 |
Bugeting
| All prices listed here are in Francs CFA (Communauté Fiancière Africaine) :
1 euro = 656 FCFA
Mali is not an expensive country, especially for those willing
to eat and live similarly to Malians. Of course, sometimes it is
nice to treat yourself occasionally to a touristy meal or evening
out, but on average, you will not have to spend much to meet your
basic needs.
- A hot supper, bought from one of the many little stalls
that pop up on street corners each evening, costs only 100 to
300 FCFA
- Meals in touristy restaurants or hotels can cost 1,000
- 3,000 FCFA
- Phone calls aren't cheap and local ones cost at least
100/minute for local calls. Overseas calls are very expensive;
it's best to find a place where people from back home can call
you
- Internet is 500 FCFA/hr in Bamako, 1,000 FCFA/hr in Ségou
and similarly sized towns, 2,000 FCFA/hr in Tombouctou.
|
|
- Within Bamako, public transport is usually 200 FCFA/
trip. Taxis fares are negotiated before getting in and it is best
to find out beforehand what you can expect to spend. Within towns
like Ségou, taxis are shared between several passengers
and usually cost 200 - 500 FCFA/trip.
- Public buses between towns in Mali :
Bamako - Ségou : 2,000 FCFA
Bamako - Markala : 3,000 FCFA
Bamako - Mopti : 4,000 FCFA
- A trip to Tombouctou or the Dogon country could cost
between 30,00 - 50,000 FCFA, depending on how you travel, how
long you stay and how comfortable you want to be. For example,
a boat from Mopti - Tombouctou costs 6,000 - 10,000 FCFA; a 4x4
costs 20,000 FCFA
top
While you will hope to not get sick, it is reasonable to expect
that you may visit a clinic at least once during your stay. The
costs can be surprising, especially if you had not planned in advance.
And while you will likely be reimbursed by your insurance company
(ask for receipts!!), that will not be till several months after
your return. The following are examples of medical costs.
- A test for malaria can cost 2,000 - 3,000 FCFA. Treatment
costs roughly 5,500 FCFA.
(I would recommend planning for at least two tests
& treatments if you will be in Mali for more than 3 months)
- A visit to the clinic can cost 15,000 FCFA
- Various meds can cost anywhere from 2,000 - 10,000 FCFA.
You may want to budget for 15,000 - 20,000 FCFA for various meds.
top
Depending on how long you plan to stay in Mali, it is best to wait
a few months before making any touristy purchases. This is primarily
because you want to know the markets, prices and quality of work.
Also an important part of each purchase, especially for crafts
and artisan items, is negotiating the price. Speaking Bambara, taking
the time to make small talk and sit down for a cup of tea,
will make a big difference in the price you pay. That said, don't
leave all your shopping for last days either, since patience and
time will be your most valuable currency.
- Malian masks cost upward of 3,000 FCFA, depending on size,
material and detail
- Basic fabric prints cost 3,000 - 8,000 FCFA. It is best
to buy these directly from artists, since the ones in Bamako's
tourist areas tend to be overpriced and of poor quality
- Silver earrings and necklaces can be purchased for as
little as 2,000 FCFA
- pirated CDs cost 2,000 FCFA
top |
web site created by Anita Grace © 2005
photos © Jennifer Cartwright & Anita Grace
|
