Bamako, Mali 🇲🇱
#208
12.649319, -8.000337
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali, known for its vibrant culture and history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2.5 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 2-5 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF (West African CFA Franc). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is typically 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Mali, Malitel, and Moov, with a prepaid SIM card available for around 2,000 XOF. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like Ecobank and UBA operate, with ATMs widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb, with prices for short-term rentals starting from 25,000 XOF per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental platforms, averages about 30,000 XOF per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels and guesthouses are available, starting around 10,000 XOF per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | KIALO Coworking Space, located in the ACI 2000 neighborhood. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Le Sikasso, offering free Wi-Fi and a calm atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Mali Business Network events are regularly held; check locals' social media for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Bamako' host social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and local taxis are common, with rides costing as low as 1,500 XOF within the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some hotels may offer bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bamako is inland; nearest beach is Lake Sélingué, about 90 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Côte d'Ivoire operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines offer international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to major routes; N1 road leads towards the southern regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bamako Train Station serves the main rail routes within Mali. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is largely based on shared taxis (Sotrama). |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis can be found for travel to nearby cities like Sikasso and Mopti. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chu Gabriel Touré is the main hospital for serious medical needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bamako Yoga Center offers regular classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Base Fitness Club are available, with memberships starting at 20,000 XOF/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available, prices starting around 3,000 XOF per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is a popular option for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Tiguadege Na, a delicious peanut butter stew served with rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian-friendly spots like La Terrasse are available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Niamé is known for its tasty pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché de Bamako offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Mali provides a wide range of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited; most prefer shopping in-person at local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Hippodrome area is lively in the evenings with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brouwerij du Mali produces local beers and can be visited for tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some upscale hotels have wine bars, such as Hotel Laico. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the central market offer grilled snacks and local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Le Petit Gourmet serves a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Mali and the Tomb of Askia are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Contemporary Art boasts local artworks. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Grand Mosque of Bamako and the ancient city of Djenné nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Check out the city's impressive mosques like the Great Mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival on the Niger celebrates Malian music and culture each year in April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Check vibrant neighborhoods like ACI 2000 for local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Palais de la Culture hosts regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visiting the Bamako Market is a cultural experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like Les Trois Chardonnets. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes to learn about Malian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit local galleries showcasing Mali's rich artistic heritage. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Bamako features diverse colonial and modern architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Dogon people’s influences can be seen in art and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Sélingué offers outdoor activities like swimming and fishing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Baoule National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parks like the National Park of Mali provide pathways for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the Niger River provide picturesque vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around the river attract many bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some lodges outside Bamako offer designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like Poste Malienne handle deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bamako has several phone and computer repair shops in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer French and Bambara classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Check out the central library for quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers exist for cultural exchange and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges, primarily in hotels or clubs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gambling options; the main hotel casinos are quite small. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 300,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 12,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 200,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 8,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 350,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 21,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 250,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 15,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 400,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 32,000,000 XOF). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 280,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 22,400,000 XOF). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Mali employs a progressive income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict regulations governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate for property transactions is approximately 5%. |