I need to take out quite a bit of cash during my trip. Anyone know cheapest ATMs & daily withdrawal limits for foreign cards at Mali ATMs?
For big cash withdrawals in Mali, expect ATM withdrawal limits around 300,000-400,000 CFA francs per transaction (~$500-600 USD). Local fees at ATMs vary and your home bank might add fees on top. Best advice is to use travel cards like Wise or Revolut for cheaper rates and fewer fees. ATMs are mostly available in Bamako, so plan accordingly if heading to rural areas where access is limited.
Mali’s ATM network is mostly concentrated in Bamako and a few larger towns. ATMs accept most international cards but there’s usually a local fee plus your bank’s international charges. Withdrawal limits per transaction are generally between $300 and $600 USD. Using prepaid travel cards with fee-free withdrawals is recommended if you want to minimize expenses. Don’t forget that cash is still king in many places.
I used a foreign Visa debit card at ATMs in Bamako recently, and while ATM fees are not excessive, they add up quickly with your bank’s charges. Local ATMs usually limit withdrawals to about 300,000 XOF (roughly $500) per transaction, but some cards allow multiple withdrawals. Wise and Revolut cards are a good way to save on fees and get competitive exchange rates. Bring some cash though, because outside Bamako, card acceptance is pretty limited.
If you’re planning to withdraw a lot of cash in Mali, your best option is to use ATMs from major banks in Bamako like Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l’Industrie du Mali (BICIM). Foreign Visa and Mastercard work well at these machines. Local ATM fees are moderate, and using travel cards like Wise can help avoid high international charges. Daily withdrawal limits can be up to $600 USD, but check your card issuer’s limits too. Mali still runs on West African CFA Franc (XOF), so make sure your card supports that currency.