Best Bitcoin Exchange for Mauritania

Mauritania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Nevertheless, the country has a lot to offer culturally and above all scenically. Although the Sahara runs through Mauritania, the country offers much more than just sand and dunes, which can be crossed in a tour. Old caravan towns such as Ouadane, Tichitt, Chinguetti and Oualata, all of which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enrich Mauritania’s culture with their mosques, minarets and houses worth seeing that are unusual for Central European eyes. Chinguetti also belongs to the seven holy cities of Islam. In the ancient city there are not only the preserved ruins, but also a library in which historical manuscripts are kept.

Also worth seeing are the old towns of the capital Nouakchott and Atar with buildings from the 11th and 12th centuries. A trip to the National Park Banc d’Arguin is rich in contrast to the historical cities, buildings and sights. The park, which lies directly on the Atlantic coast, consists of numerous small islands. Sand dunes and marshlands provide breeding grounds for migratory birds and other bird species. This is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the world. In addition to the flying animals, rare species of turtles can also be seen in the national park.

Since Mauritania is hardly developed as a holiday destination, and the economic standard is far below the European level, no cashless payment is possible in large parts of Mauritania. It is therefore indispensable to have a sufficient amount of cash in local currency as a means of payment in the travel fund. Where and how you can withdraw money in Mauritania, which means of payment are suitable for it and lots of information on the subject of local currency, cashless payment, cheap credit cards, but also some important security tips can be read in the following article.

Ouguiya – Mauritania’s national currency

Overview Banknotes Mauritania OuguiyaIn Mauritania, the national currency and official means of payment of the Ouguiya is divided into 5 Khoums.

The currency is available in coins and banknotes as shown in the table below:

• Coins: 10, 20, 50 Ouguiya
• Notes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 Ouguiya

Both imports and exports of the national currency are prohibited. Other currencies can be imported and exported up to an amount of 1000 US dollars. For all other amounts, registration is required at the time of entry, as proof of this must be presented at the time of departure. If a higher amount is to be exported, a permit from the Mauritanian central bank is also required.

Changing money in Mauritania

The ban on imports and exports of national currency in Mauritania eliminates the need to exchange currency before travelling. In Mauritania, you can make an exchange at any bank in the major cities. Outside the larger cities banks are rather rare, an exchange must be announced here in advance. Therefore, it is advisable to change sufficient cash into the local currency before travelling to the surrounding area.

A comparison of the rates in the banks is always worthwhile, because the rates diverge very strongly. The best exchange rate is often obtained at the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie. The exchange receipts of the money exchange should be kept absolutely. At the departure, it can be that these have to be shown. Also, the receipts are necessary in order to be able to make a return exchange.

Redeeming traveller’s cheques in Mauritania

Despite the worldwide return of travellers’ cheques, these are still accepted in Mauritania. It is also advisable to take traveller’s cheques with you as an additional means of payment in the travel fund, but only as a supplement to more suitable means of payment, as traveller’s cheques will be replaced immediately in the event of loss or theft. When choosing your travel fund, you should bear in mind that a credit card is the most important and reliable pillar for a trip to Mauritania; a combination of cash, credit card and, if applicable, traveller’s cheques makes sense.

Cashless payment in Mauritania

In Mauritania, cashless payment is not yet widespread. Payment by credit card is currently only possible in hotels. A valid PIN is required for all cashless transactions. Anyone using a credit card as a means of payment should be aware that a foreign assignment fee is also charged for cashless payments in Mauritania. The fee for third-party use of the credit card at foreign ATMs is charged by the responsible credit institution.

Withdraw money in Mauritania by EC card

When using the EC card to withdraw money in Mauritania, it is to be expected that some ATMs will have problems accepting foreign cash cards. Not every ATM will accept the EC card. It is important that the EC card bears the Cirrus or Maestro logo. V-Pay card holders literally have bad cards – this card format generally does not work in Mauritania. Owners of such cards are advised to add at least one credit card to their travel funds in order to obtain cash in local currency.

If you are looking for a suitable ATM, you should know that your bank will charge you a fee for each withdrawal. This fee ranges from 5 to 10 euros and is independent of the amount to be withdrawn. This fixed amount can add up unpleasantly during the trip. Such a fee is not only unpleasant, but also unnecessary, but can be conveniently saved. The next section will tell you which credit cards can be used to withdraw money free of charge in Mauritania.

Withdrawing money in Mauritania by credit card

In the capital Nouakchott you can find ATMs where you can withdraw money with credit cards. If you choose the right credit card company, you won’t have to pay the foreign assignment fee. Normally, the card institute charges between 1 and 4% of the withdrawn amount as a foreign assignment fee for each withdrawal of cash in local currency at an ATM. So-called travel credit cards are an exception to the usual credit cards. With these cards, the card provider does not charge any fees for the use of the credit card abroad. Possessing such a travel credit card may save a large amount during the trip, which can be invested in more beautiful things. This service is valid worldwide and there is no charge for the use of these cards at German foreign banks, which makes these cards an additional, cost-saving option for everyday use.

However, a processing time of up to two weeks must be expected before the card is sent. If you decide on one of these cards before travelling to Mauritania, you should therefore make sure that you apply in good time.

Safety when withdrawing money in Mauritania

Even if there are only few possibilities to withdraw money in Mauritania, one should be especially careful at these machines, as also at the cashless payment. Credit card fraud is not uncommon in Mauritania, which is why it is advisable to check your accounts regularly. In case of irregularities, the affected card should be blocked immediately in order to protect itself from greater financial damage.

To do this, contact the blocking emergency call number, which can be reached around the clock. It was set up especially for these cases and blocks the card immediately after naming the card number. Any misuse afterwards is therefore excluded. The following link will take you to the number. If you take into account the few but relevant notes on the security of the means of payment and cost-effectiveness, you can enjoy a well-earned holiday in Mauritania and ideally – for example by owning one of the above-mentioned travel credit cards – save some costs.