Mauritania
Best SIM and eSIM for Mauritania: data plans, Wi-Fi and phone tips
Buy a local Mauritel eSIM (or physical SIM) before you leave; it works in Nouakchott and on main roads, costs about 300 MRU for 5 GB (≈$8) and lasts 30 days – switch if you need more data or travel off‑road.
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GuideMauritania
Key facts
- Local carriers
- Mauritel, Mattel, Chinguitel
- eSIM availabilitycheck
- Mauritel offers eSIM profiles (check)
- Typical 5 GB pricecheck
- ≈300 MRU (≈$8) for 30 days (check)
- Coveragecheck
- Main roads and towns; none in desert dunes (check)
- Country code
- +222
- Messaging app
- WhatsApp works well
Quick answer
If you need reliable data, purchase a Mauritel eSIM (or a physical SIM) in Nouakchott; it covers the capital and the main highways to Atar and other tourist sites. For short stays, a 5 GB, 30‑day plan (~300 MRU) is usually enough.
How to get a SIM or eSIM
Visit a Mauritel, Mattel or Chinguitel shop in Nouakchott; bring your passport for registration. Ask for an eSIM QR code if your phone supports it, otherwise buy a physical SIM and insert it. Activate the plan on the spot – the process takes a few minutes.
- Check phone compatibility (LTE bands 3, 7, 20 are common).
- Keep a spare SIM in case the eSIM fails.
- Top‑up at shops or via local mobile money (if supported).
Wi‑Fi availability
Free Wi‑Fi is offered in most hotels, guesthouses and some cafés in Nouakchott and Atar. Internet cafés exist in larger towns, but speeds are modest. In remote desert sites, rely on mobile data – there is no public Wi‑Fi.
Does my phone work in Mauritania?
Most modern smartphones support the LTE bands used by Mauritel and Mattel. Verify that your device lists bands 3 (1800 MHz) or 7 (2600 MHz). If unsure, bring a dual‑SIM phone and a physical SIM as backup.
Questions people ask
What is the best eSIM for Mauritania?
Mauritel’s eSIM is the most widely available and works in the capital and on main highways; a 5 GB, 30‑day plan costs about 300 MRU.
Does my phone work in Mauritania?
Check that it supports LTE band 3 or 7; most recent iPhone and Android models do. If not, a physical SIM from Mauritel will work.
Is Wi‑Fi easy to find in Mauritania?
Wi‑Fi exists in hotels, guesthouses and some cafés in Nouakchott and Atar, but is scarce in remote desert areas – plan to use mobile data there.
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
No official kiosks at Nouakchott airport; the nearest shops are in the city centre.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM?
Yes, registration requires a passport for all carriers.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialMauritanian telecom regulator
Ask about Mauritania
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