Mauritania
Travel tips for Mauritania: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Mauritania is a strictly cash-based society where cards are useless outside major hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou; travelers must bring Euros or USD to exchange or withdraw everything at a reliable ATM in the capital before heading inland.
Try the food
- Thieboudienne (مارو والحوت): A hearty dish of fish, rice, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
- Mechoui (مشوي): Slow-roasted whole lamb or sheep seasoned with local spices.
- Maafe (مارو كاوكاو): Tender meat cooked in a thick, savory peanut butter sauce.
Say it in Arabic
- Hello: السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
- Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
- Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
- Excuse me: المعذرة (Al-ma'thirah)
- How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hatha?)
- The bill please: الفاتورة من فضلك (Al-fatoorah min fadlak)
- Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
- Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salamah)
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type C / Type E / Type F
- Voltage
- 220V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 117 (Police), 101 (Ambulance), 118 (Fire)
- SIM tip
- Purchase a Mauritel or Mattel SIM card at Nouakchott International Airport or official kiosks in the city for the most reliable coverage.
Etiquette
Always use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items, as the left hand is considered unclean in Islamic culture.