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kugan1351
1 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Aug 2007 : 09:38:05
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Please tell me how to go about sensibly, without offending the locals yet to enjoy the holiday without being ripped off! Any tip welcome. By the way I am going with my wife and will stay in Kololi. for a week.
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2007 : 09:59:20
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| stay focused, listen to the rep, decide where you want to go and stay safe, as it is your first time, speak to the green taxis at least you will be insured. you can always do a deal. if you are approached by a bumster offering his tourist services be advised you will not be inusred if you get in his friends car etc. Do change money with them it could be fake, always go to a "an office that is licenced money lender, drink lots of water, eat plenty of fruit, dress cool, dress comfortable. plent of sun tan lotion, a high factor is best, when shopping barter its fun. Do you hae any trips planned. |
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tintinto
United Kingdom
105 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2007 : 10:11:41
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| kugan1351, when are you going? I fly out a week from today, 14th . |
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leokat
United Kingdom
123 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2007 : 14:30:37
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Kugan - Jambo's advice is good.
A first visit to The Gambia can be a bit of a culture shock. As can the constant pressure to 'cough up money'. This starts at the airport where firstly you have to pay the mandatory tourist tax, then someone will offer their services as a porter. Then someone will offer to take your bags fromthe airport terminal to the bus, next the driver and luggage loader on the bus will expect a tip, finally the porter at the hotel will likewise expect one. All this can leave one feeling a bit shell shocked.
Things do not get any better when you decide to step outside the hotel. You will find yourself surrounded by very insistent bumsters. Bumsters are, in my experience, more of a nuisance than dangerous. Be firm to the point of abruptness but there is no need to shout, swear, or insult them. Remember, they are only trying to make a bit of money in what is a poor developing country.
However, my daughter and I found that the only way we were able to deter bumsters and enjoy our holiday unhassled was to enlist the services of a guide. Official guides work from the hotels and wear uniforms and have papers to identify them as such.
Personally I wanted to see a bit more of the real Gambia so I used an unofficial guide and the yellow taxis (In fact the only time I have even been stopped by the police was when I used a green taxi). I do admit this could be a risk and one needs to exercise caution.
I would add - the rep organised trips are a great way to see a bit of the country and are reasonably priced. |
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faderabraham
203 Posts |
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Nokia Man
United Kingdom
44 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2008 : 16:51:58
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The first time I arrived in Gambia I could hardly sleep the first night wondering what a huge mistake I'd made. I couldn't wait to talk to the rep so I could get the next plane home!
I woke up and was told the rep wouldn't be at the hotel until noon, but noticing the fishermen at Bakau pier I decided to kill some time with a walk down to see how fishing boats are built in 'African style'.
One thing led to another and I returned 5 months later armed with life jackets, binoculars, heavy weather oil skins and general sea going clothing. All the equipment I raised through tabloid publicity and donated to the Bakau rescue station. BTW, you can get increased baggage allowance for charitable work 
If its any comfort for kugan1351 or any other newbie looking at travelling to Gambia with trepidation, I've now been 6 times and have eaten in the street off Tupperware plates with locals just as much as I have in restaurants or hotels. Just enjoy the country and people and don't take the negatives to heart.
I think what leokat says regarding Bumpsters is spot on:
quote:
Be firm to the point of abruptness but there is no need to shout, swear, or insult them. Remember, they are only trying to make a bit of money in what is a poor developing country.
To make it easier on yourself take some pound coins with you and tip the few porters you come across from airport to hotel room. Then chill out, start your holiday and spend the first day not taking too much on.
Another note worth making is some hotel workers are good for acting as a guide on their day/ morning/ afternoon off. You know you'll not get ripped off because they'll be having to face you every day |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2008 : 10:00:12
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nokia man, many smiles, the first trip you are hooked, if anyone is going, dollar bills re good they can change them, pounds coins are harder, once i took some old football shirts, by UK standards but were welcome in gambia  |
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2008 : 22:57:09
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We always hold back a ten pound note for our return then change it for the masses of pound coins the porters have at the airport.
Most airlines are more than happy for the change on board and then there's always Starbucks and my hazelnut latte awaiting me at gatwick to pay for |
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