The medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is technically and hygienically inadequate to a large extent. Medical care in Nouakchott is limited. French-speaking specialists from almost all disciplines are available. Addresses of doctors and clinics (area code 00222) (no guarantee):- Mrs. Dr. Cherif-Bretz in Nouakchott, Tel. 525 15 71, practice near the Karaoke restaurant. French doctor with German language skills. – Clinic Shiva, Nouakchott, near the Pizzalina restaurant. Tel. 525 80 80, 525 13 25, in case of emergency: 641 15 64. – Hôpital Cheikh Sayed, Tel. 529 84 44, about 4 km from the airport on the road towards Boutilimit, after the “Carrefour Madrid” take the 2nd street. tarred crossing to the left, after 400 m left, in case of emergency: 630 00 56, 630 51 10. – Nouadhibou Clinic Rachad, tel. 574 61 15, in case of emergency: tel. 574 50 19. – Clinic Ettaiba, tel. 574 59 68.-Dr. Virginia Gonzalez, Spanish Doctor, Tel. 574 51 83. Travel Medical Insurance with emergency repatriation is strongly recommended. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within 6 days of staying in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is also required from all other travelers who intend to stay longer than 2 weeks in Mauritania. Exceptions are transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Mauritania. Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for all travelers who intend to stay outside of the major cities in Mauritania. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a small risk of infection (infected areas in the Nouakchott district). Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Malaria protection against the more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is required year-round in all parts of the country except for the northern regions of Dakhlet-Nouadhibou and Tiris-Zemour. In Adrar and Inchiri there is a risk of malaria only during the rainy season (July – October). [4] Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Process dry and canned milk only with sterile water. It is best to avoid local dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide (especially in the Tarza region), so swimming and wading in inland waters should be avoided. Well-maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are common. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. The number of people infected with HIV/AIDS is lower than in other African countries, but there is a danger for all those who take the risk of infection. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by mosquito bites, occurs. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs. Dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs. Dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs.
Money
Currency
1 Mauritanian ouguiya = 5 khoums. Currency code: UM, MRU (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 UM; Coins are in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 1 and 1/5 ouguiya.
Credit cards
Credit cards are only accepted in a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou (beware of credit card fraud). With Visa you can withdraw money in the capital (Attijari Bank Mauritanie, Société Générale Mauritanie).
ATMs
Bank cards With a credit card (Visa) and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in Nouakchott. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at a few ATMs in Nouakchott with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in major cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Mauritania.
Bank opening hours
Sun-Thurs 07.00-15.00, Fri 08.00-12.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation from a value of 1,000 US$. Export only in the amount declared, minus exchanged amounts. The export of larger amounts in foreign currencies is only possible with the approval of the Mauritanian central bank. Currency declaration forms are issued upon entry and must be retained until departure.
Currency Exchange
Currency can be exchanged at the airport and in the larger banks in Nouakchott. The state-owned Banque Centrale de Mauritanie (BCM) usually offers the best exchange rate. Exchange receipts must be retained. It is illegal to exchange money on the black market. It is advisable to take euros with you in cash. Banknotes and coins of the old national currency can only be exchanged at the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie (BMC).
