Living in Bamako, Mali:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

When considering living in Bamako one should consider firstly the constant and extreme heat. This is aggravated by the exposed roof slabs in most typical Malian homes and made extremely uncomfortable by the frequent interruptions in the electrical supply. Added to this, the cost of electricity is quite high, so the cost of air-conditioning your home and premises is not negligible. The high cost of accommodation is another factor that merits serious consideration. Rents in areas popular with foreigners are quite high, typically ranging from USD 600 to USD 1200 (equivalent) per month. Foodstuffs are mainly imported, but even local produce is overpriced, contributing to an inflated budget. While healthcare has improved in the last years due to the opening of the American Health Clinic, major treatments will still often require traveling to other countries.