A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in Mauritania and the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRO).
What's in this Mauritania currency guide:
The official currency of Mauritania (country code: MR) is the Mauritanian ouguiya, with symbol UM and currency code MRO.
The Mauritanian ouguiya (MRO) is the official currency of Mauritania, a country located in northwest Africa. Here are a few things to know about the Mauritanian ouguiya:
There's no doubt that Mauritania has some of the continent's grandest scenery. The Saharan Adrar region, with its World Heritage–listed caravan towns, is currently off-limits for security reasons, but the desert is a constant presence elsewhere, pushing hard up against the Atlantic Coast. Millions of migratory birds winter along the coast at Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, and the expanding capital Nouakchott is where modernity takes root in the desert.
Mauritania, with one of the world's lowest population densities, is almost equally divided between Moors of Arab-Berber descent and black Africans, a striking cultural combination that is part of its appeal.
The unit of currency is the ouguiya (UM). There are plenty of ATMs in Nouakchott and a handful in Nouâdhibou. It's best to take euros or US dollars as back-up.
Mauritania Airlines flies daily (except Wednesday) between Nouakchott and Nouâdhibou, and twice a week via Zouérat. Tickets can be purchased at the airline's office in Nouakchott or most travel agencies.
Mauritania is a country in love with police roadblocks, and you’ll frequently be asked to produce ID, especially when entering or leaving a town. This is usually a straightforward procedure and police are generally polite. Your details are registered, so to speed things up make your own form (fiche or ordre de mission) to hand over. Mauritania's primary road network is mostly good, with tarred roads leading from the border with Western Sahara to Nouakchott, and on to the Senegalese and Malian borders at Rosso and Nioro respectively. The roads from the capital to Atâr and Tidjikja are also tarred. Elsewhere, piste is the order of the day, although great swathes of the country are little more than sandy tracks at best.
Minibus routes stitch together the main towns and cities linked by tarmac roads. The Nouâdhibou–Zouérat train is certainly an epic adventure when the security situation permits. It's an iron-ore train with no passenger terminals, but it's become a passenger train for lack of better alternatives.
There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping against westerners throughout Mauritania. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and other groups have specifically targeted and kidnapped foreigners in parts of North Africa and pose a significant security threat in Mauritania. Much of the country is remote and terrorist and criminal groups have ease of movement across porous national borders. There remains a strong possibility that foreigners kidnapped by tribal groups could be on-sold to AQIM. Travel to Mauritania is ill advised due to persistent crime and terrorism activity.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Mauritania. Terrorist attacks could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Government of Mauritania.
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Mauritania:
Understand Mauritanian ouguiya currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the MRO exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Mauritanian ouguiya bank account: A local MRO bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Mauritania. It may also be more convenient to use a local MRO bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Mauritania. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Mauritania. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Mauritania, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
The exchange rate of Mauritanian ouguiya (MRO), or the amount of MRO that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest USD/MRO rate plus recent trend, chart, and historic rates.
Date | USD/MRO | Period |
---|---|---|
30 Mar 2018 | 355.50 | 5 Year |
31 Mar 2013 | 278.00 | 10 Year |
03 Apr 2003 | 270.86 | 20 Year |
The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to Mauritania or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Mauritanian ouguiya.
Loading comparison rates...
Provider | Amounts | Rate | Total Cost | |
---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
It is important to note that the exchange rate of the Mauritanian ouguiya can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect MRO exchange rates before making any financial decisions.