One can dress as one wants, however, it is advised to wear clothes that are rather traditional; trousers, shirt, jacket, coat, pullover, coat or “boubou”. The ladies should avoid clothes that are too short or show too much bust. In front of old or respected people, decorum requires that a lady cover her head even if it is only with a light scarf.

It is necessary to avoid greeting or eating with the left hand.

Couples must not demonstrate intimate attitudes in public.

Non-Moslems can consume alcohol in the places where consumption is tolerated for them like hotels or at private individuals.

Non-Moslem are free to consume any food of their choice. He can have with him canned meat of any kinds. He is not required to fast during the month of Ramadan. He can consequently buy and consume his food freely during this month. But it must avoid showing too much of his food in public. Mauritanians are of a hospitable nature. Inviting somebody at home or a foreigner at home is rather natural even an honour. To refuse the invitation is not desirable. You are invited to show you friendship. People do not expect anything in return. For them it is natural. It is thus necessary to be at ease.

An invitation is always done around a tea, three small glasses more or less spaced in time.

Mauritanians are curious. They can ask you all kinds of questions. Especially about social relations, habits, etc; between women one can ask you very personal questions.

The individual travelling equipment is like any other equipment required everywhere else. Mauritania being a hot and dry country, the major part of the year, it is advised to take in into consideration. In winter, it is often very cold at night especially in the desert and on the coast.

In Mauritania, you have a regular post service. On average 7 days for Paris, 8 for Brussels, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, London and Antwerp. 12 days for Canada or the United States. There is however rapid courier such as EMS, DHL, FEDEX and UPS;

The telephone between Mauritania, Europe and Mauritania and America functions correctly. International numbers always start with 00 plus the code and the number;

To call Mauritania from outside one needs to use the code (222) and the 7-digit number. One makes calls from the many public cabins managed by private individuals.

With a GSM telephone one can buy his chip and prepaid cards. These GSM telephones be acquired on the spot a competitive price.

The telephone directory is available everywhere. Link: Directory

The numbers to be noted are: 12 for the telephone information, 18 for the firemen, 19 the international one, the 17 for the police force.

The telephone network covers a good part of the territory however there are zones of rupture of service. But the principal roads are well covered, especially in the neighbourhoods of the large cities.

You can also make your calls from the large number of private phone boxes managed by private individuals. Calls are paid by the minute. The tariffs are reasonable. From these public cabins, you can send faxes everywhere in the world.

There is a passion for the Internet and “cybercafés” multiply everywhere especially in Nouakchott. Simply ask. The network is sometimes slow, because high speed is still limited. One advantage is that these “cybercafés” are open at all hour of the day.

Nouakchott is a safe city, certainly the safest African capital. But urbanization and the massive rural migration have created new situations. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful especially in the large cities, markets and public transport.

In the event of problems, it is necessary to contact the police station of the district. Addresses are in the directory included in this site.

The administrations, banks and certain commerce apply the principle of the continuous day and are open 7:00 am hours to 4:00 pm in Sunday to Thursday. The public holidays are Friday and Saturday. The educational establishments, health services, forces of safety, and the post office are always faithful to the old schedule of 7-12 and 3h-6h.