LOCAL TRAVEL APPS · AFRICA

Essential Apps for Travelers in Mauritania

A practical mix of offline mapping, translation, messaging and local mobile-money apps will help you navigate Mauritania, where connectivity is patchy and cash is still common.

9 Apps Curated Hotels in Mauritania
Hotels in Mauritania Compare deals on Trip.com — free cancellation options on many stays.
Check Prices

Before You Arrive in Mauritania

  • Download offline maps and French/Arabic translation packs before you travel; mobile data can be slow or unavailable outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
  • Buy a local SIM card from Moov, Mauritel, or Chinguitel if you plan to use mobile money or local services, and bring enough cash in ouguiya (MRU).

Top Apps for Travelers in Mauritania

Google Maps

English

Use for navigation and finding businesses in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou; download offline areas before traveling into the desert.

Organic Maps

English

Offline map app based on OpenStreetMap data; useful for routes and points of interest when cellular coverage is weak.

Google Translate

English

Download French and Arabic offline packs for reading signs, checking in, and negotiating with drivers or market vendors.

WhatsApp

English

The main messaging app used by Mauritanian hotels, guides, drivers, and businesses; use it for booking local services and voice calls.

Bankily

Arabic and French

Major mobile wallet run by Banque Populaire de Mauritanie; send money, pay merchants, and buy airtime with a local SIM and registration.

Moov Money

French and Arabic

Mobile money and airtime top-up app for Moov subscribers; useful for paying local bills and transferring money if you have a Moov SIM.

Mauritel Money

French and Arabic

Mauritel's mobile money and top-up app for managing prepaid credit, transfers, and some bill payments on the Mauritel network.

Sellal

Arabic and French

Local e-commerce and delivery platform for groceries and everyday items; particularly useful in Nouakchott for ordering from local shops.

XE Currency

English

Use live and saved exchange rates for the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) when converting cash or checking prices.

Tips for Using Apps in Mauritania

  1. Service and app support are mainly in French and Arabic; English is limited, so use Google Translate or learn a few French phrases.
  2. Ride-hailing and international food-delivery platforms are not reliable in Mauritania; taxis and errands are often arranged by phone, WhatsApp, or through your accommodation.
  3. Download maps, translation packs, and currency rates over Wi-Fi before leaving major cities; 3G/4G coverage fades quickly in desert areas.
  4. Keep cash as a backup. Mobile money agents are present in cities, but smaller shops, rural stops, and markets usually operate in cash.

Conclusion

With offline maps, French/Arabic translation, WhatsApp, and a local mobile wallet, you can handle most logistics in Mauritania; expect to combine apps with cash and local advice.

Planning a trip to Mauritania?

Build a free day-by-day AI itinerary — sights, routes and where to stay.

Plan with AI →
Plan
with AI