Nouakchott, Mauritania 🇲🇷
#240
,
Nomad Score:
43%
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. |