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Guide
Nouakchott, Mauritania π²π·
#240
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, located on the Atlantic coast. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1 million residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 430 MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiya), 1 USD β 385 MRU. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | MTN and Chinguitel are the main providers, offering affordable prepaid plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; ATMs are available but can be sporadic. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and rentals via platforms like Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; cash is king. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Auberge Sakia' starting from approx. β¬15 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area near the beach is popular for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the area around Avenue Moussa Tavele, known for cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Coworking Nouakchott located on Avenue Moussa Tavele. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Le Cafe de la Paix offers a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for events hosted on Meetup or local Facebook groups, though rare. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Nouakchott Facebook group organizes occasional meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | No prevalent ride-hailing apps; local taxis are available. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; consider renting directly from local shops. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Nouakchott beach is accessible, perfect for relaxation. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Mauritania Airlines is the main carrier. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc connect Nouakchott with Europe. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Route Nationale 1 connects Nouakchott with major cities in Mauritania. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Nouakchott doesn't have a major train system; buses are used for long-distance travel. |
π Public Transport Passes | Limited formal transit passes; buses and 'sept-place' share taxis are common. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis frequent routes to cities like Rosso and Kaedi. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Oumtounsy Hospital is the largest medical facility in Nouakchott. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Check out 'Studio Fitness' for yoga classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like 'Club de Sport' offer memberships. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services are available but may be limited in quality. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated apps; local restaurants may offer delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Mechoui' (roasted lamb), a local favorite. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited vegan options; check 'La Terrasse' for vegetarian meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Visit 'PΓ’tisserie Koutoubia' for local pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like 'MarchΓ© Central' offer cheap fresh produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; domestic options are few. |
π Grocery Delivery | Very few grocery delivery services; shopping is mostly in-person. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit 'Nouakchott Beach' for casual evening hangouts. |
π» Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited; local bars serve imported beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Limited offerings, but some restaurants serve wine. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the market are common, selling snacks like 'couscous'. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Check out 'Le Relais des Cimes' for French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Monument de la RΓ©unification and the National Museum. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Mauritania presents history and culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Explore the ancient city of Chinguetti. |
π Religious Sites | Visit the Great Mosque of Nouakchott. |
π Annual Events | Major events include Independence Day celebrations on November 28. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Part of the city showcases art and local culture; walk around the market area. |
π Theater Venues | Cultural shows are sometimes held at local community centers. |
ποΈ Local Markets | MarchΓ© Central is vibrant with local crafts and spices. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local music can be experienced at outdoor venues on weekends. |
π¨ Street Art | Some areas feature murals, particularly near the Nouakchott beach. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Limited options; inquire locally for culinary experiences. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Art exhibitions are best found at local cultural centers. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is a prominent architectural site. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Cultural symbols are often tied to the Moorish heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Cordon de la Mer (coastal area) offers beautiful landscapes. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Banc d'Arguin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach make for nice cycling and walking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Northern beaches offer stunning sunset views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Banc d'Arguin is great for observing migratory birds. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beach areas permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services operate in Nouakchott. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic repairs; options are limited. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Available in community centers; inquire on-site. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Explore options at local universities for Arabic and French. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The public library is a quiet study option, though limited. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and provide community support. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues; check local listings. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent in Mauritania. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬32,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬24,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬60,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬48,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬96,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬72,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 25%. |
π¦ Tax System | Mauritania has a progressive tax system based on income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing foreign companies. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Property purchase incurs a 4% tax. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax incentives for digital nomads currently. |