Handicrafts such as dyed leather cushions and some engraved silver items, rugs and woodcarvings can be bought on the open market. A fine selection of silver jewelry, daggers, wood and silver chests, carpets and decorated nomad tents can be bought in the crafts center in Nouakchott.
Unique to the
Tagant region are neolithic arrowheads, awls and pottery, while at Boutilimit in the south is a Marabout center (Institute of High Islamic Studies) where fine
carpets of goat and camel hair are made.
Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1400-1900.
Currency Information:CurrencyMauritanian Ouguiya
(MRO) = 5 khoums. Notes are in denominations of MRO1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of MRO20, 10, 5 and 1, and 1 and 0.2 khoums.
Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited.
Currency ExchangeCurrency declaration forms are issued on arrival and should be kept. Currencies can be exchanged at the airport or at the main banks in Nouakchott. It is illegal to exchange money on the black market.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsCredit and debit cards are generally not accepted. American Express is accepted in a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. ATMs are not readily available.
Traveller's ChequesLimited use. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursSun-Thurs 0800-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | MRO525.75 |
| $1.00= | MRO266.00 |
| €1.00= | MRO355.67 |
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