet couscous), Thiakry (millet sweet), Attaya (sweet mint tea ritual).
What are the best places to visit in Gambia?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Gambia include: River Gambia National Park (chimps), Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Banjul Arch 22, Juffureh Slave Trade Site, James Island (UNESCO), Abuko Nature Reserve, Gambia River ferries, Bakau Fish Market, Tanji Bird Reserve, Kartong Turtle Nesting Beach.
What are the main customs and traditions in Gambia?
Notable customs and traditions in Gambia include: Friendly & welcoming to tourists, Greet with handshake and warmth, Muslim majority — Ramadan observed, Tobaski & Koriteh celebrated, Communal lifestyle.
What is Gambia famous for?
Gambia is well known for: Smiling Coast of Africa (nickname), Bird watching (570+ species), Slave trade history (Kunta Kinte), River Gambia National Park (chimpanzees), Affordable beach resort.
Where in the world is Gambia located?
Gambia is located in Africa.
What countries are near Gambia?
Countries near Gambia include: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Liberia, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Gambia
Knowing the right emergency number in Gambia can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Gambia. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Gambia. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
How much does a trip to Gambia cost per day?
Daily costs in Gambia range from $30 (budget) to $80 (mid-range) to $200 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many divisions does Gambia have?
Gambia has 6 divisions.
What is the emergency number in Gambia?
In Gambia you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Police: 17, Fire: 18, Ambulance: 16. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,D,G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping common in tourist areas. 10% at restaurants, small change for guides and drivers.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyDrink bottled or boiled water only; avoid ice and raw vegetables washed in tap water.
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Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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