Page 16 - test

police may stop motorists to demand bribes. Security checkpoints have been setup in many locations as part of operations against rebels. Travellers should carry
appropriate identification to ease passage at security or identity checks.
BY TAXI
Foreign personnel should avoid hailing taxis as they can be unreliable; seek details of cabs from hotels. Travellers are advised to negotiate the fare prior to their journeys.
BY TRAIN
There are no internal rail services in the country.
BY OTHER MEANS
Public transport and privately operated vans, which are unreliable, prone to breaking down and unsafe, are not suitable for business travellers.
Language & Money
LANGUAGE
French is the official language, with Bambara commonly spoken. English is rarely spoken.
MONEY
The local currency is the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) franc. Major hotels accept credit cards, but otherwise they are not accepted. While Visa is the most
accepted credit card, MasterCard and American Express may find limited acceptability. Cash advances on credit cards are possible with Visa at least two banks (BICIM
and BDM) and ATMs installed in the foyer of the SOFITEL Amitié hotel and at the entrance to the BCIM bank along the Niger river. The availability of ATMs outside
Bamako is fairly insignificant. The maximum daily withdrawal of money from ATMs is usually limited to $400; local banks could charge around $20 per transaction for the
use of their ATM. Traveller's cheques should be in euros; even US-dollar traveller's cheques are hard to cash (except at BCIM); these could be exchanged at major
hotels and banks. Exchanging currency is a very slow procedure and the rates are often poor. Travellers could visit the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
office to access the foreign exchange bureau. Banks usually do not accept traveller's cheques on Saturday or Sunday.
Cultural Tips

General Tips
• Mali is a Muslim country, and religious customs and sensibilities should be respected.
• Although Muslims do not drink alcohol, bars are tolerated in urban centres and are common in the capital Bamako. However, travellers should exercise discretion
in where they drink. Public drunkenness can lead to arrest.
• During the holy month of Ramadan, visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
• The left hand is considered unclean and is not used for eating, greeting or accepting gifts.
• Do not take photographs of people without permission: this nearly always causes offence, especially if it involves women or children, or scenes that locals may
not wish to see recorded by outsiders. Do not take photographs of the military or military installations.
• Women should wear conservative clothes in respect of Muslim sensibilities. Homosexuality is legal but often frowned upon.
Business Tips
• Business is conducted in French.
• Smart dress is respected. A lightweight suit and tie are appropriate for men. Women should wear conservative clothes, including a scarf on their heads.
• Business hours are curtailed during Ramadan.
Businesswomen
Society is male-dominated and Western businesswomen may find some attitudes irritating, if not offensive. Senior female executives may find that their local
(predominantly male) counterparts do not take them seriously in business negotiations and that time is wasted in establishing authority.
Foreign women may elicit unwanted attention in the capital Bamako, particularly if walking alone. Mali is a predominantly Muslim country and female visitors should dress
conservatively. Female visitors do not face specific risks but commonsense security precautions apply.
Tipping
Tipping is discretionary. Travellers may pay a 10% tip in hotels and restaurants.
Working Week
• Working Week: Monday to Friday.
• Business hours: Monday to Thursday 07.30-16.00 and Friday 07.30-17.30, with a lunch break from 12.30-14.30.
• Banking hours: 07.30-11.30 and 13.15-15.00 on Monday-Thursday and 07.30-12.00 on Friday.
• During Ramadan, business hours are reduced and public offices tend to re-open for several hours after iftar (the breaking of the fast).
Phone & Power

Mali Telecommunications

Emergency Numbers
Fire 18
Police 17
Dialing Codes
Country Code 223
IDD Prefix (International Direct Dialing) 00
NDD Prefix (National Direct Dialing) 0
Telephone Information
International telephone calls are expensive and services are unreliable. Mobile telephone coverage is good in the main cities, towns and most areas as far north as Gao;
if travelling in the northern desert regions satellite phones are required; satellite phones utilising the Iridium network rather than Thuraya work best. Roaming
agreements now exist between the two GSM providers, MALITEL and Orange, and a number of companies in Europe, the US and Asia. Local pay-as-you-go (prepaid)
cards are widely available throughout the capital. Internet services are now relatively easy to obtain in the capital Bamako, but may be very slow outside the city. The