Top payment methods in Mauritania: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Mauritania? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Mauritania, with a population of around 4.63 million people, has a GDP of approximately 11.47 billion making it the 149th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
The economy is based on the extraction and export of iron ore and fish. The European Union (for fish) and China (for iron ore) are its most significant trading partners.
| Country | Mauritania |
|---|---|
| Population | 4.63 million |
| GDP (USD) | 11.47 billion |
| Global Ranking | 149th |
| Currency | Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Mauritania?
The primary payment method for all day-to-day transactions in Mauritania is physical cash, the Ouguiya. The leading mobile wallet driving the shift towards digital payments is Banki-li. Credit card acceptance is extremely rare and limited to only a few major hotels in the capital city of Nouakchott.
How to pay in Mauritania
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Mauritania.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Ouguiya) | Cash is the overwhelmingly dominant payment method and is essential for all daily transactions. | In-person |
| Mobile Money | Mobile money services from local providers are the most accessible and prevalent form of digital payment, used for basic P2P transfers. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are used for formal B2B and government transactions. | Online |
| Cards | The use of payment cards is extremely low and not a feature of the general retail environment. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Mauritania? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Mauritania?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Mauritania.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.