Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Mali, or should I carry local cash?
Locals in Bamako told me most taxis still prefer cash, especially outside hotel zones. Even though some taxis say they take cards, it’s usually a no-go. I used Soro Yiriwaso Bank ATMs to get CFA francs for taxis and fares around 1500 francs. Plan ahead with cash.
Honestly, cash is essential for taxis in Mali. I stayed near Point G and used local taxis often-cards weren’t accepted. Taxi fares range around 1000-2000 CFA francs, so smaller bills are best. Withdrawing local currency at major banks like Banque Internationale pour le Mali is convenient.
Tried my Visa card at a taxi around Bamako’s Grand Mosque, but the driver said no. Mali’s taxis mostly run on cash. For longer trips to places like Hippodrome, carrying cash is essential. ATMs from Ecobank and BDM-SA worked fine for withdrawals though.
In Bamako, taxis generally expect cash in West African CFA francs. While some airport or hotel taxis might accept cards, it’s pretty uncommon. I mostly used cash near areas like Avenue Moussa Tavele and the King Fahd Palace Hotel. Keep small denominations handy because drivers rarely have change.