You land in Nouadhibou with suitcase in hand, ready to explore this city between desert and ocean. But there’s one question on your mind: “How much will it cost me?”
No need to panic. It’s possible to travel to Nouadhibou without blowing your budget. You just need to know what to expect. Accommodation, meals, transport, local currency… We tell you everything, straight out. How much to expect? Where to stay without breaking the bank? How to pay locally?
Want a stress-free, well-organized trip at the best value? Follow our guide!
The cost of living in Nouadhibou: what you need to know
In Mauritania, life is more affordable than in Europe, but it’s best to have a clear idea of prices before you leave. Here, you pay in ouguiyas (MRU). With 1 €, you get around 41 MRU. The currency fluctuates slightly, so keep an eye on the exchange rate before you leave 👉 xe.com
For a comfortable stay in Nouadhibou, budget between €50 and €70 per day, or around MRU 2,000-3,000. This budget covers a 4-star hotel, two meals and a few trips into town.
A good local meal will set you back between 250 and 500 MRU, or around €6 to €10. Tajine, grilled fish, couscous… Generous and tasty dishes, perfect for enjoying local gastronomy without spending too much. If you prefer to eat on the run, a sandwich costs around MRU 100 (€2). And don’t forget to allow 10 MRU, or €0.25, for a bottle of water (75cl), indispensable under the Mauritanian sun.
Cabs are the easiest and cheapest way to get around. A shared cab ride costs an average of 20 MRU (€0.50). If you want to travel alone, you’ll have to negotiate, but expect to pay around 100 MRU.
Now you just need to know where to put your suitcases to make the most of your stay. And we’ve got just the address for you.
Where to stay in Nouadhibou? Hotel Prestige, the smart choice
In Nouadhibou, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Bed and breakfasts for a home-stay experience, friendly inns for those on a budget, campsites in the heart of nature for outdoor enthusiasts, and hotels offering greater comfort. It all depends on your expectations… and your budget.
If you’re looking for accommodation that combines comfort with a reasonable price, the Hotel Prestige is the ideal solution. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, it offers a warm welcome, spacious air-conditioned rooms and excellent value for money. Why pay more elsewhere when you can enjoy impeccable service at an affordable price?
A night in a modern, comfortable room starts at 1700 MRU, or around €40. You’ll also benefit from free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected at no extra cost.
The Hotel Prestige also boasts a strategic location, perfect for exploring Nouadhibou without wasting time in transport. Here, everything is designed for your comfort: attentive service, impeccable cleanliness and a friendly atmosphere.
By choosing this hotel, you’re making a smart choice. You save money without sacrificing well-being. And that’s what travel is all about.
Practical advice: coins, tips, pitfalls to avoid
In Mauritania, cash is essential and bank cards are rarely accepted outside the major hotels and restaurants. To avoid the hassle, here are a few simple but effective tips.
Banks remain the safest option for exchanging your euros into ouguiyas. Société Générale and other banks in Nouadhibou offer better rates than street money changers, especially for larger amounts. The latter sometimes offer attractive rates, but beware of scams.
ATMs are available in Nouadhibou, but are not always operational due to power cuts and network problems. In addition, each withdrawal incurs high bank charges, between €4 and €5 per transaction. If you’re relying on your card, plan to withdraw a good amount at a time to limit charges. Ideally, you should arrive with euros in cash, which you can exchange on the spot.
In cabs, small restaurants, markets and local stores, only cash is accepted. Forget about paying by card, and always keep some ouguiyas in your pocket to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Please note that it is forbidden to take ouguiyas out of the country. So don’t exchange too much money in advance, or you’ll find yourself with unusable bills at the end of your stay. And if a customs officer asks you to declare your money on entry, you should know that this obligation has been abolished since 1998. Stand firm if you are asked to do so.
Now that we’ve got the budget out of the way, let’s talk about what you can do in Nouadhibou without spending too much.
Explore Nouadhibou without blowing your budget
Nouadhibou is where the ocean meets the desert. A city where adventure is everywhere, without necessarily being expensive. Here, you can stroll along endless beaches, discover the life of fishermen, meet the desert… and take in the sights, often for free.
Start with the beaches. They’re immense, wild and perfect for a walk at sunrise or a picnic in front of the waves. No concrete hotels or lined-up deckchairs, just you, the sea breeze and the horizon stretching as far as the eye can see.
We then head for the fish market, a real spectacle in itself. Fishermen unload the day’s catch, customers haggle, the smell of fresh fish wafts through the air. Here, we live to the rhythm of the ocean. And if you’re feeling peckish, this is the perfect place to sample a local specialty.
If you like adventure, set sail with the fishermen. Some boats welcome passengers curious about their daily lives. On the water, you’ll come across seabirds diving for their meal, and maybe even dolphins. A moment out of time, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just a few kilometers away, Cap Blanc is well worth a visit. This unspoilt nature reserve is home to one of the last colonies of monk seals. The coastline is wild, the cliffs sheer into the ocean. We come here to observe these rare animals, but also for the calm and raw beauty of the landscape.
And then there’s the desert. As soon as you leave the city, the dunes take over. On foot or by camel, a hike in the Sahara is an unforgettable experience. The silence, the immensity, the sand that changes color with the passing hours… you’ll never tire of it.
Nouadhibou is just that: a city where every outing has a taste of adventure, without necessarily weighing on your budget.
Nouadhibou, your affordable adventure
Nouadhibou is an authentic and affordable destination. With a well-prepared budget and a smart choice of accommodation, you have everything you need for a successful stay.
With Hôtel Prestige, you can combine comfort, savings and discovery. It’s all possible without breaking the bank. The perfect place to explore the city without stress, enjoy the best experiences and relax after a busy day.
So, are you ready to embark?
✅Discover the Hôtel Prestige the best address for an even more pleasant, comfortable and economical stay.
✅ Book now and take advantage of our exceptional offers.
✅ Check availability and find the room that suits your needs.
📩 Need more help? Consult our booking guide or contact our team, who are always ready to help.
Nouadhibou awaits you, and so does the Hôtel Prestige!
