Quick Facts About Mauritania
General Information
- • Capital: Nouakchott
- • Currency: Ouguiya (MRU)
- • Languages: Arabic (official), French, local languages
- • Population: 4.6 million
- • Area: 1,030,700 km² (mostly desert)
- • Time Zone: GMT+0
Travel Information
- • Best Time: November-February (cooler)
- • Power Plug: Type C (220V)
- • Emergency: 17 (police), 101 (fire)
- • Calling Code: +222
- • Visa: Required for most (obtain in advance)
- • Airport: Nouakchott–Oumtounsy (NKC)
Benefits of eSIM for Mauritania Travel
eSIM vs Traditional SIM Comparison
✅ eSIM Advantages
- • Activate before entering remote desert areas
- • No need to find shops in Nouakchott
- • Works immediately at border crossings
- • Keep your number for verification codes
- • Switch between networks for best coverage
- • Perfect for overland trans-Sahara journeys
❌ Traditional SIM Issues
- • Limited shops outside capital
- • Language barriers (Arabic/French)
- • Complex registration process
- • Office hours only (closed Fridays)
- • Risk of sand damage to physical SIM
- • Difficult to top-up in remote areas
Key Benefits for Mauritania
Desert-Ready Connectivity
Coverage along major routes and oases
Iron Ore Train Coverage
Stay connected on the famous desert railway
Border Crossing Ready
Works immediately when entering from neighbors
Overland Adventure Support
Essential for trans-Africa expeditions
Ancient Cities Access
Coverage in Chinguetti and Ouadane
Business Travel Ready
Reliable for mining and development work
Mauritania eSIM Pricing & Plans
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Installation Guide
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before entering Mauritania or while in Nouakchott. Remote desert areas may have limited connectivity for initial setup!
📱 iPhone Installation
- 1.Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan
- 2.Scan the QR code from your eSIM purchase
- 3.Label your plan (e.g., "Mauritania Travel")
- 4.Set as your default data line
- 5.Turn on Data Roaming (required for eSIM)
🤖 Android Installation
- 1.Go to Settings → Network & Internet
- 2.Tap "+" next to Mobile Network
- 3.Select "Download a SIM instead?"
- 4.Scan QR code and follow prompts
- 5.Enable the new eSIM profile
Network Coverage Details
Coverage Areas
Good Coverage
- • Nouakchott (capital)
- • Nouadhibou (port city)
- • Main highways to borders
- • Atar and ancient cities route
- • Iron ore railway corridor
- • Major oasis towns
Limited/No Coverage
- • Deep Sahara regions
- • Remote desert tracks
- • Away from main roads
- • Some border areas
- • Banc d'Arguin interior
Network Speed
4G available in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. 3G covers most populated areas. Remote areas may have 2G only or no signal. Download offline maps and content before venturing into the desert.
Travel Recommendations
Desert Expedition
Duration: 7-10 days
Recommended: 10-15GB
Essential for Sahara adventures. Navigation, weather updates, emergency contact, and sharing desert photos.
Ancient Cities Tour
Duration: 5-7 days
Recommended: 5-10GB
Perfect for Chinguetti and Ouadane visits. Historical info, translation apps, and cultural content.
Iron Ore Train Journey
Duration: 3-5 days
Recommended: 5GB
Covers the famous train ride. Download entertainment beforehand as coverage is patchy along the route.
Overland Transit
Duration: 2-3 days
Recommended: 3GB
Quick passage through Mauritania. Border crossing info, basic navigation, and emergency connectivity.
Coastal & Fishing
Duration: 5-7 days
Recommended: 10GB
Nouadhibou and Banc d'Arguin exploration. Weather apps, tide charts, and seafood market translations.
Business/Mining Visit
Duration: 7-30 days
Recommended: 20GB+
Professional travel to mining regions. Video calls, document sharing, and reliable connectivity needs.
Must-Visit Places in Mauritania
🏜️ Natural Wonders
- • Richat Structure: Eye of the Sahara
- • Banc d'Arguin: UNESCO coastal park
- • Terjit Oasis: Palm grove paradise
- • Ben Amera: Second largest monolith
- • Adrar Plateau: Dramatic landscapes
- • White Valley: Chalk formations
🏛️ Cultural Heritage
- • Chinguetti: Ancient libraries & mosques
- • Ouadane: UNESCO caravan city
- • Tichitt: Stone age settlements
- • Oualata: Decorated architecture
- • Iron Ore Train: Desert railway adventure
- • Port de Pêche: Colorful fish market
Network Providers in Mauritania
Mauritel
- • Largest network
- • Best coverage
- • 4G in cities
- • Desert routes covered
Mattel
- • Good urban coverage
- • Competitive pricing
- • 4G available
- • Expanding network
Chinguitel
- • Urban focus
- • Basic coverage
- • Budget option
- • Limited rural reach
Troubleshooting Common Issues
📵 No Service in Desert
- This is normal in remote areas - coverage is limited
- Stay near main roads for better signal
- Download offline maps before leaving cities
- Consider satellite communication for deep desert
🐌 Slow Data Speeds
Outside major cities, expect 3G or 2G speeds. Plan ahead by downloading content in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou. Video calls may not work in rural areas.
🌡️ Heat Affecting Phone
Extreme desert heat can cause phones to overheat. Keep devices in shade, use airplane mode when not needed, and consider a cooling case for desert travel.
Emergency Contacts
🚨 Emergency Numbers
- • Police: 17
- • Fire Department: 101
- • Medical Emergency: Call hospital directly
- • Gendarmerie: 116
- • Traffic Police: 119
- • Tourist Police: +222 45 25 11 45
🏥 Medical Facilities
- • Centre Hospitalier National: Main hospital
- • Clinique Chiva: +222 45 25 11 11
- • Limited facilities: Evacuate for serious issues
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's ✅
- • Dress conservatively (long sleeves/pants)
- • Learn basic Arabic or French greetings
- • Accept tea when offered (3 rounds tradition)
- • Use right hand for eating and greetings
- • Respect Islamic customs and prayer times
- • Negotiate prices respectfully at markets
Don'ts ❌
- • Don't photograph people without permission
- • Avoid public displays of affection
- • Don't wear shorts or revealing clothing
- • Never refuse hospitality rudely
- • Don't enter mosques unless invited
- • Avoid political discussions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my eSIM work in the deep Sahara?
Coverage is limited to main routes and settlements. Deep desert areas often have no signal. Download offline maps and consider satellite communication for remote expeditions.
Can I use my Mauritania eSIM in neighboring countries?
Basic Mauritania plans work only within the country. For overland travel through Western Sahara, Senegal, or Mali, consider a West Africa regional eSIM plan.
How much data for the iron ore train journey?
The 20-hour train ride has patchy coverage. Download entertainment beforehand. 1-2GB is enough for the journey if you pre-download content and use data sparingly.
Is 4G available throughout Mauritania?
4G is available in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Other areas typically have 3G or 2G. Remote regions may have no coverage at all. Plan your connectivity needs accordingly.
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