In the Gambia is part of the culture to bargain about the price. It's a kind of show which can seem a bit strange at the beginning, but once you get used to it, it can be quite funny. You will hear arguments about the low price like "because you are my first customer" or "because you are my friend". Start by bidding below half price. You will never know the right price and in my opinion it doesn't matter - just as long as you think you got a bargain. If bargaining is not your style, then I can recommend the art gallery at African Heritage in Cape Point. Here prices are fixed and the environment is much more relaxed.

In the Atlantic Ocean dangerous undercurrents can occur so don't go too far out and don't take any chances when you go swimming.

Over 500 different species of birds are living in the Gambia so bring along a pair of field glasses. Many of the birds can be spotted at the Abuko Nature Reserve.

As humidity is very high clothing made of cotton is very comfortable to wear. In January and February evenings can be a bit chilly so in this period I recommend you to bring along a jersey or jacket. Please also see under dress code.

Please think about what you are wearing when you go outside the hotel area. Gambians do not like seeing tourists in swim suits and the like on public places.

220 Volt. It's a good idea to bring along a plug adaptor. All hotels and most restaurants have generators as power supply is not stable.

Dalasi (GMD), 1 Euro = approx 28 Dalasi (October 2007). Eurocard, MasterCard, and Visa card are accepted at most hotels. However, bring along cash for your shopping. See exchange rates from Trust Bank in the Gambia. Click on currency converter to see rate in your own currency.

If you travel from the cold climate in eg Europe to the Gambia the change of climate and food can be a challenge for your stomach, so bring along some tablets against diarrhea - just to be on the safe side.

Film is quite expensive so bring along film from home. I don't recommend you to let the local stores develop your film. Even though they use known brands like Kodak the quality is not the same as eg in Denmark.

It's a good idea to ask before taking any pictures of Gambians. Some Gambians do not like being photographed due to their religion.

There are approx 20 restaurants with an international menu. Most of them are situated in Kololi. In Cape Point I recommend "African Heritage Restaurant" .

Places I have been and which I can recommend:

• Boat trips down the Gambia River, eg to Georgetown. The further down the river you get the more interesting it becomes as the river gets narrower. You can also go fishing in the mangrove which is funny and you can be lucky to get a fish on the hook.

• Boat trip to James Island, Juffure(h) and Albreda. Here you will meet the terrible slave-trade history and also be confronted with the impact of tourism on a small village in Africa. On the boat there will be plenty of time to sunbathe.

• At Wassu near Georgetown you can see fascinating Stone Circles which are believed to be burial grounds for warrior chiefs and heads of important families. The Stone Circles are at least 1200 years old.

• The Albert Market in Banjul is the biggest market. The sales technique especially in the handicraft area is very energetic so it can be a test not to buy something you really don't want. However, it's quite an experience to visit the market due to the range of goods and the crowd. You may never forget this visit.

• I can also recommend an evening drive in a taxi through Serrekunda. Serrekunda is full of life even at night.

On the local markets you will many different things, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, seasoning, woodcraft, bags, clothing, and fabrics for curtains and dresses (in Banjul there are many stores with a huge selection - high quality/low prices). The Albert Market in Banjul is the biggest market. See also under Bargaining.

The sun is extremely powerful in the Gambia so bring along suntan lotion, minimum factor 20 - or better 25. Do not sunbathe for more than one or two hours at the beginning. Cover your head with hat. Please remember that the sun also burns when the weather is cloudy.

Tipping is expected in the Gambia.

There are two kinds of taxis. Green and yellow and Green. The green and yellow taxis are more expensive and in better condition than the green taxis. Gambians mostly use a so-called "Tanka-Tanka". It's a platform truck used as a bus where passengers sit on benches without safety belts. It's cheap - but not the most safe way to get around.

Drink a lot of water but only water from the supermarket. Don't drink tap water if you want to play it safe.

Check in good time with your doctor or a vaccination center. Malaria prophylactics are recommended. Vaccination against Yellow Fewer is sometimes also necessary but it depends on where in the Gambia you are travelling and if you are going to visit other parts of Africa. Salt tablets are also recommended as your body uses a lot of energy in the hot climate.

Click on weather forecast to see the weather forecast for the Gambia.