Do hostels in Gambia accept cards or only cash?

I can’t stress enough how cash-based Gambia is. My hostel in Serrekunda had a dusty card machine on the counter, but the owner admitted it hadn’t worked in months. Everyone paid in dalasi. GTBank ATMs were okay for me, but I saw travelers struggling when machines froze or declined foreign cards. To keep it simple, don’t expect to pay by card at any hostel. Bring cash from the start, and you’ll avoid stressful last-minute runs.

During my trip to the coast, every hostel asked for dalasi in cash. Even tourist-oriented hostels in Kololi wanted cash upfront. The only time I saw a card machine was in a larger hotel, not a hostel. ATMs work in Banjul and Serrekunda but don’t assume you’ll find one conveniently near your hostel. If you’re trying to avoid late-night ATM runs, plan ahead by getting cash before leaving the main towns. Cards aren’t dependable for check-in.

I wouldn’t count on paying by card in Gambian hostels. I stayed in Bakau and Fajara, and both places insisted on cash. Even when they advertised card acceptance online, the reality was “machine broken.” You’ll see Ecobank and Access Bank ATMs in Banjul, but they can run out of money. My advice: withdraw early in the trip, keep smaller notes, and don’t plan on swiping your card at hostels. Cash is the only safe option in Gambia.

Gambia is very cash-oriented. In Serrekunda and Kololi, the hostels I stayed at asked for dalasi upfront. One place said they could take card, but their machine never worked. ATMs from Trust Bank and GTBank are around, but they sometimes have long queues or go offline. If you want to avoid last-minute stress, carry dalasi for at least a few days. Cards aren’t reliable here - hostels usually expect cash payment at check-in.