Mali
Lightweight or tropical suit and tie are advised high-level business meetings. Otherwise, a light, open-neck shirt is worn. The forms of address are those of France, e.g. Monsieur le Directeur. Malians emphasize courtesy. Discussions should begin with an extensive exchange of pleasantries. Most Malians are Muslim and most do not drink alcohol, smoke or eat pork, although they usually do not object to foreigners doing so. Knowledge of French is essential for most meetings. Commercial interpreter and translation services are available if required. Office hours are 0730-1230 and 1300-1600 Monday to Thursday, 0730-1230 and 1430-1730 Friday.
While the level of violent crime remains low, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are common. Occasionally, female travelers in particular have reported being harassed in public places. There have been limited reports of incidents of armed robberies and banditry in Bamako and outlying areas. Train travelers are advised to be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. Travelers should stay alert, remain in groups and avoid poorly lit areas after dark.
Mali’s northern regions and the Mauritanian border have historically been plagued by banditry. During the first half of the decade they witnessed armed rebellions. Recent government-rebel peace initiatives ended the insurgency. However banditry and especially carjackings persist.
Bamako has hotels that meet international standards, but other main towns have hotels of an adequate standard and some have air-conditioning. Accommodation tends to be expensive and difficult to obtain at short notice - advance booking is recommended. Longer-term visitors can lease acceptable housing.
Limited IDD service is available. The country code is 223 and the outgoing international code is 00. There are manual exchanges and operator service in the provinces, which can prove unreliable. International calls are expensive and collect calls cannot be made from Mali. Local and long-distance telephone, fax and telex service is available in Bamako and other cities but the number of lines is limited. International mail is slow and not wholly reliable. Private express mail services including DHL operate in Bamako.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz in Bamako. Larger towns in Mali have their own locally generated supply.
220 volts AC, 50Hz in Bamako. Larger towns in Mali have their own locally-generated supply.
C,E
Several of the hotels have restaurant and bar facilities of international standard, serving international cuisine, and most towns have small restaurants serving local and north African dishes. Hotel restaurants are open to non-residents. A particular Malian specialty is La Capitaine Sangha, a kind of Nile perch served with hot chilli sauce, whole fried bananas and rice. There is a limited choice of restaurants.
Alcohol is available in bars (with very late opening hours), but since the majority is Muslim, there is a good range of fresh fruit juices. Most people tend to drink fruit
juice rather than alcohol. Malian tamarind and guava juices are delicious. A traditional drink is Malian tea which should be drunk in three stages; the first is very strong (‘as bitter as death’); the second is slightly sweetened (‘just like life’); the third is well sugared (‘as sweet as love’). Visitors to Mali may be invited to partake in this tea ritual. Tipping:
A 10 per cent tip is customary in restaurants and bars, but is not normal for taxi drivers. Porters receive CFAfr100 per piece of luggage.Nightlife
Bamako has a good selection of nightclubs with music and dancing.
