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Some scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Mauritania

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.
  1. 1 ShoppingCommonInflated opening pricesA 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.Country-wide, including souvenir shopping in Nouakchott. 3Read
  2. 2 ShoppingCommonFriendship used to push a saleSomeone approaches as a new friend, then tries to sell you something at an inflated price. Persistent sellers may use your politeness to keep you talking or draw you into a shop.Market areas throughout Mauritania.Read
  3. 3 ShoppingOccasionalA gift used to create pressure to buyA seller presents an item as a gift as part of an attempt to make you buy something. The gesture can make you feel that you owe them a purchase.Market areas throughout Mauritania. 1Read
  4. 4 ShoppingOccasionalGuilt or accusations used to sell souvenirsA few sellers may accuse you of disliking Africans when you decline to visit their souvenir shop. The aim is to make you feel guilty enough to stay or buy.Market areas throughout Mauritania. 1Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalRoadside banditryBandits operate in these border areas. This is a serious security threat rather than a sales scam; specific robbery methods are not described.Border areas along Algeria and Mali. The exact frequency and methods are not given. 3Read

Where to stay alert

  • NouakchottSouvenir opening prices can often be bargained down to about a third of the first quote.
  • Border areas along Algeria and MaliThese areas are known for banditry.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use a trusted taxi arranged through your hotel or tour agent.
  • Agree on the fare and whether it is per person before leaving.
  • Check whether you are paying for a shared ride or the whole taxi.
  • Arrange airport transport ahead of time, especially for a late arrival.

Money

  • Ask whether a price is in current MRU or old MRO. Ten old ouguiyas equal one current ouguiya.
  • Check this carefully in restaurants and hotels, where old prices may still appear.
  • Bargain for purchases and inspect souvenir quality, especially jewellery.
  • Keep your exchange receipt.
  • Carry enough cash for essential transport; do not rely entirely on ATMs.

Cards and ATMs

  • Plan for machines being out of cash or unavailable, especially outside the main cities.
  • Do not depend on the ATM at Nouakchott airport working.
  • Shield your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • Check your account after using an unfamiliar ATM.

Your belongings

  • Avoid displaying expensive belongings or large amounts of money.
  • Keep valuables secured and carry only what you need.
  • Be firm with sellers who keep pushing after you decline.
  • If someone asks for something you own, say that you need it.

Nights out

  • Go out in a group after dark.
  • Carry a torch in Nouadhibou, where street lighting is very limited.
  • Arrange a trusted ride back before going out.

Where you stay

  • Choose accommodation with lockable doors and windows.
  • In Nouadhibou, look for places with night security personnel.
  • Ask your accommodation to help arrange trusted transport.

Tours and guides

  • Check embassy or consulate travel advice before travelling into remote areas.
  • Check which regions are closed to tourists before planning your route.
  • Travel between cities by day, in groups and on major routes.

Police and officials

  • Carry plenty of passport copies for checkpoints between towns.
  • Keep your original passport secure and accessible when needed.
  • Do not assume that a request for a passport copy is a scam; these requests are routine.

What travellers say about Mauritania

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

What tourist scams should I watch for in Mauritania?

The main traps described are inflated shopping prices and sales pressure based on friendship, gifts or guilt. Be clear when you decline and bargain before buying.

How much should I bargain for souvenirs?

Opening prices can be about three times what a seller may accept. In Nouakchott, many quotes can be bargained down to about a third. This is not a guaranteed price for every item.

Does a gift from a seller mean I should buy something?

No. Gifts can be used to create pressure to buy. Decline an unwanted gift, or return it if safe, and leave if the sales pitch continues.

How do I handle a seller who accuses me of being rude or prejudiced?

Keep your refusal short and firm. You do not need to defend yourself or buy anything to prove goodwill. End the conversation if the pressure continues.

Are taxis a known scam risk?

No specific taxi scam is described. Fare negotiation can be difficult, and shared rides cost differently from private rides. Use trusted transport and agree on the fare and seating arrangement first.

Why might a price look ten times too high?

Some prices still use old MRO rather than current MRU, especially in restaurants and hotels. Ten old ouguiyas equal one current ouguiya. Ask which system is being used before paying.

Can I rely on ATMs when I arrive?

No. Machines may not work or may have no cash, especially outside the main cities. The ATM at Nouakchott airport is described as unreliable. Carry enough cash for essential transport.

Are passport checks between towns suspicious?

Passport-copy requests are routine at police checkpoints. Travellers may hand over five to ten copies in a day. Carry plenty of copies and keep your original passport secure.

Where is robbery a more serious concern?

Border areas along Algeria and Mali are known for banditry. Check travel advice before planning a route. Travel between cities by day, in groups and on major routes.

Who should I contact after a scam or theft?

Report crime to local police. Contact your card issuer immediately if a card or banking details were compromised. Your embassy or consulate can help with a stolen passport or a serious incident.

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