Mali Travel Guide

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Shopping

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

CFA (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 Exchange

It is possible to exchange Euros and US Dollars in Bamako.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Credit 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.

Travelers Checks

Can be exchanged In Bamako. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars or Euros.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding XOF25,000 should be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0800-1400.

Exchange Rate