Mauritania
Business meetings are relatively formal and suit and tie are recommended. Use forms of address as for France, e.g. Monsieur le Directeur. It is essential that business people have a sound knowledge of French, as very few executives speak English. Office hours are generally 0800-1500 Saturday to Wednesday, 0800-1300 Thursday.
Crime, while not high, is rising. Most incidents involve petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other crimes of opportunity, often resulting from improperly secured valuables left in vehicles in plain sight. Residential burglaries, robberies, and assaults also occur. Violent crimes and crimes involving use of weapons are rare, but are on the rise. In remote areas, hiring a vehicle and driver is advisable. If you rent a vehicle, keep all doors and windows closed and locked while driving.
Although western visitors are for the most part welcomed in Mauritania, there were some reports of anti-American and anti-British incidents (threats and stoning of vehicles) following the 1998 U.S. and British intervention in Iraq. Some Muslim extremists have sometimes perceived Christian non-governmental organizations as a threat. However, political violence and religious extremist groups are closely monitored by local authorities and, to date, do not pose a direct threat to business interests in Mauritania.
As a result of a past border conflict between Morocco and Western Sahara, there are reports of unexploded landmines in areas of Mauritania adjacent to Western Sahara. Exploding mines are occasionally reported and have caused death and injury. In addition, groups of tourists have been held up and robbed along the border with Morocco. Surface travel between Mali and Mauritania can be dangerous, since the border region has historically been plagued by banditry.
Hotel accommodations are very limited in Mauritania and visitors are advised to book well in advance. The larger hotels in Nouakchott are comfortable and have air-conditioning, but even in the capital accommodation is limited and expensive. Bills normally include service and local tax. There are few international-standard hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The best in Nouakchott are Hotel Halima, Hotel Marhaba, Monotel and the Hotel Sabah. In Nouadhibou the best hotels are the Hotel Oasian and Hotel Sabah.
Telephone IDD service is available in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The country code is 222 and there are no area codes. Outgoing international calls must go through the operator.
Electricity is 127/220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are normal.
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are normal.
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Moroccan, Lebanese, Chinese and French restaurants can be found in the capital, especially in hotels. Local cuisine, based on lamb, goat and rice can be sampled throughout the country. Mauritanian food includes mechoui (whole roast lamb), dates, spiced fish and rice with vegetables, fish balls, dried fish, dried meat and couscous. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited by the Islamic faith, but alcoholic beverages may be found in hotel bars. Zrig (camel’s milk) is a common drink, as is sweet Arab tea with mint. Tipping:
12 to 15 per cent is normal.
