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.

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

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.

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

Restrictions apply.

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