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Language: French is the official language, but Bambara is spoken by 80% of the population. Numerous other African languages are also spoken. Outside the bigger towns few people speak French, and hardly anyone speaks English.
Currency: The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is tied to the Euro. Foreign currency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at banks in Bamako. French francs and euro are the easiest to exchange. Banks are closed on weekends. ATMs are only available in Bamako and only accept Visa
cards. Major credit cards, usually Visa, are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in the capital, but credit cards in general are not widely used in Mali.
Time: Local time is GMT.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types used are round pin attachment plugs.
Communications: The international dialing code for Mali is +223. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not required. There are two mobile telephone operators. Outgoing international calls are made through an international operator. Internet cafes are common in Bamako, and a few are present in other towns.
Duty Free: There is free import of 1,000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, 2 bottles of alcohol, and perfume for personal use. Sporting guns are allowed as long as authorization from the Customs Department in Bamako is acquired within 24 hours of arrival.
Getting Around: Main cities are connected by bus, and towns not connected by bus are serviced by taxi-brousse. During the rainy season passenger boats operate on the Niger River.
Tourist OfficeMali Tourist Office, Bamako: +223 222 5673 or www.officetourisme-mali.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 18 (Police); 15 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Mali Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 2249.
Mali Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1501.
Mali Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 7464/0676.
Mali Embassy, Tokyo, Japan (also responsibe for New Zealand): +81 3 5447 6881.
United States Embassy, Bamako: +216 270 2300.
British Embassy Liaison Office, Bamako: +223 277 4637.
Canadian Embassy, Bamako (also responsible for Australia): +223 221 2236.
South African Embassy, Bamako: +223 229 2925/27.
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