Atar, Mauritania 🇲🇷
Nomad Score:
43%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Atar is the capital city of the Adrar region in Mauritania, located in the Sahara Desert. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 36,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 3-10 Mbps, but can be lower in rural areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 450 MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiya); ATMs available in the city but may have limited withdrawal limits. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Always opt for bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Mauritel and Chinguitel, offering data packages for connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash transactions are common; international cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at select locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels to guesthouses, with online platforms like Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is still king. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available mainly through Airbnb, with prices starting around €20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | La Falaise Hotel offers budget options starting at around €25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Atar lacks dedicated coworking spaces; public libraries or cafes are alternative options. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe des Arts offers a relaxed atmosphere with occasional Wi-Fi access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups or community boards for informal meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal gatherings in cafes and public spaces; little organized expat events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available, but ride-hailing apps are not common; negotiate fares beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental options; explore local shops for rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Beaches in Nouadhibou are about a 5-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mauritania Airlines operates flights within the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc serve international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Roads to major cities like Nouakchott; conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses and shared taxis are the primary modes of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transport passes; pay per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shared taxis or buses connect Atar to other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier d'Atar is the main healthcare facility, but services may be limited. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; small local gyms may offer some wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym available with basic facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, inquire at hotels for service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No prevalent delivery services; local eateries often offer dine-in only. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Mechoui', a roasted lamb dish, commonly served in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; salads and vegetable dishes available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local pastries can be found at small bakeries; enjoy 'Boulangeries' for sweet bread. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mini-markets and local vendors offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited infrastructure; local businesses may operate social media sales. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; few local bars and cafes stay open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol available but limited due to cultural restrictions; no breweries exist. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited options for wine bars; availability varies. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer snacks like 'Merguez' sausages. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few options for international cuisine; local dishes dominate. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the ancient town of Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local museums may have limited exhibitions focusing on Mauritanian culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient libraries and mosques in Chinguetti are worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The mosque in Atar showcases traditional Mauritanian architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals occur sporadically; check local calendars. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Marketplaces provide cultural experiences and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Very limited public performance spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Explore the local market for spices, handicrafts, and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be experienced at local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Minimal street art; focus is on traditional art forms. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Rare; inquire locally for home-based classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few local galleries showcasing regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional mud brick houses can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Explore local traditions through community interactions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Adrar region is rich with stunning desert landscapes and oasis areas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc National de Banc d'Arguin is accessible about 6 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited marked paths; walking recommended in cooler parts of the day. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The rock formations around Atar offer great viewpoints. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit local oases during migration seasons for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Desert areas allow for campfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services available; inquire at local post office. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer basic repair services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational facilities; check local cafes for ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabic classes available through local tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Small libraries may have limited resources for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Occasional events organized in community centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; look for cafes with gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; gambling is culturally restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €500 per m² for studio apartments, example: 40 m² = €20,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €400 per m² in suburban areas, example: 40 m² = €16,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €600 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments, example: 60 m² = €36,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €500 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments, example: 60 m² = €30,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €650 per m² for 2-bedroom apartments, example: 80 m² = €52,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €550 per m² for 2-bedroom apartments, example: 80 m² = €44,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Mauritania has a worldwide income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mauritania has strict rules regarding foreign company taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on municipal assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 7%. |