Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nouakchott, Mauritania

1. Grand Mosque Scam

Be wary of guides offering tours inside the Grand Mosque who demand exorbitant fees after the tour.

Unexpected Fees: Guides may demand extra fees for services not previously agreed upon.
Unlicensed Guides: It is illegal to offer guided tours without a license in Mauritania.
Scarcity of English Speakers: Many guides may take advantage of tourists who do not speak Arabic or French.

Counterfeit gold jewelry is often sold in the Gold Souk, be sure to verify the authenticity of any purchases.

Counterfeit Items: Items are often misrepresented as genuine gold or silver.
Unscrupulous Vendors: Some vendors may attempt to sell counterfeit goods as genuine.
Lack of Knowledge: It can be difficult for tourists to determine the authenticity of gold or silver jewelry.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial exchange bureaus as they may offer poor exchange rates.

Poor Exchange Rates: Unofficial exchange bureaus often offer lower exchange rates than banks.
Misrepresentation of Money: Counterfeit or damaged banknotes may be given in exchange.
Lack of Regulation: Unofficial exchange bureaus operate outside of the regulatory framework, making them difficult to hold accountable.

Taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists for rides around Nouakchott.

Overcharging: Taxis may charge higher prices than the official rate.
Lack of Knowledge: Tourists may not be aware of the official taxi fare rates.
Language Barrier: Taxi drivers may attempt to take advantage of those who do not speak Arabic or French.

Unauthorized guides may approach you at museums asking to give tours for a fee.

Unlicensed Guides: It is illegal to offer guided tours without a license in Mauritania.
Misrepresentation of Services: Guides may not provide the services they claim to offer.
Scarcity of English Speakers: Many guides may take advantage of tourists who do not speak Arabic or French.

Counterfeit goods are commonly sold in the markets of Nouakchott.

Counterfeit Items: Items are often misrepresented as genuine brand-name products.
Unscrupulous Vendors: Some vendors may attempt to sell counterfeit goods as genuine.
Lack of Knowledge: It can be difficult for tourists to determine the authenticity of products.

Restaurants near tourist areas may overprice their food and drink.

Overpricing: Prices may be higher than the usual price for the area.
Lack of Knowledge: Tourists may not know the local prices for food and drink.
Location: Restaurants near tourist areas often overprice their items.

ATMs may be rigged with skimmers to steal card and pin data.

Skimmer Devices: ATMs may have devices installed to capture card and pin data.
Data Theft: Stolen data can be used for identity theft and fraudulent transactions.
Lack of Security: ATMs may lack security measures, making them vulnerable to skimming.

Some people in Nouakchott may beg or harass tourists for money.

Harassment: Tourists may be followed, approached, or asked repeatedly for money.
Begging: Some people may ask for money in the street or at tourist sites.
Scarcity of Resources: Poverty and unemployment are common in Mauritania, leading some to beg or harass tourists.

Tickets for sports venues may be overpriced or counterfeit.

Overpricing: Ticket prices may be higher than the usual price for the area.
Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be misrepresented as genuine or not valid.
Lack of Security: Ticket sellers may operate outside the official channels, making it difficult to verify ticket authenticity.

Car rental agencies may charge hidden fees or rent damaged vehicles.

Hidden Fees: Additional charges may be added after the car has been rented.
Damaged Vehicles: Rental vehicles may have pre-existing damage that is not disclosed.
Lack of Regulation: Some car rental agencies operate outside the regulatory framework, making it difficult to hold them accountable.

Hotels or guesthouses may charge higher prices for rooms than the usual price for the area.

Overpricing: Prices may be higher than the usual price for the area.
Lack of Knowledge: Tourists may not know the local prices for accommodations.
Location: Accommodations near tourist areas often overprice their rooms.

Sim cards may be sold with hidden fees or pre-installed applications that charge the user without their knowledge.

Hidden Fees: Additional charges may be added after the sim card has been activated.
Pre-installed Applications: Applications may be installed on the sim card that charge the user without their knowledge.
Lack of Regulation: Some sim card vendors operate outside the regulatory framework, making it difficult to hold them accountable.

Tickets for ferries may be overpriced or counterfeit.

Overpricing: Ticket prices may be higher than the usual price for the area.
Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be misrepresented as genuine or not valid.
Lack of Security: Ticket sellers may operate outside the official channels, making it difficult to verify ticket authenticity.

Taxis from the airport may charge higher prices than the usual rate for the area.

Overpricing: Prices may be higher than the usual price for the area.
Lack of Knowledge: Tourists may not know the local prices for airport taxis.
Location: Airport taxis often overprice their services due to the lack of competition.