Traditional
crafts range from the striking masks of the Bambara, Dogon and Malinko peoples, to woodcarvings, original designs in ebony and bronze, woven cloth, and mats, gold and silver
jewelry and copperware. Excellent
pottery is made in the Ségou region, while Timbuktu is a good center for iron and copper articles, including swords, daggers and
traditional household utensils.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0800-1800; some open Sun 0900-1700.
Currency Information:CurrencyCFA (
Communauté Financière
Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 200, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5.
Mali is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the
Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the
Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Currency ExchangeIt is possible to exchange Euros and US Dollars in Bamako.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsCredit cards are very little used in Mali's cash economy - and are only accepted at major banks, airports, hotels and restaurants. Visa is the main card accepted; MasterCard and American Express can sometimes be used.
Traveller's ChequesCan be exchanged In Bamako. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.
Currency RestrictionsRestrictions apply.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0800-1400.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | XOF694.50 |
| $1.00= | XOF478.98 |
| €1.00= | XOF655.96 |
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