Atar, Mauritania 🇲🇷
#239
,
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Atar is a city located in the north of Mauritania, serving as the capital of the Adrar Region. It is known for its proximity to the Sahara Desert and historical significance as a trade route. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 380 MRU, 1 USD ≈ 230 MRU. Banks include Banque Mauritanienne de Commerce International (BMCI) and Mauritania's Central Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity provided at 220V, 50Hz. Outlets of Type C and D. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Mauritel offer mobile services with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at some locations, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hostels, and local inns. Airbnb is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless transactions; cash is strongly preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Few short-term options available; guesthouses are the most common. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Desert Camp Inn offers budget-friendly lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Adrar region is popular among tourists for its cultural experiences and landscapes. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Stay near the city center for better access to amenities and coworking opportunities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Atar lacks dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes often serve as workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Al-Najm is popular among remote workers for its Internet connectivity and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking events are limited; local cultural fairs can provide some opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats often connect through informal gatherings at local cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services and shared taxis are the primary forms of transportation; Uber is not available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is not common; local taxi services are preferable. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 2 hours away near Nouakchott. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mauritania Airways operates flights within the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via the N3 highway to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; bus services available for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes available; single fare bus tickets are used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Atar to other cities like Nouakchott and Rosso. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier National d'Atar provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited; local gyms offer some fitness facilities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few options exist; check local hotels for gym access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, but washing by hand is common. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants rely on walk-in customers. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional 'Mechoui' (roast lamb), common in the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Basic vegetarian options are available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional sweets like 'Baklava.' |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide affordable produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited presence of online shopping; local stores dominate. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services; grocery shopping is mainly in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; local cafes serve as social hubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol consumption is limited due to cultural norms. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; local customs limit alcohol services. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer traditional Mauritanian snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options are limited; mostly local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Historic sites like the ancient town of Ouadane and various mosques. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Mauritania has limited exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town of Chinguetti is notable for its UNESCO World Heritage status. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Multiple mosques are present; Al-Ahli Mosque is noteworthy. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals around Ramadan and local harvest seasons. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town of Atar has cultural significance. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performing arts; local cultural events may occur. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Traditional souks bustling with local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events are informal; traditional music is prevalent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art, mainly traditional forms are displayed. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional workshops on local cuisine are offered. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Not available; local arts found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Mud-brick structures and remnants of ancient architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Emphasis on nomadic traditions and local storytelling. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Adrar Region’s desert landscapes provide numerous adventure opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc National de Diawling is the nearest national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; desert walks and explorations are popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Several stunning viewpoints in the surrounding hill regions. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Be Mauritanian is a spot for birdwatching during migrations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Desert camps often have designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office handles parcel delivery; international services are limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops offer basic services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not widely available; local community centers may have limited facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; local community centers may serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings at local mosques and centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Minimal gaming facilities available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling is culturally restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² for studio apartments. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² for suburban studios. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² for 2-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² for 2-bedroom apartments. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate of 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 7% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; consider residency regulations. |