Scam in MauritaniaShopping
Inflated opening prices in Mauritania
How it works
A seller starts with a price far above what they may accept. Opening prices can be three times the eventual price. Bargaining is expected, so a high first quote alone does not prove fraud.
Warning signs
- A seller gives a high opening price.
- The price drops sharply when you hesitate or walk away.
How to avoid it
- Bargain before agreeing to buy.
- Stay friendly and ask for a lower price.
- Walk away if the price does not suit you.
If it happens to you
If you have not paid, decline and leave. If you have paid, calmly ask whether the seller will accept a return or refund.
- Move to a safe place. Stop the transaction if you can do so safely, and avoid a confrontation.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any description you can record safely.
- If a card or banking details were compromised, contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze the card and ask about disputing unauthorised charges.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to local police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen, you were threatened or you need help finding local support.
- Notify your insurer if you may make a claim. Keep copies of reports and expenses.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorMauritania ForumTrip report: 12-day camel trek from Chinguetti to OuadaneA traveller described roadside vendors near Ouadane asking roughly €10 for a few beads and said bargaining was possible.Read on Tripadvisor
- Travel blogMoney | Mauritania | Saiga ToursThe tour operator warns that souvenir vendors often quote inflated tourist prices and recommends friendly bargaining.Read on Travel blog
- WebWikivoyageMauritania – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community travel guide warns that opening prices for purchases can be three times the actual price.Read on Web
Questions
What is the inflated opening prices scam in Mauritania?
A seller starts with a price far above what they may accept. Opening prices can be three times the eventual price. Bargaining is expected, so a high first quote alone does not prove fraud.
How can I spot it early?
A seller gives a high opening price. The price drops sharply when you hesitate or walk away.
How do I avoid inflated opening prices in Mauritania?
Bargain before agreeing to buy. Stay friendly and ask for a lower price. Walk away if the price does not suit you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you have not paid, decline and leave. If you have paid, calmly ask whether the seller will accept a return or refund.
Where in Mauritania does this happen?
Country-wide, including souvenir shopping in Nouakchott.
How much can it cost me?
Opening prices can be about three times the price a seller may accept.
How common is this scam in Mauritania?
Common. The main tourist traps described in Mauritania involve inflated shopping prices and sellers who use friendship, gifts or guilt to push a sale. There are no reliable figures for how often these happen. Banditry near the borders with Algeria and Mali is a separate, more serious danger.
Are there similar scams in Mauritania?
Yes: friendship used to push a sale, a gift used to create pressure to buy, guilt or accusations used to sell souvenirs.
Who can I report it to?
Local police: report theft, fraud, robbery or threats once you are safe. Ask your accommodation to help you find a police station if needed. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or verified contact details to report a stolen card or unauthorised transaction. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck