Print
Email
Bookmark & shareThe CFA is fixed against the euro; the best currency to travel with is the euro, in a mixture of cash and travellers' cheques, and it's essential to take some euros in cash. You can get away with spending as little as US$10 a day but this often means grungy rooms, lax security and beef brochettes from the food stalls. If you'd like self-contained rooms, air-conditioning, and the odd meal of steak or chawarmas you can expect to pay US$30-40, while staying in grand old colonial-style hotels and dining out on pigeon and perch will set you back about US$100 a day.
There are a number of banks in Bamako that change money but all of them charge high commissions. If you're coming from Burkina Faso, Niger, or Senegal you're better off changing your money in those countries as the commission rate is lower. Most money transactions in Mali take time, the patience of Job, and a little bit of pleading and cajoling, particularly if you have denominations other than euros. It is possible to get cash from Visa cards in Bamako, but don't expect the process to be easy.
As in most West African countries a 10% tip is expected in better class restaurants.
- Name
- CFA Franc BCEAO
- Symbol
- CFA
Currency
Average Room Prices |
|||
| Low | Mid | High | Deluxe |
| US$2-10 | US$10-35 | US$35-70 | US$70+ |
Average Meal Prices |
|||
| Low | Mid | High | Deluxe |
| US$1-3 | US$3-6 | US$7-10 | US$10+ |
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Travel insurance. Be covered by our recommended partner.
Compare & book flights from 100's of domestic & international airlines.
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
