Travel Essentials › Mauritania
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and E, 220 V. Emergency: Police 117, Ambulance 101, Fire 118. Tipping: Not expected; a small tip for guides, drivers and hotel staff is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C and E, 220 V
| Police | 117 |
| Ambulance | 101 |
| Fire | 118 |
Not expected; a small tip for guides, drivers and hotel staff is appreciated.
Greetings. Greetings are important and unhurried; use the right hand for shaking hands, eating and giving/receiving items.
Dress modestly. Both men and women should dress conservatively; women should cover shoulders, chest and knees, and a headscarf is respectful outside big-city hotels.
Religion. Mauritania is an Islamic republic; be respectful during prayer times and Ramadan, and avoid public displays of affection.
Mauritania is generally safe for cautious travelers who stick to organized routes, but the Sahel-adjacent border regions carry a terrorism and kidnapping risk, and independent desert travel needs an experienced local guide.
Rosso border crossing hustlers. The Rosso land border with Senegal is notorious for scams and fake fees; use the Diama crossing instead where possible.
Unofficial guides/fixers. Self-appointed 'guides' may overcharge or pressure tourists at sites; agree on a guide and price only through your hotel or a registered tour operator.
Overcharging foreigners. Taxi and market prices are rarely fixed for tourists; agree on a price before starting a ride or purchase.
Women travelers. Women travelers, especially solo, should dress conservatively and avoid walking alone after dark; harassment is less common than catcalling-heavy destinations but conservative norms should be respected.
Death penalty
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Mauritania; the law provides for the death penalty for men (under a de facto moratorium, not enforced in practice) and up to two years' imprisonment for women. LGBTQ+ travelers face real legal risk and should avoid any public disclosure of sexual orientation or gender identity.
| Coffee (café) | MRU 40 | $1.00 |
| Local bus or metro ride | MRU 40-120 | $1-3 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | MRU 400-800 | $10-20 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | MRU 400-1200 | $10-30 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | MRU 2000-4000 | $50-100 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | MRU 4000-6000 | $100-150 |
2026-09
November to March is best: warm days, cool nights and no extreme heat. May-June and the peak Sahara summer heat (up to 40C+) make travel difficult outside early morning and evening.
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