Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4525 2660; fax 525 1592; Rue Abdallaye)
INTERNET ACCESS
You can get online in any reasonably sized town, although outside Nouakchott connection
speeds can often be wanting. Expect to pay around UM200 an hour.
MONEY
The unit of currency is the ouguiya (UM). There are a handful of ATMs in Nouakchott
and Nouâdhibou accepting international bank cards, but take euros or US dollars as back-
up. Credit cards are accepted only at top-end hotels and larger businesses.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day
1 January
National Reunification Day
26 February
Workers' Day
1 May
African Liberation Day
25 May
Army Day
10 July
Independence Day
28 November
Anniversary of the 1984 Coup
12 December
Mauritania also celebrates the usual Islamic holidays.
SAFE TRAVEL
Mauritania is generally one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly the capital and
the main tourist region of the Adrar.
In 2008, the Paris-Dakar Rally was cancelled due to threats against the Mauritanian leg
by Islamist groups. Although there have subsequently been a small number of incidents,
these have been restricted to remote areas unvisited by foreigners. On the main roads, reg-
ular police checkpoints take note of all foreigners passing through for security. In the
southeast, however, security problems in Mali have threatened to spill across the border.
Coupled with periodic reports of banditry on the roads, travellers should take trusted ad-
vice before planning to travel in this region.
PRACTICALITIES
»
Electricity
Current is 220V AC, 50Hz and most electrical plugs are of the European two-pin type.
»
Languages
Hassaniya (Arabic), French, Fula, Soninké and Wolof.
