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Guide
Nouakchott, Mauritania 🇲🇷
#240
,
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, located on the Atlantic coast. |
👥 Population | Approximately 1 million residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 430 MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiya), 1 USD ≈ 385 MRU. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN and Chinguitel are the main providers, offering affordable prepaid plans. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; ATMs are available but can be sporadic. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and rentals via platforms like Airbnb. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; cash is king. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Auberge Sakia' starting from approx. €15 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area near the beach is popular for tourists. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the area around Avenue Moussa Tavele, known for cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Nouakchott located on Avenue Moussa Tavele. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Le Cafe de la Paix offers a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Look for events hosted on Meetup or local Facebook groups, though rare. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Nouakchott Facebook group organizes occasional meetups. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No prevalent ride-hailing apps; local taxis are available. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; consider renting directly from local shops. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nouakchott beach is accessible, perfect for relaxation. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mauritania Airlines is the main carrier. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc connect Nouakchott with Europe. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Route Nationale 1 connects Nouakchott with major cities in Mauritania. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nouakchott doesn't have a major train system; buses are used for long-distance travel. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited formal transit passes; buses and 'sept-place' share taxis are common. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis frequent routes to cities like Rosso and Kaedi. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Oumtounsy Hospital is the largest medical facility in Nouakchott. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Check out 'Studio Fitness' for yoga classes. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like 'Club de Sport' offer memberships. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available but may be limited in quality. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated apps; local restaurants may offer delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Mechoui' (roasted lamb), a local favorite. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited vegan options; check 'La Terrasse' for vegetarian meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit 'Pâtisserie Koutoubia' for local pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like 'Marché Central' offer cheap fresh produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; domestic options are few. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Very few grocery delivery services; shopping is mostly in-person. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit 'Nouakchott Beach' for casual evening hangouts. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited; local bars serve imported beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Limited offerings, but some restaurants serve wine. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the market are common, selling snacks like 'couscous'. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Check out 'Le Relais des Cimes' for French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Monument de la Réunification and the National Museum. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Mauritania presents history and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the ancient city of Chinguetti. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Great Mosque of Nouakchott. |
🎉 Annual Events | Major events include Independence Day celebrations on November 28. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Part of the city showcases art and local culture; walk around the market area. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural shows are sometimes held at local community centers. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Central is vibrant with local crafts and spices. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be experienced at outdoor venues on weekends. |
🎨 Street Art | Some areas feature murals, particularly near the Nouakchott beach. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options; inquire locally for culinary experiences. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art exhibitions are best found at local cultural centers. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is a prominent architectural site. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols are often tied to the Moorish heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cordon de la Mer (coastal area) offers beautiful landscapes. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banc d'Arguin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach make for nice cycling and walking. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Northern beaches offer stunning sunset views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Banc d'Arguin is great for observing migratory birds. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beach areas permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services operate in Nouakchott. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs; options are limited. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in community centers; inquire on-site. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Explore options at local universities for Arabic and French. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library is a quiet study option, though limited. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and provide community support. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues; check local listings. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent in Mauritania. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €48,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €72,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 25%. |
🏦 Tax System | Mauritania has a progressive tax system based on income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing foreign companies. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, based on assessed value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property purchase incurs a 4% tax. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax incentives for digital nomads currently. |