Any guide book will educate you on the finer points of successful bargaining, but the most important factor to remember is not to take any money exchange in Mali too personally. As a tourist, Malians know that you can afford the elevated prices, and even earnest bargaining on your part might not reduce your price to a local level. Instead of becoming angry, though, think of the sale from the Malian s point of view. What you spent to get to Mali could probably feed the vendor s family for a good year. In a country where many don t know where the next meal is coming from, taking advantage of every opportunity is a means of survival.
Patience is always necessary when traveling, but in Mali it is absolutely essential.
If you are traveling on a shoestring and opt for public transportation, it is best not to be in a rush. The timetables at the local bus stop might state the departure time as 9AM, but chances are you won t roll out of the station until close to noon. Bus operators make sure the bus is fully packed before departing and will wait an extra hour to fill those last seats. Once en route, you can expect plenty more delays. Flat tires, busted engines, and bribery at the local gendarme stops are all too frequent.